CAFFEINE: Regular Intake is Linked to These 6 Problems
First, I want to emphasize the word "Regular" because I am not suggesting to eliminate caffeine from your diet. It is important to know where you find caffeine besides the more common coffee, tea and chocolate. It is in ice cream, protein bars, non-cola soda, specialty waters and even decaf coffee has a remaining 3% caffeine left in the bean. Be aware of how much caffeine you are consuming each day.
I sure you have heard or read about some health benefits of caffeine. But TOO much caffeine does eventually create an imbalance within your body, which leads to different problems. I recommend to my clients that they need to drink 5 cups of water for every cup of coffee/tea they consume. Everyone's body is different, so it is easy to generalize the possible signs of excess caffeine like:
Irregular heartbeat
Nervousness, restlessness
Insomnia
Headaches, migraines
Frequent urination
High blood pressure
Something else could be causing migraines (read my other blog on migraines). My sister used to use coffee for its diuretic properties, a laxative and appetite suppressant in an attempt to control her weight. Needless to say, this was an epic fail and created other problems 10 years later. Now, many of these problems have a balancing solution, but the key is to be willing to FIX, BALANCE & MAINTENANCE. Not everyone wants to put the effort into their body, but when it comes to looking after their car....well that another story.
1. Underactive Adrenals - the two adrenal glands produce many hormones and sixty steroids (from cholesterol). Thoughts and conditions adjust the production of adrenal hormones like sleep patterns, metabolism and cravings. Underactive adrenals equals STRESS and this has a huge impact on the digestive system because it does NOT like stress.
2. Hypoglycemia - this is definitely a side effect of too much caffeine that has consequences seen in both the healthy people and diabetics. Caffeine can impair the glucose metabolism, so highs and lows of blood glucose is experienced. Hypoglycemia can lead to pre-diabetes.
3. Depletion of ALL B Vitamins - one function of B vitamins is changing protein, carbohydrates and fats into energy. The vicious cycle here is too much caffeine is depleting your B's and your energy can be feeling low, so you reach for more caffeine for a boost.....hmmmm
The effects of B deficiency include:
B1 - neurological problems, gastrointestinal issues, constipation, inflammation of colon, fatigue, depression and tingling in hands (pins and needles).
B2 - strained eyesight, neurological disorders, mouth mucus membrane inflammation, dermatitis and lip fissures (in the corners).
B3 - insomnia, irritability, emotional instability and pellagra (dermatitis, diarrhea and dementia).
B5 - linked to most immune function disorders, gastrointestinal problems, depression, underactive adrenal glands, upper respiratory infections, cardiovascular issues and fatigue.
B6 - PMS, water retention, reproductive system syndromes, neurological disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome.
B12 - fatigue, depression, inability to concentrate, heart palpitations, light-headedness and often mimics Alzheimer's disease.
Choline "unofficial B Vitamin" - linked to high cholesterol, cardiovascular problems, linked to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Folic Acid - acne, heart disease, PMS, underactive stomach and linked to birth defects in pregnant woman like Spinabifida and Anencephaly.
Biotin - fatigue, nausea, muscular pain and dermatitis.
4. Depletion of Vitamin C - there are so many benefits of vitamin C from protection against oxidative effects of LDL cholesterol, immune system boost, collagen formation, antioxidant, preserves muscles to better absorption of iron. CAUTION: most commercially available C is derived from corn (which could be a GMO product).
5. Lack of Mineral Absorption - predominantly calcium, magnesium and iron. Calcium deficiency is commonly associated with osteoporosis, but there other effects like insomnia from low calcium in blood, irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps from calcium/magnesium imbalance. Magnesium deficiency is most noticeably as cardiac arrhythmia or atrial fibrillation and high blood pressure. Iron deficiency effects are lack of concentration, fatigue and lack of energy. In children, hyperactivity, short attention span and reduced IQ. Think twice about how many products you are giving your children that contain caffeine.
6. Laxative Effect - this might seem great for many people, but it may just be covering up sluggish bowels. Chronically sluggish bowels can lead to a list of other problems.
If you love to have a nice mug of orange pekoe tea, here is a tip to remove most of the caffeine.
1. Boil enough water for 2 mugs of tea
2. Pour water over the tea bag and let sit for 1 minute.
3. Remove tea bag and dump out the tea water.....yup, I said dump out the tea water!
4. Put the used tea bag in mug and pour fresh hot water into mug.
5. 90-95% of the caffeine is removed within the first minute of activation.
6. Enjoy more tea without the worries.
After all that overload of information, here's an article that can help you find some alternatives for caffiene especially if you rely on caffeine for energy. You can find some of my advice in this blog too!
