Word about coffee

[UldisU]

Hi, everyone !

I want to share my 9 month experience with coffee .

Before that period I was not a coffee drinker; I drink it on seldom situations just for company.

9 month ago I changed a job (started working as motto-courier). I got up very early every morning, go to work by train (50 minutes) and have a 1/2 an hour free before beginning of work.

As I was half asleep when I came to work, I started to drink big cup of strong coffee with lots of sugar in that free 1/2 an hour every morning. I do this from first day I started new work.

I also noticed very strong fatigue every evening when I walked home. I can barely drag my legs and when home I fall on my bed and slept till next morning.

At first I thought that this fatigue was because I was not used to physical work, but it didn't changed over time. Then I thought that I am too old to do any physical activities (I am 56) although driving scooter and delivering mail are not very physically hard.

And then, 2 weeks ago I grow suspicious about effects of my daily coffee (and sugar) intake. What if that was the factor that make me so tired in the evenings ?

So I made an experiment - abandoned coffee completely.

And from the first day I feel quite normally energetic every evening

I have not tested if it was coffee or sugar or combination of both that contributed to that fatigue.

P.S.
Maybe Dharma will say that I am created a linkage between coffee intake and fatigue in evenings, but then I did it very unconsciously.

Uldis

[pkeod]

I don't drink coffee, but I often drink regular, caffeinated tea. I usually brew a gallon and chill it so that I can have it, unsweetened, throughout the day. With tea, there is actually an amino acid which neutralizes the bad side effects of caffeine. Tea also contains the amino acid l-theanine.

Here is a page that you may learn from:
McKinley Health Center - Caffeine - University of Illinois

[Luis]

Coffee, good quality, well prepared coffee, can be a healthy and great tasting beverage. Just as complex and delightful as great wine and as healthy as tea.

Coffee used as a wake up tool or a way to ingest caffeine is a patch for something you are doing wrong somewhere else and will lead you to a vicious cycle of needing caffeine (not coffee) to perform your daily routine.

The fact that people normally have to bathe their coffee in sugars and creams compounds the problem.

So if you need coffee to get going then you need to address a problem somewhere else not just ban coffee from your life as unhealthy.

[mlc82]

By drinking a big, strong cup of coffee in the morning, then no more, you're basically ensuring that when the caffeine wears off, usually 6-9 hrs later, you WILL be hit with a terrible "crash"- the feeling of the caffeine wearing off, and a craving for more.

The trick to this is to make your big, strong cup in the morning a small, strong cup- then have another small, strong cup in the midday, to where the tiredness of it wearing off doesn't kick in until you're about to go to bed anyway.

[The David]

Too much coffee causes muscle fatigue, even if I'm not addicted. Whenever quit, I always get an energy boost. Sometimes I get really irritable and flighty, though.

[24evita]

Just want to throw in my two cents on this issue and help people continue or learn to realize that caffeine is considered a drug to your body.

So for starters all those reports of the benefits of coffee, pahhleeeese! How do two or three rights make 10 wrongs? All I am saying is the media will focus on and tell you anything it needs to keep the coffee business strong. So do not be fooled by the one or two benefits from coffee while overlooking all the cons of it where your health is concerned.

Secondly caffeine acts like a drug where our system is concerned. Once you start on it you get the initial new "high", then you gradually need to increase the dose and when you come off of it you suffer withdrawal symptoms. Does that sound like something beneficial for your body? Do apples or spinach do that to you?

So for those of you still hooked on caffeine from whatever source, consider the following site where caffeine poisoning as well as links to mental instabilities are discussed: The Caffeine Web

All I am saying is that if you want to intake this substance, have all the facts of what it is all about and potentially doing to your body.

[jeff3]

Originally Posted by 24evita

Just want to throw in my two cents on this issue and help people continue or learn to realize that caffeine is considered a drug to your body.

So for starters all those reports of the benefits of coffee, pahhleeeese! How do two or three rights make 10 wrongs? All I am saying is the media will focus on and tell you anything it needs to keep the coffee business strong. So do not be fooled by the one or two benefits from coffee while overlooking all the cons of it where your health is concerned.

Secondly caffeine acts like a drug where our system is concerned. Once you start on it you get the initial new "high", then you gradually need to increase the dose and when you come off of it you suffer withdrawal symptoms. Does that sound like something beneficial for your body? Do apples or spinach do that to you?

So for those of you still hooked on caffeine from whatever source, consider the following site where caffeine poisoning as well as links to mental instabilities are discussed: The Caffeine Web

All I am saying is that if you want to intake this substance, have all the facts of what it is all about and potentially doing to your body.

Are we talking about a coffee conspiracy, run by a coffee cartel or is it something more insidious like a "New World Order" or "Illuminati" of coffee that is behind this evil push to drown us in the insidious brown liquid ? I have some concerns that "the mark of the beast" may actually refer to a coffee stain on the palm or formed on the forehead after passing out at your desk from a "coffee" crash. If that is the case, only Jesus can save us from coffee......repent.

[sbdiane]

I gave up caffiene a few months ago. It really was not that hard. I substituted a lot of exercise for the caffiene and took pain relievers for the first couple of days for the headaches. The exercise cleansed it from my system and made sure I felt energetic.

The other day I went out for coffee and ordered a decaff. They gave me a double regular espresso. At first I had a sudden burst of euphoria. Then I started feeling awful. I felt horrible all day: shaky, queasy, anxious and just all wrong. Coffee is a drug and it's really hard on your body. I can't believe I used to drink it every day.

[FreelanceWanderer]

Originally Posted by 24evita

All I am saying is the media will focus on and tell you anything it needs to keep the coffee business strong.

I'm a nutrition journalist, and I've written about the health benefits of coffee because there are many studies now that show how coffee may help ward off diseases like Alzheimer's -- not because I'm somehow involved in a conspiracy to boost the coffee industry. Why on earth would I care about the coffee industry? Oh, yeah...because Starbucks is giving me kickbacks, of course.

FW

[LostJohnny]

Originally Posted by 24evita

So for those of you still hooked on caffeine from whatever source, consider the following site where caffeine poisoning as well as links to mental instabilities are discussed: The Caffeine Web

Thank's for the link. I'm about a week into my caffeine reduction-and-eventual-quitting programme. I have to cut down very gradually or I get unbearable withdrawl-symptoms that last at least 2 weeks. I'm not even a heavy caffeine user, but I've been drinking strong coffee since I was a teenager (I'm 43 now) and I've been a heavy consumer in the past. So I'm still very addicted even though my current intake is what many people would consider very little. Actually, I'm starting to feel the benefits of cutting down already.

[LostJohnny]

Originally Posted by sbdiane

I gave up caffiene a few months ago. It really was not that hard. I substituted a lot of exercise for the caffiene and took pain relievers for the first couple of days for the headaches.

Did you check to see if the pain relievers contained caffeine? Some do. It's not to pep you up, it's to do constrict blood flow to parts of the brain. The headache we get when we quit caffeine is because we've become dependant on caffeine to do that.

[24evita]

Originally Posted by FreelanceWanderer

I'm a nutrition journalist, and I've written about the health benefits of coffee because there are many studies now that show how coffee may help ward off diseases like Alzheimer's -- not because I'm somehow involved in a conspiracy to boost the coffee industry. Why on earth would I care about the coffee industry? Oh, yeah...because Starbucks is giving me kickbacks, of course.

FW

Rightfully so FreelanceWanderer, it is not just about the journalists personally and I do not want to insinuate that you are getting personal perks. I was referring to the media in general. But having said that I also understand that most journalists have to write about what "sells", what the people want to hear, or what involves or is popular with a lot of people. And when I say media, perhaps I should have elaborated and expanded my definition to all the companies and corporations that fund coffee that push for such studies in the first place, hence once it comes out in print, everything looks legit.

However from a health and medical point of view, as I said of course there are some benefits but there are many more cons. And all the benefits that coffee offers can be received from many other foods, such as fruits and vegetables without the cons.

(As an aside on Alzheimer's its number one cause factor today is that is has a strong correlation to heart disease, so if one wants to avoid it, number one they should take care of their heart health)

[Adelina]

No to caffeine!! Anybody remember these pictures in their high school biology text book!!??

spider web

The energy pattern of the drug, or whatever you put into your body, is reflected in the output.

What comes out of your mind/body is more organized, strong and beautiful when it's clear and lucid, NOT when it's on drugs.

[Liveformx64]

I look at Caffeiene like borrowing from a bank. Instead, borrowing energy from a "reserve" from your body. Sure you get a jolt now, but you have to payback double usually in the evenings when you are drained and irritable.

I wouldn't doubt it affects higher brain function, as I know I cannot think as clearly when I am under the influence.

A drug is a drug, is a drug.

[sbdiane]

I did not check my pain relievers for caffiene, but it really does not matter because I don't think I took them for more than a day or two before they were no longer needed. I took generic drugstore ibuprophen. Now I take nothing and if I drink any coffee at all, it's decaf. I also don't drink any caffienated sodas or eat caffienated energy bars. It's good to be free of the caffiene, but I do like the ritual of drinking something hot while reading.

[Dannyboy1]

Originally Posted by FreelanceWanderer

I'm a nutrition journalist, and I've written about the health benefits of coffee because there are many studies now that show how coffee may help ward off diseases like Alzheimer's -- not because I'm somehow involved in a conspiracy to boost the coffee industry. Why on earth would I care about the coffee industry? Oh, yeah...because Starbucks is giving me kickbacks, of course.

FW

What's the deal with that? Does it help with dementia as well? How much do you have to drink to get that benefit? Does it matter if it's decaffeinated? I'm very interested to know more.

[The David]

Originally Posted by Liveformx64

A drug is a drug, is a drug.

Hardly. I've taken street drugs which were healthier and less potent than caffeine.

[Lara]

Originally Posted by UldisU

Hi, everyone !
".......with lots of sugar...." "....I do this from first day...." "....I also noticed very strong fatigue every evening when I walked home. I can barely drag my legs and when home I fall on my bed and slept till next morning." "...I have not tested if it was coffee or sugar or combination of both that contributed to that fatigue."
Uldis

Dear UldisU:

I now drink one large cup of coffee sweetened with honey every morning. I love the flavor, I love the aroma, it is part of my morning ritual.

Many years ago I found I also had negative physical reactions to coffee and experimented with it to see what could be changed so that I did not experience those reactions.

This is what I discovered and the changes I made:

1) My body could not handle coffee with cream or milk. I stopped using milk and cream in coffee - no more stomach aches after drinking coffee.

2) I always got the jitters after drinking coffee. I used to add 2-4 teaspoons of sugar. I also used to get very tired a short while after drinking the coffee, I stopped using sugar and began substituting honey - no more jitters - and no more crashes.

3) Different brands of coffee had different affects on me. I tried many brands from all over the world and have settled on a nice inexpensive Spanish espresso brand which I make like regular coffee. No more ill effects from coffee.

4) In an effort to stop drinking coffee all together I began cutting it with a good grade of organically decaffeinated coffee, until I got down to all decaf. Then I stopped for almost a year. There really was no difference in how I felt. After a year, I still missed the aroma and the taste - and part of my morning ritual always seemed to be missing.

For me, preparing and drinking coffee in the morning is a part of my day. I make the coffee before I go to sit and meditate. When meditation is done, I pour a cup and bring it to my desk where I journal, write and or sketch for a few hours before getting down to business. I love it. LOL, I guess it's my own version of a Japanese Tea ceremony with myself. I did try many different and very lovely teas for awhile and although I still drink tea from time to time, I still prefer coffee in the morning.

We are all different and have different reactions to the foods and beverages we ingest. I studied my body's reactions to many foods and beverages for many years until I finally understood what to feed my body for it to be happy - physically. As long as I don't abuse any of the foods and beverages my body enjoys, we're fine.

I hope that helps.

Lara

LaloBean.com

[Lara]

Originally Posted by jeff3

Are we talking about a coffee conspiracy, run by a coffee cartel or is it something more insidious like a "New World Order" or "Illuminati" of coffee that is behind this evil push to drown us in the insidious brown liquid ? I have some concerns that "the mark of the beast" may actually refer to a coffee stain on the palm or formed on the forehead after passing out at your desk from a "coffee" crash. If that is the case, only Jesus can save us from coffee......repent.

((((Jeff3))))) I LIKE you!

[The David]

Originally Posted by Lara

Dear UldisU:

I now drink one large cup of coffee sweetened with honey every morning. I love the flavor, I love the aroma, it is part of my morning ritual.

Many years ago I found I also had negative physical reactions to coffee and experimented with it to see what could be changed so that I did not experience those reactions.

This is what I discovered and the changes I made:

1) My body could not handle coffee with cream or milk. I stopped using milk and cream in coffee - no more stomach aches after drinking coffee.

2) I always got the jitters after drinking coffee. I used to add 2-4 teaspoons of sugar. I also used to get very tired a short while after drinking the coffee, I stopped using sugar and began substituting honey - no more jitters - and no more crashes.

3) Different brands of coffee had different affects on me. I tried many brands from all over the world and have settled on a nice inexpensive Spanish espresso brand which I make like regular coffee. No more ill effects from coffee.

4) In an effort to stop drinking coffee all together I began cutting it with a good grade of organically decaffeinated coffee, until I got down to all decaf. Then I stopped for almost a year. There really was no difference in how I felt. After a year, I still missed the aroma and the taste - and part of my morning ritual always seemed to be missing.

For me, preparing and drinking coffee in the morning is a part of my day. I make the coffee before I go to sit and meditate. When meditation is done, I pour a cup and bring it to my desk where I journal, write and or sketch for a few hours before getting down to business. I love it. LOL, I guess it's my own version of a Japanese Tea ceremony with myself. I did try many different and very lovely teas for awhile and although I still drink tea from time to time, I still prefer coffee in the morning.

We are all different and have different reactions to the foods and beverages we ingest. I studied my body's reactions to many foods and beverages for many years until I finally understood what to feed my body for it to be happy - physically. As long as I don't abuse any of the foods and beverages my body enjoys, we're fine.

I hope that helps.

Lara

LaloBean.com

One large cup of coffee is pretty small compared to how much I drink. The problem is, I get addicted very easily because I use caffeine to curb restlessness. I end up needing more and more of it because that is a side effect.

I don't know what it would be like to drink one small cup a day. I did it in high school, but that was a while ago. And, it was instant coffee. That stuff doesn't do anything to me now but make me sleepy.

[Lara]

Originally Posted by The David

One large cup of coffee is pretty small compared to how much I drink. The problem is, I get addicted very easily because I use caffeine to curb restlessness. I end up needing more and more of it because that is a side effect.

I don't know what it would be like to drink one small cup a day. I did it in high school, but that was a while ago. And, it was instant coffee. That stuff doesn't do anything to me now but make me sleepy.

Hello The David:

Uhm.... maybe it's time to quit. It doesn't sound like you are getting any pleasure from drinking coffee at all. I derive pleasure on a couple of levels from coffee. For me it's a treat. I have one cup a day. I don't drink it because I crave it on a physical level. I often go without if I have to leave early and do not experience 'withdrawal' of any kind. I like coffee. I also like a nice tall glass of cool clear spring water just as much. Two different experiences.

For my restlessness I do something else. I sit down and meditate. At first I systematically go over my whole body from head to toe relaxing all tense areas. I quiet my mind by focusing my attention on my body, relaxing it when tensions arise. I 'sit' in meditation for a minimum or 15 minutes to a maximum of 1 hour. I bring my attention to my face and sense my face and all it's parts: lips, eyes, eyelids, nose, mouth, forehead, etc., then I move to my navel and relax my stomach muscles, then to my arms and legs, chest and back neck, etc. It's an interesting process. By the time I am done I am very in touch with myself and not the least bit restless. The mind is quiet, calm

Also, I would like to suggest, if you are addicted to coffee and are getting no pleasure from it, it would be interesting to quit and see what life is like without it. You can journal the experience and document your feelings, thoughts, physical changes, etc. on tape, note paper or video.

Plan it out. Choose a day to begin. Have everything ready. Buy a months supply of spring water. It doesn't have to be expensive. Store brands are good for a start. The night before you begin the experiment, put a week's supply of water in the fridge.

Prepare your mind the night before. As you go to sleep tell yourself: "I no longer drink coffee and I am happy to drink nice cool, clear water." As you fall asleep, envision yourself calmly drinking chilled, clean, clear spring water first thing in the morning. See yourself smiling and feeling very well. Keep repeating the visualization and the words as you drift off to sleep.

Be prepared for headaches, sleepiness, irritability, etc. Have headache remedies with you for the first week or so. Keep water with you at all times. The more prepared you are for the withdrawal, the less it will bother you or deter you from ceasing to drink coffee.

Keep a notebook or recorder with you so you can journal what is happening throughout the day. Note your feelings and the associations you have in relation to not drinking coffee. You may be surprised about what you learn about yourself and your real relationship to coffee. For instance, I did not know how much I associated drinking coffee to having coffee with my Dad when I was old enough. It was our quiet time together. We would just sit and sip our coffee together. That's part of what makes it a pleasant experience for me.

After all David, what is an addiction? It's a habit, that's all, just a habit. You can stop that one and replace it with a better one for you. Maybe something like walking or writing or learning a new language.

Each time you feel the urge to have coffee, drink some nice cool clear spring water instead. Use the water as a part of this reprogramming of yourself. As you drink the water, tell yourself. "This tastes so much better than coffee. I am cleansing my system with this nice clean clear water. I am becoming calm, nice, clean and clear inside." Write in your journal about How you feel after drinking water. Record everything that happens in relation to not drinking coffee but drinking nice cool clear water instead.

Write to me and let me know how that goes for you if you decide to try it. I'll be happy to work with you as you try the experiment.

Peace

[Andrew Brunelle]

There are some people who can tolerate coffee and those who cannot. If you drink organic coffee with minimal cream and no sugar, and you do not overdo it, coffee will actually help you in some ways. Sure, it's not as good for you as tea, but the kick coffee gives you far outweighs the kick I get from green/black teas. Sure, caffeine is addictive, but as long as you don't become addicted or are not caffeine sensitive, it shouldn't cause too many problems. And if it does, you are sensitive to it and should avoid it.

[FreelanceWanderer]

Originally Posted by Dannyboy1

What's the deal with that? Does it help with dementia as well? How much do you have to drink to get that benefit? Does it matter if it's decaffeinated? I'm very interested to know more.

Dannyboy, it seems that the caffeine is the active ingredient that may help ward off Alzheimer's. This article is a good place to start; it also lists studies at the end that you can look up for further information.

A Coffee A Day Keeps Alzheimer's Away

The article doesn't mention if it helps other forms of dementia, or how much coffee you would need to get the results shown in the studies.

Also, try finding more studies at PubMed Home.

FW