The Trouble with Caffeine
- It is the 3rd most addictive psychotropic drug behind #2 and #1.
- More people are addicted to caffeine than any other drug.
- 250 mg can cause caffeine intoxication.
- A cup a day isn’t too bad…
- But there is a crash after 4-5 hours…
- And after that cup, the caffeine stays in your system for 10-12 hours disrupting your sleep…
- You’re groggy because of poor sleep and because you’re an addict…
- But then…
- And the vicious cycle starts again…
- Caffeine depletes your glutathione.
FDA Website - Glutathione deficiency leads to oxidative stress:
- Caffeine affects images in the brain.
400 mg of caffeine reduced blood flow by 40% & blood pressure shot up. - Caffeine withdrawal is in DSM-5 as a mental disorder.
- The Negative Effects of Caffeine
Moderate
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Increase in breast tenderness
- Restlessness
- Mild insomnia
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood sugar
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mild stomach upset
Severe
- Panic attacks
- Irregular heartbeat
- Sleep deprivation
- Continuous stomach problems
- Prolonged depression
- Sleep disorder
- Caffeine Myth #1 “Caffeine gets me going in the morning.”- Actually it’s your addiction to caffeine that requires a fix. Non-addicts wake up alert and clear headed.
- Caffeine Myth #2 “Caffeine gives me a boost when I get tired in the afternoon.”- The reality is that caffeine causes a “crash” after 4-5 hours and requires another fix. The caffeine now stays in your system for 10-12 hours and disrupts sleep so the cycle starts over.
- Caffeine Myth #3 “Live Happily Ever After- Caffeinated.” (Coffee Bean ad)- Of course people say they love their coffee but that is true of any addiction. Waking up alert & clear headed, no “crashes”, & sleeping better is more productive & a healthier lifestyle to “Live Happily Ever After – Caffeine Free.”
- Summary
Giving up coffee is a difficult thing to do both physically and psychologically. It’s everywhere and its aroma is very enticing. Your quality of life and your health will improve by breaking the addiction. After 37 years of being addicted to caffeine, I wish I had quit long before.
