Day Eighty-Two: Caffeine

Isn't there just something that we love about our morning cup of coffee?

Cream has a way of warming it up...we have our favorite mug and a favorite place to sit while the sunlight drifts in and presents the morning. Sleepy eyed, bed head, morning breath...some of us set timers the night before so that, "The best part of waking up," is already dripping before our alarm clock starts rattling through our heads.
 
I wish that I could say that I stop at one cup, but that would be dishonest. I used to. Not now.

Like other addictions, our bodies become accustomed to the drug caffeine in coffee and adapt accordingly...then it takes more of the drug to get the same effect. The same is true of other caffeinated drinks like sodas or iced tea.  Giving it up can be painful. Reducing caffeine intake can cause headaches, irritability, energy crashes, and reduction in the ability to concentrate or focus effectively. It can make it difficult to get up and get going in the morning.

So why reduce intake?

Coffee can cause increased acidity in the stomach because it has a slightly acidic pH. It activates the "fight or flight" division of our autonomic nervous system. A little bit of this from time to time is okay, but a considerable amount of caffeine daily can increase anxiety, disrupt sleep patterns, and be harmful to a growing baby inside a momma's belly. Caffeine dehydrates us. And, it can get us to the point where we don't feel energetic unless we have it...completely fatigued without it.

If one is trying to reduce coffee intake, most experts recommend reducing morning intake of coffee gradually while replacing afternoon beverages with more reduced sources of caffeine, like hot or iced black or green tea...both contain considerably less caffeine than coffee. The same is true if one is trying to reduce caffeine intake from sodas. Over time and with patience, considerable strides can be made to reduce any dependence.

I challenge you to examine your caffeine intake, making changes where appropriate.