the whole nut

caffeine concerns

November 17th, 2009

How do you start your day? Or, I guess a more appropriate question for some is when do you start your day? I often hear from people that their day doesn’t officially begin until they have their first cup of coffee. Why? What is it about that cup of joe that has everyone hooked? And according to their latest subway ads, why is Dunkin’ Donuts the answer to an afternoon slump?

Personally, I don’t have anything against the little coffee bean itself. Heck, there are even health benefits to having coffee in one’s diet. We all know a little coffee will help you to improve concentration and stay alert, but did you know coffee can help prevent diabetes, increase your antioxidants intake, and reduce muscle pain? Not bad. And chocolate covered espresso beans? Amazing. See? There’s so much to love. Then why all the concern?

The problem is that it’s easy to get hooked on caffeine. When soda or coffee is necessary to get you going through the day, you know you’re wearing your adrenal glands thin. This can further lead to exhaustion, cravings and irritability. Sound similar to how it feels an hour after downing a venti skim double lattè? Or maybe it was the sugar (given there are 23 grams in that one drink!). Point is: too much caffeine is not a good thing.

In addition to increasing our stress levels, too much caffeine can give your body major blood sugar swings, which directly affects your energy level and can ultimately lead to weight gain. Other side effects include: heartburn, ulcers, attention disorders, cardiovascular problems and nutritional deficiencies (like calcium, iron and magnesium). And ladies, as if that isn’t enough, PMS, osteoporosis, and infertility problems are all exacerbated by coffee. And let’s not forget premature aging.

When you begin to reduce your caffeine consumption it’s normal to experience headaches and cravings. This will pass in a week or two. Your body is basically going through withdrawals (caffeine, like sugar, is highly addictive!). Soon you’ll feel you have more energy than before, and without the mood swings. And no more of those anxious jitters that come with a caffeine overdose.

As far as that afternoon slump, clearly, coffee is not the answer (though tempting, I know). Try opting for a healthy, energy-boosting snack like hummus and carrots, a fresh juice (wheatgrass is great), or a rice cake with almond butter. The key is learning to choose the right foods for optimal energy–especially at lunch, when your afternoon depends on it!

So where do you stand? Are you going to scale back on your daily Starbucks runs? Stop altogether? Or do you feel good about the amount you’re currently consuming? And don’t forget to explore the wonderful world of tea. I personally stick to green teas (less caffeinated), though there is the occasional espresso (and chocolate covered espresso bean!).

Filed under: Healthy Tips

Tags: adrenal glands, afternoon coffee, afternoon slump, anxiety, caffeine, coffee, energy, energy levels, green tea, health, healthy snacks, morning coffee, nutrition, side effects of coffee, stress, sugar