Saturday, June 23, 2012

Why is caffeine bad for you?

Caffeine gets many of us through the day and certainly most of us going in the morning, but is it as helpful as it seems?  Most of us have heard that caffeine is bad for us but most people don't know why.  The odd cup with a friend in the afternoon or a morning pick me up is not going to be the end of us, but continual caffeine consumption throughout the day could wreak havoc with our bodies.  As with all things, balance is the key, and always choose organic tea and coffee where possible.

Here are my 5 top reasons for avoiding caffeine.

1. STRESS: It is a stimulant so it mimics the stress response and releases stress hormones into the system.  This may make you feel awake, but it will also give you racing thoughts, a thumping heart rate and could make you feel anxious or stressed.  This adrenaline high leaves us feeling deflated and low afterwards.

2. WEIGHT GAIN: Because caffeine releases the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol into the body it puts our body into the sympathetic (fight or flight) mode of our nervous system.  This means that our body releases insulin and glucose into the system so we can run from the threat!  when we have nothing to run from, this energy gets stored as abdominal fat! 

3. IBS or INDIGESTION: When our body is in the sympathetic mode of the nervous system we stop producing digestive enzymes as the body prioritises energy for escaping the threat.  This means any food eaten when the body has caffeine in it will not be fully absorbed, leaving us robbed of vital nutrients.

4. DEHYDRATION:  Caffeine has a diuretic affect on the body so it makes us urinate more frequently.  Unless we are having a recommended 2 litres of water a day, we may be losing fluid from having caffeine as a substitute for hydrating fluids.

5. CHEMICAL SHAKES:  There are lots of chemicals used on tea and coffee crops and as we dry and infuse them in high quantities for one cup, the load of chemicals is high.  This can lead to shaking and feeling low on energy as our liver tries to process the toxins in the blood.

So, think carefully next time you reach for your third cup of coffee... your body will be screaming out for glass of water and some nourishing wholefoods instead.

Are you a tea lover?  Read this related post: http://therealfoodcoach.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/wonder-of-tea.html

Josie
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6 comments:

  1. AnonymousJune 24, 2012 at 4:31 AM

    I have read that coffee can be very beneficial to the memory, is this true?

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJune 24, 2012 at 2:24 PM

    There is evidence suggesting that coffee can be good for short term memory and guard against cognitive decline. However, as with all studies, there may be extraneous variables or weakness in the longevity of the studies scope. Ultimately you will always find a study to support your argument, so it is best to go with what you think makes the most sense and feels right in your body.

    My advice, if you are a coffee drinker, is to keep it to one or two cups a day and avoid coffee with meals. This way you will avoid inhibiting your mineral absorbtion too much and still get your coffee fix. Life is about balance and so is your diet, so a little of what you like is always going to do you good, as long as you keep it as 'a little'.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thomas NaborsJuly 16, 2012 at 4:30 AM

    I must say I enjoy coffee a lot. Just like I enjoy thee. I think if you drink the occasional cup of coffee, thea and a lot of water no harm will be done.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownJuly 20, 2012 at 9:29 PM

      That's right Thomas, a little of what you like is good for you. I also enjoy a cup of tea once a day. Great tip on keeping fluids up to keep the delicate fluid balance right. Just make sure you have a mineral rich diet and drink your coffee and tea away from meals and you should be fine.

      Delete
  4. organic teaAugust 6, 2012 at 5:59 AM

    Great advice and tips.....
    I mostly take care of my drink.

    I love to have green tea or tulsi tea.

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownAugust 15, 2012 at 11:32 PM

    Hi, yes I love both of those. Tulsi is a personal favourite, a great stress buster which tastes delicious! :)

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