I used to be a Diet Coke-a-day kind of girl, never much of a coffee person although I did enjoy the occasional sugar-free Gingerbread latte. Now I’m proud to say I no longer rely on caffeine to get me through my days. I’ve always been a bit of a lightweight when it comes to caffeine so a little goes a long way, but even just a little caffeine in my otherwise healthy diet was not something I wanted to tolerate. While I can’t quite pinpoint when this turning point occurred I definitely know why: lately, my approach to diet extends far beyond how it makes me look on the outside and is more about the effect it has on the inside.
Caffeine plays a mind game with the body that can result in long term health problems, let’s just start there. It tricks the body into a false sense of energy which can eventually lead to adrenal exhaustion leaving the body vulnerable to a number of health related problems like fatigue and inflammation.
Our adrenal glands are responsible for regulating our stress response (think, fight or flight) so when the adrenals are tired, they can’t function properly which can cause symptoms such as dark under-eye circles, heart palpitations, excessive sweating from little activity, cravings for salt, sugar and carbs, mood swings, low blood sugar and low blood pressure and chronic infections to name a few.
Just like any other craving, when our bodies crave caffeine, they are asking for something that is missing. In this case, quite possibly energy. Personally, I use my cravings for caffeine as an imbalance alert caused by lack of sleep or lack of water. I then respond accordingly.
So why trick the body into feeling energized? Try giving it exactly what it needs – rest, hydration and more sleep are good places to start and it will also support the adrenal glands.
I know, I know. It’s not that easy. Be gentle with yourself and start slowly. For you coffee addicts out there, try substituting green tea or yerba matte instead. Also remember to drink plenty of pure, filtered water. I keep mine in these cute Sigg water bottles on my desk and sip throughout the day. The thermos is for hot water during cold months and the water bottle is for cold or room temperature water during warmer months.
You can also ask yourself if it’s the taste or just a hot or fizzy beverage you’re craving and then try any hot tea or sip hot water (it’s not as bad as it sounds and is actually very hydrating and healing – read my previous blog post here), seltzer with fresh fruit squeezed in is a better trade off for soda.
I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that caffeine does have its health benefits but not in the quantities and concentrations that it is usually consumed. If you want to savor a slow-drip espresso, go for it! But think twice before throwing back two cups of coffee and a soda every day.
And don’t even get me started on those energy drinks π
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