CAFFEINE There seems to be a great deal of mis-information around concerning caffeine, and as important as it can be to all of us it might be good to clarify some of the mistaken ideas we have developed about it.
Older works say caffeine - and hence, coffee in the mind of most people - causes stress. Recent studies decry this accusation and say that caffiene has been falsely accused on that point.
Most of us consume caffeine in our daily diet - more ,perhaps, than we might think we do, so it is important that we learn - and apply - certain common-sense rules concering use of this acknowledged stimulant.
Contrary to what many of us have been led to believe over the years, caffeine does not cause "stress". It, in effect "turns up","accents",or "triggers" stress reactions. Furthermore, it keeps them going, one might say, sustains the reaction even thouigh it did not originate the stress factors where were already present. With caffeine users - especially those who use it in any form to excess - this time of continuing stress can be quick to rise and slow to subside. This is true because caffeine inhibits the body's normal biochemical mechanisms. Those are intend to "turn off" stress responses and caffeine prevents them from doing so. In other words, the on-off switch for stress in our bodies can be "shorted" not just by coffee - the most commonly accused type - but by others we will list in just a moment.
If the off switch cannot be thrown, the stress factor tends to build up; to accumulate and symptoms are intensifed. In the worst cases, it can become the equal of pshychotic episodes with ,possibly, serious consequences.
Caffeine is a diuretic, remember, and a possible danger to individuals usingit is a threat of dehydration. This is especially true of those for of us who use coffee, soft drinks or teas as the main beverage with meals and before and after snacks. Caffeine increases fluid loss through urine outflow. Mild dehydration can cause intense fatigue, and this, in turn, makes the individual feel a need for more caffeine beverages and the cycle can continue without end.
This can affect our hearts, of course, and for our own good we must learn to control caffeine intake. It has not been proved that it is a cause of osteroporosis, but indications are that bone condition can be affected by caffeine use and it may well contribute to bone loss. It is important,.too, that pregnant women avoid caffeine at all costs.
Excessive use of caffeine had best be avoided or we face possiblly serious consequences. Five hundred milligrams per day might be used as a rule of thumb for most of us. Now - where does it all come from? This is per cup:
Brewed coffee - 85 to 200; instant - 60 and decaffinated coffee - 3.
Tea bags - 45, Loose - 40, instant - 30.
Hot chocolate - 6-42. Then, per can:
Carbonated soft drinks. Colas - 30-65, Dr.Pepper - 61, MountainDew - 55 ...as examples.
Add yours up. If it totals more than 500 milligrams per day...cut back and do so gradually - half as much every three days, is recommended - not cold turkey.
a.l.m. July 17,2005 {435wds]
\
