Are you addicted? Millions are. It's one of the most commonly craved items in the world.

Diet and Nutrition

Are you addicted? Millions are. It's one of the most commonly craved items in the world.

Not only do you need a cup as soon as your feet hit the floor, you even set up the pot the night before to make sure it's ready when you open your eyes in the morning! Yup, we're talking coffee - Java, Joe, Brew, Go Juice, Insomnia in a Cup - or whatever other nickname you choose to call it. It's loaded with caffeine that's really just a legalized drug. Yes, caffeine is a drug and it's the most widely abused one with more than 80% of the world's population ingesting it on a daily basis.

With all the different types of beverages available, why do people choose caffeine? Basically, because it is a central nervous system stimulant that many people use to "wake up the morning brain" or as a way to get over the post-lunch slump. And, then there are the social aspects, such as meeting at a local coffee shop or a national coffee chain for a cup of coffee and some conversation.

The major problem with caffeine is that it affects people differently. In fact, it may even cause psychiatric symptoms in some people either when they ingest it or when they try to withdraw from it. "Caffeine sensitivity" affects approximately 20% of the population with symptoms that include anxiety, irritability, jitteriness, insomnia, rapid speech and, in its more serious forms, paranoia, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.

Moderate to heavy caffeine dependency also affects the way in which your body's own natural stimulants (dopamine and adrenalin) react because your body is using a "foreign" stimulant instead.

Caffeine toxicity can occur after drinking as little as one cup of coffee. Symptoms of caffeine toxicity include 'brain fog," irritability, increased urine output, sleeplessness, food cravings, heart palpitations and anxiety.

And what about the general health problems that seem to be linked to or aggravated by caffeine, problems such as heart disease, acid reflux, osteoporosis, menopause and PMS, diabetes, Crohn's disease and colitis, and depression, to name a few.

Do you think that just quitting coffee will do the trick? Caffeine is also found in many teas, chocolate, colas, energy drinks, pain relievers, yogurt and ice cream!

Want to cut back or eliminate caffeine from your diet? We advise that you do it gradually, over several weeks, to avoid caffeine withdrawal. Reduce your coffee intake and replace those fluids with water or other types of caffeine-free beverages (herbal teas can be an excellent substitute).

Need additional help? Then, by all means, ask us when you are in for your next adjustment. A caffeine-free life supports optimal health goals. Using a drug to deal with the stresses of everyday living just doesn't help you reach them.