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Caffeine, in any of its variations, is the drug of choice to help us through the day or lose that extra weight

Caffeine: The Ultimate Health Saboteur


By William McCreary, PhD.——--January 26, 2009

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‘Let’s go for a coffee sometime' is now a way of life. Coffee shops are opening at record numbers and with record profits. In a generally sedentary and malnourished society looking for quick fixes, caffeine, in any of its variations, is the drug of choice to help us through the day or lose that extra weight. Caffeine or its derivatives are found in coffee, tea, chocolate, pain medication and weight loss products among other things.

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More than 80% of the adult population of the U.S uses caffeine regularly, so it is difficult to view its impact objectively. The following statements are compiled from volumes of research over the past two decades. So you judge the facts. You owe it to yourself to look carefully and honestly at the #1 addiction in North America. 

The primary reason people give for drinking caffeine is for a boost of energy. Research has found that in spite of an initial burst of energy, caffeine actually decreases the body's energy long term resources as well as decreasing focus, attention and memory. Basically we know and accept that caffeine creates jitters, as well as recognizing that it can impact your long term brain function. But it’s just a cup of joe, we rationalize. Here are some of the ways in which caffeine impacts the entire body. It lowers the production of DHEA, a natural precursor required for the proper balance of hormones in the system. It stresses the adrenal glands and creates imbalances between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Caffeine intake over 300 mg (2 eight ounce cups) has been established through rigorous research as a risk for allergies, chronic fatigue, auto immune disorders, type II diabetes, fibroid cysts and digestive disorders. Want some more research findings? It elevates the pulse rate, can lead to irregular heartbeat, initiates insomnia and hyperactivity, can lead to the development of headaches through constriction of blood to the brain, and has also been found to contribute to malnutrition. Caffeine related side effects usually manifest in the third to fifth decade of life. At this point, the usual four cups of java fail to provide the customary boost to get through the afternoon. Caffeine does not give you energy, but rather creates stress in the body. It triggers the release of cortisol, the main stress hormone in the body. This activates the stress fight or flight response in the body, putting it in a state of high alert. This increases blood pressure, raises the levels of glucose and fat within the blood. The adrenal gland, which is responsible for the management of the immune system among other things, becomes so preoccupied with producing the stress hormones that the immune system suffers. It creates havoc within the endocrine system, which is responsible for the production and maintenance of brain neurotransmitters and hormones for healthy functioning. Depression, fatigue, impotency and erectile dysfunction have all been traced to connections with chronic caffeine use. 

There are many drugs that have either been pulled from the market or never been FDA approved for presenting side effects much less serious than this. In fact, if caffeine was being presented today, it would probably only be available as a prescription drug. Well, its approval would be subject to lobbying and economic pay offs. But we digress. The reason its available today so readily is because so many of us already use it. Couple that with powerful international organizations with interests to protect and you can see that we are easily 'a nation addicted'. 

Is it tough to go caffeine free? Absolutely, is it worth the sacrifices (withdrawal) to reap the benefits of vitality rather than chaos and illness? Only you can decide. That’s not rocket science, its common sense. But remember, if you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always done. William McCreary, PhD., Doctor of Natural Medicine Contributing Writer and Instructor (Energy Psychology) Energy Psychology, an area of study within the Complimentary Health Care Field, can help you to tap into the science behind understanding the power that you hold in your mind, for both good or ill. If you desire more information about recommended energy psychology courses and instruction (because not all courses or instructors are create equal), please feel free to contact this author for his recommendations. Randy McCreary has studied the interplay between the mind, spirit and body and its impact on both the development and reversal of disease conditions for the past 15 years. He has brought this vast information together into an effective format known as Neurotherapy. This self healing energetic psychological protocol deals with the optimization of the interplay between the Mind, Spirit and Body of the individual. Randy is also a highly sought after international speaker, author and educator on various topics within the field of health and wellness. He is renowned for his ability to powerfully impact his audiences through knowledge, humour, common sense and compassion.


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