90 Days: A Journey Towards Health

Chapter 5 No Caffeine

Diagnosis: No caffeine! What? Who does that to a person? Are there benefits of going caffeine-free? And should I really be avoiding caffeine altogether? But I love it! It is my favorite drink - caffeine in a cup.

Here are some top benefits of cutting down on your caffeine habit — besides, of course, saving a ton of money.

Less caffeine  = less anxiety.

Feeling increasingly anxious lately? Too much caffeine may be to blame - or driving for three hours in traffic.

Caffeine comes with a burst of energy, which is what most of people use it for. Not me. I love the taste of Coca~cola and tea brings back sweet memories of my momma.

Getting back to the energy created by caffeine, it stimulates our "fight or flight" hormones. This may cause an increase in anxiety, nervousness, heart palpitations, and even panic attacks - aka. My Afib. Ugh. Why?

Sometimes the nutrient world is cruel.

People who are already prone to stress and anxiety may find that caffeine makes their symptoms a whole lot worse. It triggers my A-fib as soon as it touches my tongue. My body is working against me.

Something else I came across in a report, higher caffeine intake has been linked to increased chances of depression in adolescents - sorry kids, no coffee.

Less caffeine  = better sleep.

Who doesn't want to sleep better? There are nights I wake up every hour. And for what? To stare at the darkness?

Then I learn that my caffeine habit - my sweet tea with lemon/lime, could be affecting my sleep.

Studies show that daily coffee/caffeine intake can alter your sleep cycle, causing restless sleep and daytime drowsiness. This can be especially true if you consume caffeine less than six hours before heading to bed. Ugh. I take a good night's sip of tea as I am lying down. Now, who's gonna tuck me in? Water? Just isn't the same.

Reducing and cutting out the night caffeine makes it easier to fall asleep! I guess it's a matter of what do I want more: sleep or tea? Sleep. I need it to function.

Less caffeine = Healthier teeth - Whiter teeth!

There's no fighting it: Coffee and tea can stain teeth. If you want whiter teeth, you need to give up caffeine. A beautiful smile attracts people; a yellow one repels them.

The yellowing is due to the high level of tannins found in caffeinated drinks, which cause buildup and discolored tooth enamel.

The acidity in caffeinated drinks like coffee and soda can also lead to enamel wear and decay. Oh no, no, no! I need my teeth to chew all my vegetables.

Less caffeine  = Balanced hormones for women.

Women, did you know that caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, and soda can alter estrogen levels?

A 2012 study found that drinking roughly 2 cups or more of caffeine per day elevated estrogen levels in Asian and black women, while white women had slightly lower estrogen levels.

Changing estrogen levels can be particularly concerning if you have an increased risk for conditions like endometriosis, breast cancers, and ovarian cancers. While caffeine isn't directly linked to these conditions, high estrogen levels is associated with the causes.

Caffeine has also been shown to worsen certain menopause symptoms. Menopause is bad enough! It doesn't need any help.

Less caffeine  = Lower blood pressure

Not partaking in caffeine can be good for your blood pressure. Caffeine has been shown to raise blood pressure levels due to the stimulatory effect it has on the nervous system.

High intake of caffeine — 3 to 5 cups per day — has also been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Less caffeine  = Balanced brain chemistry.

It's no surprise that caffeine has an effect on mood. All of those "Don't talk to me until I've had my coffee" clips are on Facebook/Instagram for a reason.

Caffeine can alter brain chemistry in a similar way that drugs like cocaine do, and researchers agree that caffeine does fulfill some of the criteria used to measure drug dependence.

I told my doctor that I was addicted to tea. He laughed and said, "No caffeine." I was given a choice, migraines or no migraines? I choose no migraines.

People who don't consume caffeine don't have to worry about the addictive qualities of it, whereas people who decide to wean off caffeine or stop drinking it completely may experience withdrawal symptoms or temporary changes in mood.

I become a bear. But I can't have it or I will suffer. I feel sorry for those around me.

Less caffeine  = A healthy digestion.

Caffeine intake can come with a host of unpleasant digestive issues. Coffee creates a laxative that stimulates the bowels. Consuming especially large amounts of coffee can cause diarrhea or loose stools (and even incontinence). Neither which are any fun.

Additionally, caffeinated beverages may play a role in developing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It makes your chest feel like it is going to explode.

Less caffeine  = You may age better.

If you're concerned about aging, (who doesn't want to age well?) you may benefit from not consuming caffeine. Caffeine interferes with collagen formation by reducing collagen synthesis in human skin.

Since collagen has a direct effect on the skin, body, and nails, not sipping that morning cup of coffee could mean longer, stronger nails and less wrinkles. Yes!

Who should avoid caffeine?

It's best to steer clear from caffeine entirely if any of the following apply to you:

1. You're pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

We know that those who are pregnant and breastfeeding should avoid caffeine, but it's important if you're trying to conceive, too. Caffeine has been linked to an increase in miscarriage and decrease in fertility.

2. You're prone to anxiety

Those who are prone to anxiety or depression may find that caffeine makes their condition worse. Caffeine has been shown to exacerbate certain psychiatric conditions. It can cause increased irritability, hostility, and anxious behavior.

3. You have a gut or digestive condition such as acid reflux, gout, or diabetes. Unfortunately, caffeine may make your symptoms worse.

4. You take certain medications.

Always check if caffeine interacts with your prescription medication. Some of these drugs include:

antibacterial drugs
antidepressants (especially MAOIs)
asthma drugs

While the process of going off caffeine, especially coffee, doesn't sound the greatest, there are alternatives you can try to make this undertaking go more smoothly.

That being said, coffee does have its benefits. If your life doesn't get better after you ditch your morning cup, there's no reason to completely go off the brew. Like all foods and good things in life, it's about moderation.

Bring on the sleep.

Day 5
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