Ok I'm quitting coffee for real

[computerwiz]

So for the longest time I've been a coffee drinker.  Then I quit for months and it was great.  Now I'm back on it, and I have been for months.

 

But I've been seeing Dr. Kevin again due to some anti-biotics that messed me up bad, back in March.  And well....one of the things he constantly asks in his regular surveys is "how often do you drink caffeine?".

 

Now I respond honestly of course, and say "every day".  But that's his nice way of saying "there's a problem with that" and I should pickup on that from these surveys.  Well I'm nearing the end of my treatment and only now am deciding to dig into this.

 

Of course we all know how caffeine works, right?  It blocks Adenosine receptors in the brain, which keeps us alert because Adenosine makes us sleepy.  It also is the cause of much anxiety, but before I lose you, let's keep going...

 

So now I'm thinking....is that all Dr. Kevin cares about?  Or....is there more?  And the answer is.....yes there's more!  Wow so much more.  Adenosine does a lot....and caffeine doesn't just work on the brain.  

 

 

So of course that begs the question...

 

 

 

This is where it gets crazy.  Of course we all know 1 & 2.  But the rest?

 

1. Severe Sleep Disturbances

• Symptoms: Chronic insomnia, poor sleep quality, reduced sleep depth, and lack of restorative sleep.
• Explanation: Adenosine promotes sleep by inhibiting wake-promoting neurons, especially as adenosine levels rise throughout the day. A lack of adenosine could lead to reduced sleep pressure, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.

2. Increased Anxiety and Hyperactivity

• Symptoms: Heightened alertness, restlessness, anxiety, and possibly hyperactivity.
• Explanation: Without adenosine’s calming effects in the central nervous system, a person could feel more agitated and less able to relax, as adenosine normally counterbalances stimulatory neurotransmitters.

3. Heart and Blood Pressure Issues

• Symptoms: Elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, and increased risk of arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
• Explanation: Adenosine regulates heart rate and blood vessel dilation, helping to prevent excessive heart activity and manage blood flow. A deficiency could lead to overactivity in the heart and constricted blood vessels, increasing cardiovascular stress and risk of hypertension.

4. Immune Dysregulation and Increased Inflammation  👀

• Symptoms: Higher susceptibility to inflammation-related diseases, autoimmune reactions, and prolonged inflammatory responses.
• Explanation: Adenosine plays a role in modulating immune responses by binding to receptors on immune cells, helping to keep inflammation in check. Without it, the immune system could become overactive, leading to inflammation and potentially increasing the risk of autoimmune disorders.

5. Reduced Pain Threshold 👀👀👀

• Symptoms: Increased sensitivity to pain and chronic pain disorders.
• Explanation: Adenosine helps reduce pain perception, partly by modulating pain pathways in the spinal cord and brain. A lack of adenosine could result in heightened pain sensitivity.

6. Respiratory Issues

• Symptoms: Respiratory issues, particularly a tendency toward bronchoconstriction, which could make breathing more difficult.
• Explanation: Adenosine helps regulate the tone of bronchial muscles. With insufficient adenosine, the body might not respond effectively to regulate airway size, possibly exacerbating asthma-like symptoms or other breathing difficulties.

7. Reduced Physical Endurance and Fatigue

• Symptoms: Fatigue, reduced endurance, muscle weakness, and poor exercise tolerance.
• Explanation: Adenosine is central to ATP production, the main energy currency in cells. Low adenosine could disrupt energy metabolism, leading to lower energy availability in muscles and other tissues, resulting in overall fatigue and diminished physical performance.

8. Metabolic Irregularities and Potential Weight Fluctuations

• Symptoms: Irregularities in blood glucose levels and potential metabolic syndromes.
• Explanation: Adenosine influences insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism, helping to balance glucose and fat usage in the body. A deficiency might cause problems with blood sugar regulation, potentially leading to conditions like insulin resistance.

9. Poor Wound Healing and Cell Repair 👀

• Symptoms: Delayed wound healing, slower recovery from injuries, and possible tissue degeneration.
• Explanation: Adenosine plays a role in cellular repair and tissue regeneration, especially after injury. A lack of adenosine could impair the body’s ability to repair itself, prolonging recovery times.

Potential Long-Term Ailments

• Cardiovascular Diseases: Increased risk of hypertension, heart disease, and arrhythmias.
• Sleep Disorders: Chronic insomnia and sleep deprivation, potentially leading to cognitive decline and mental health issues.
• Chronic Inflammation: Increased risk of autoimmune diseases, arthritis, and other inflammation-related conditions.
• Metabolic Disorders: Higher likelihood of insulin resistance, obesity, and possibly type 2 diabetes due to impaired metabolic control.

 

 

 

Why do we drink caffeine like it's no big deal???  😭

 

It makes me wonder how many of us with the above symptoms will simply get better if we just kick the habit?

 

I know, I know....."those are extreme examples brother, we don't drink enough for that". blah blah blah.  That's okay, hard-core coffee drinkers...you can just keep on doing what you're doing.  That's fine.  Don't let me stop you.  

 

But we all know the adage "if you knew I put a little poison in your drink, would you drink it?"  The answer of course is NO!!  Well...while the above might be for extreme lack of adenosine....what if our caffeine consumption is at least a little bit contributing to each?  Just like we would reject a little poison, would it not be worth seeing what happens if we stop this little negative impact to our systems?

 

So now let's get back to "reality"....

 

 

 

So sounds like there isn't a problem, right?  Well..........

 

One more thought....

 

PS - If I haven't lost you yet.....WOW you got some endurance!  Hang with me just a little longer....  😁

 

 

 

And what affects the liver?

 

1. Alcohol Consumption

2. Medications and Over-the-Counter Drugs (this is the BIG one)

3. Obesity and Poor Diet (Isn't obesity an "epidemic"?)

4. Chronic Viral Infections

5. Exposure to Environmental Toxins and Chemicals (more chemicals today than before)

6. Autoimmune Diseases (don't we see more today than ever?)

7. Genetic Disorders

8. Unhealthy Lifestyle Choices

9. High Sugar Intake (don't we have more sugar than ever?)

10. Age and Genetic Predisposition

11. Dehydration and Poor Hydration

12. Excessive Supplement or Herbal Product Use

 

So while the caffeine studies may have been years ago.....we know a lot of the above are on the increase.  So our poor livers are getting impacted more and more.

 

Which means....that little bit of caffeine impact....might be more than before.  And more than we think.

 

Sorry for the headaches...

 

And if you made it THIS far in all my rambling.....jeez you should run a marathon or something cuz you got some stamina!    And this is what happens when I'm bored at work.  

 

My apologies for writing so much... 

 

Now I'm off to make some personal changes.  

[Tortuga]

37 minutes ago, computerwiz said:

My apologies for writing so much... 

Hold on, I'm on my second cup of coffee and I haven't finished reading yet...

[dljbsp]

I have found additional points 10 through 15 in a quick web search.

I am not a coffee drinker at all, it taste bitter to me. Just thought the information might be beneficial.

 

10. Gut Health and Microbiome Disruption

 

• Impact on Bacteria: Caffeine can influence the diversity and balance of gut bacteria. While moderate caffeine intake might promote certain beneficial bacteria, excessive amounts can reduce the diversity of the microbiome, potentially disrupting digestion and immunity.

• Stomach Lining Irritation: Caffeine stimulates acid production in the stomach, which can lead to irritation of the stomach lining over time. This is especially concerning for those prone to acid reflux or ulcers, as caffeine can exacerbate symptoms.

 

11. Calcium and Bone Health

 

• Reduced Calcium Absorption: Caffeine can slightly reduce the absorption of calcium in the digestive tract, which is crucial for bone strength and density. It also increases calcium excretion through urine, meaning that calcium might be lost faster than it can be replenished.

• Risk of Osteoporosis: Over time, especially if calcium intake is low, caffeine’s effects could contribute to bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis, particularly in postmenopausal women or older individuals.

 

12. Hormonal Impact (Cortisol)

 

• Increased Cortisol Levels: Caffeine triggers the release of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. While cortisol can give a quick energy boost, prolonged elevation due to frequent caffeine intake may lead to chronic stress symptoms.

• Potential Health Consequences: Chronic high cortisol is associated with sleep disturbances, weight gain, and immune suppression. Over time, it may also lead to metabolic issues and affect cardiovascular health.

 

13. Blood Sugar and Insulin Sensitivity

 

• Reduced Insulin Sensitivity: Caffeine can reduce insulin sensitivity, meaning the body needs more insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. This could lead to higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, especially after meals.

• Increased Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: Over time, this could make it harder to control blood sugar, increasing the risk of metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes, especially in those predisposed to these conditions.

 

14. Kidney Stress and Dehydration

 

• Diuretic Effect: Caffeine’s diuretic effect increases urine production, which can lead to mild dehydration if not offset by sufficient water intake.

• Kidney Stones: Frequent dehydration increases the concentration of certain minerals in the urine, which could contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Chronic dehydration over time can also add stress to the kidneys, impacting kidney health.

 

15. Psychological Dependence and Withdrawal

 

• Dependence: Regular caffeine use can lead to psychological dependence. While caffeine is not generally considered addictive like some substances, many people experience cravings and a reliance on caffeine to feel alert.

• Withdrawal Symptoms: When reducing or quitting caffeine, common withdrawal symptoms include headaches, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms are temporary but can be uncomfortable for those trying to cut back.

 

[daydream]

You, my brother really made my day. 7.02 am. A great start to my Friday(meeting tonight) Slept right through the night. A solid 6 hours of sleep. I used to need more than 6 hours. Recently I read that people of all ages should sleep more than 6 hours a day. The reason I don't get more than 6 hours is because of nocturnal activities in front of my PC . Yup, JWtalk. I'm grateful (a slight bow) you give so much good advice on health. 

A word of caution : sleep inducing read. Ramblings of an addled brain

Spoiler

I used to beat myself up for being a sleepyhead because I could not even tolerate a few drops of caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, coke etc) When I was growing up, my mother used to hang up with a millionaire row's* couple who discouraged drinking these everyday beverages. This was In the 1950's. They also encouraged Mum to have both my brother and I educated in English medium schools. My brother was in the spare parts business and picked up Mandarin effortlessly. Me, I'm more of a banana. Yellow on the outside....A derogatory term for people who don't speak much Chinese. Thank goodness in my old age, I'm mixing more with lower income group and valiantly learning from them. 

 

Spoiler

* their residence looked a bit like this mansion. Imagine me as a kid at age 6, going to their residence. A jaw dropping experience to enter the mansion via their Ramada size banquet hall.

 

Oops, I'm running out of steam. Need my drop of weak tea. Never mind trusty old kumbucha will save the day. House chores beckon though.

 

Edited November 15 by daydream

[Tsheppar]

Computer Wiz... I'll believe it  when i see it.🤣like the terrible saying goes..the road to hell , is paved with good intentions! Hahhahahhahaha!!! 

 

   Seriously though, Good info I hadn't considered. Appreciate it. 

[Tsheppar]

7 hours ago, computerwiz said:

"if you knew I put a little poison in your drink, would you drink it?

Well, I think thats how traditional vaccines work . 😅But I digress. I understand your point. 

[daydream]

Quote

I'll believe it  when i see it

Pros of caffeine

Benefits:

• Improved energy levels
• Consuming caffeine leads to blockage of inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine which leads to an increase in dopamine. Dopamine enhances the firing of neurons, making you more mentally alert as well as improving your mood.
• Improved physical performance
• Caffeine stimulates the entire nervous system leading to increased adrenaline levels. This comes in handy when your body is undergoing strenuous physical activity. Caffeine also signals the fat cells to breakdown stored fat for increased energy supply.
• Lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes
• Increased blood sugar levels characterize type 2 diabetes due to insulin resistance. The increased dopamine and adrenaline levels help in burning the elevated amounts of sugar.
• Antioxidant properties
• One of the health benefits of caffeine, is that it has antioxidant characteristics which can help prevent the early onset of Alzheimer's disease as well as heart disease.

I try to ward off diabetes by reducing my sugar intake* (very little intake of carbohydrates) and lots of colorful vegetables and fruits. I found out only lately that it is inflammation that is causing my high cholesterol levels*. Hopefully whole milk yoghurt, kombucha, wild caught salmon and free range beef can help me put things right. Trans fat is giving me grief

 

* Thanks Br. Jeremy for helping me see the light. 

Edited November 15 by daydream

[Dages]

Interesting

[Ishaya]

Bro Jeremy,thanks for the details on the effects of caffeine,and sorry that you have not been able to achieve you much desired goal of quiting,

 

I'm just thinking,

Instead of trying to quite completely and experiencing relapses and worries, why not instead try taking it in moderation 🤔

[computerwiz]

8 hours ago, Tsheppar said:

Computer Wiz... I'll believe it  when i see it.🤣

 

I have decided to wait until after our assembly (this weekend) to kick it to the curb.  

 

I'll get back with you later!  

[Tortuga]

16 hours ago, computerwiz said:

"if you knew I put a little poison in your drink, would you drink it?"

Whiskey, rum or tequila?

[computerwiz]

30 minutes ago, Ishaya said:

why not instead try taking it in moderation 🤔

 

I already do.  I extremely rarely ever drink more than 1 cup a day.  I'm very sensitive to it though.  I can sometimes get heart palpitations with 2 cups.

 

With everything I've discovered, as mentioned in my first post, I think it's best to just quit altogether.  I will get all the energy & wakefulness I need from my new Vitamin B supplement.  It's already working, I just am enjoying coffee alongside with it.  But I really don't need both.

 

1 minute ago, Tortuga said:

Whiskey, rum or tequila?

 

Rum!  

 

At least you know you're poisoning yourself with that.  It doesn't pretend to be your friend.  

[Tortuga]

2 minutes ago, computerwiz said:

I will get all the energy & wakefulness I need from my new Vitamin B supplement.  I

and the bright yellow neon urine wakes you up too...

Edited November 15 by Tortuga

[daydream]

43 minutes ago, computerwiz said:

Vitamin B supplement

https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-do-i-choose-a-supplement-8379560

Supplementing may be a viable option if you’re navigating the following factors and your healthcare provider has determined you need it:

Absorption issues (due to inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and other conditions)

Celiac disease

 

Gluten-free diet

 

Medications that deplete nutrients (e.g., metformin depletes vitamin B12, which can contribute to peripheral neuropathy or anemia

Hemodialysis

Older adults

 

Other health conditions, including mental health and inflammatory conditions

Edited November 15 by daydream

[computerwiz]

1 minute ago, daydream said:

Supplementing may be a viable option if you’re navigating the following factors and your healthcare provider has determined you need it:

 

Yes he did. And I took a DNA test that shows I don't absorb the Vitamin B that they put in enriched wheat. I need the supplement version.  And I certainly noticed a difference! 

[Tortuga]

5 minutes ago, computerwiz said:

 

Yes he did. And I took a DNA test that shows I don't absorb the Vitamin B that they put in enriched wheat. I need the supplement version.  And I certainly noticed a difference! 

Do you take a pill, liquid, sublingual or injection?

[computerwiz]

14 minutes ago, Tortuga said:

Do you take a pill, liquid, sublingual or injection?

 

Pill.

 

https://nielsenholisticshop.com/products/methylsyn-capsules-60c-innovita?_pos=1&_psq=methylsyn&_ss=e&_v=1.0

 

Because of this result in my DNA test:

 

[Desert Dan]

16 hours ago, dljbsp said:

I have found additional points 10 through 15 in a quick web search.

I am not a coffee drinker at all, it taste bitter to me. Just thought the information might be beneficial.
 

 

 

I would never drink it straight but I like a little coffee with "flavored creamer and sugar".  

[Desert Dan]

I have ADD (ADHD), not proud of it, but coffee seems to help get me motivated and focus more.   But every so often I need to quit as the tolerance builds up and doesn't work for me so much, or else I then keep trying to fix it by drinking more each day.   I would never drink more than 2 cups a day though because it affects my already delicate and limited sleep I get.   And if I drink caffeine at noon - I kid you not, I will struggle to sleep.

 

BUT......   When I purposely choose to stop coffee for a while, the withdrawal symptoms are some to be feared for me.   For about 2 weeks straight, when I stop "cold turkey" I would have migraines, lack of motivation, crabbier (than normal 😠) and just wanting to rest or sleep.   I have tried slowly cutting my dosage of coffee little by little each day, but as shown in studies, some bodies can be very sensitive to even a very small amount of caffeine reduction and make you pay the price.   Other people can quit and not really have an issue.

 

Additionally, if I have been off caffeine for awhile, drinking any amount of caffeine really kicks.   But if I drink caffeine more than one day in a row, then I am 100% locked in and can't escape withdrawal if I quit.    Just 2 days in a row my friends!!!

 

Guess what - I was off of caffeine for a month, but grabbed a small Mountain Dew (purple thunder) as I type this.   Oh no...!!!!

[Tortuga]

48 minutes ago, Desert Dan said:

I have ADD (ADHD), not proud of it, but coffee seems to help get me motivated and focus more.   But every so often I need to quit as the tolerance builds up and doesn't work for me so much, or else I then keep trying to fix it by drinking more each day.   I would never drink more than 2 cups a day though because it affects my already delicate and limited sleep I get.   And if I drink caffeine at noon - I kid you not, I will struggle to sleep.

 

BUT......   When I purposely choose to stop coffee for a while, the withdrawal symptoms are some to be feared for me.   For about 2 weeks straight, when I stop "cold turkey" I would have migraines, lack of motivation, crabbier (than normal 😠) and just wanting to rest or sleep.   I have tried slowly cutting my dosage of coffee little by little each day, but as shown in studies, some bodies can be very sensitive to even a very small amount of caffeine reduction and make you pay the price.   Other people can quit and not really have an issue.

 

Additionally, if I have been off caffeine for awhile, drinking any amount of caffeine really kicks.   But if I drink caffeine more than one day in a row, then I am 100% locked in and can't escape withdrawal if I quit.    Just 2 days in a row my friends!!!

 

Guess what - I was off of caffeine for a month, but grabbed a small Mountain Dew (purple thunder) as I type this.   Oh no...!!!!

Have you tried Matcha tea in the morning? I was drinking that for a long time, and it had just enough caffeine to get me started without the side effects. I would mix a teaspoon of matcha powder with protein powder and hot water.

[bobby]

Quote

"how often do you drink caffeine?".

i use to drink it a lot. like every day a whole pot full when I was working at night but after I started Dialsys I stop drinking every day 

and now I have a cup on the weekend the people at dialsys do tell you to stop or cut back on coffee

[Ishaya]

I noticed that most people here in Nigeria take Lipton tea instead of coffee,others would use Milo or Bournvita to make their,maybe you can consider these options.

 

But it depends on why you prefer coffee,is it just because it keeps you awake or you just love the taste and flavour.

 

It seems like,the best way to overcome one habit is to create another good habit to replace the former habit.

 

 

[Ludwika]

Sorry, I refuse to give up coffee, even if it kills me! 😂

Once, somewhere else, a sister said you'd have to prise it out of her "cold, dead hand", yeah 😂🤣😂

[computerwiz]

Just now, Ludwika said:

Sorry, I refuse to give up coffee, even if it kills me! 😂

 

 

 

 

[Ishaya]

Is coffee very affordable?

because if it doesn't cost much,then it will be difficult for people to let go.

 

Two things make people to quickly avoid something

 

(1) If the price is rising 😂

(2) If production stops.