Ok I'm quitting coffee for real

[coony77]

11 hours ago, computerwiz said:

The irony of this topic starting as quitting coffee...and now look at where we are. 

 

 

Just prooves 1 thing: Life without coffee is possible, but pointless.

[sheseeksthesunshine]

Let me tell you about my journey with coffee..... I drank up to six cups a day for over 15 years. At the time, I thought I was functioning just fine, but looking back, my health was a mess. Eventually, I made some massive diet changes, and quitting coffee was the final step.

When I gave it up, it was brutal. That first week? Absolute hell. I felt terrible—headaches, fatigue, the works. I later learned this was likely due to oxalate build-up and what’s called “oxalate dumping,” plus the usual withdrawal symptoms. But after 18 months off coffee, I can honestly say I had never felt better. It was like when I quit smoking after 10 years. That first month was so rough, but the payoff? Life-changing.

Here’s the thing about coffee—it’s not just a harmless morning ritual. Through my research, I learned that coffee beans are loaded with stuff like pesticides, moulds, and chemicals. Ochratoxin A, Aflatoxin B1, Acrylamide—the list goes on. And pesticides? Don’t get me started. Coffee is one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world. Sure, in small amounts, this stuff might not seem like a big deal. But drinking a cup every single day for 5, 10, or even 20 years? It’s hard to imagine there’s no impact.

I’ll admit, I’ve gone back to drinking one cup a day over the past couple of years, and I honestly regret it. Even though I fully believe coffee isn’t great for me, I’ve found it so hard to give up again. Maybe it’s the culture around coffee—everyone treats it like this magical, harmless treat. But let’s be real: just because something is socially acceptable doesn’t mean it’s good for us. Remember when doctors used to recommend cigarettes?

I’m not here to tell anyone what to do. If you love your coffee and feel fine, that’s great! But for me, giving it up was a game-changer. The clarity, energy, and overall well-being I felt without it were incredible. I just wish there was more support for people trying to quit because the coffee propaganda is strong.

At the end of the day, it’s about balance. I’ve learned the hard way that “just one” cup can be a slippery slope. If you’ve ever thought about giving up coffee but felt stuck, I totally get it. And if you’re happy with your daily brew, more power to you! I just wanted to share my experience for anyone wondering if life without coffee might actually be better. Spoiler: it can be. 💁‍♀️

Edited December 22, 2024 by sheseeksthesunshine

[sheseeksthesunshine]

@computerwiz Don't give up I believe in you!! You can do it! Take the narrow road my brother! 😉

[sheseeksthesunshine]

On 11/15/2024 at 2:51 PM, daydream said:

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. 

Yes I wish all the above was just the case to be honest! The thing is, most of these types of studies are epidemiological studies, meaning that they can definitely show helpful patterns, like how coffee might be linked to certain health benefits. The tricky part, though, is they can’t prove cause and effect since other factors, like diet or lifestyle, could play a role. They’re great for starting conversations but usually need more research to fully understand what’s going on, and they tend to be not be partial in not mentioning the bad parts - which deserve a consideration too 😊 Most of what's listed here can be achieved by exercise and a healthy lifestyle, so not missing out on anything by eliminating coffee from a health benefit.... you're actually doing your body a favour in the end! It's like anything that is alters your brain..... short term benefits that steal from tomorrow's long-term health benefits.

[sheseeksthesunshine]

On 11/15/2024 at 11:56 PM, 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! 

I read something somewhere about stress and how it actually PREVENTS your body from being able to absorb essential nutrients and minerals, so you can take as many supplements as you like, and eat as healthy as you like, but chronic constant STRESS is the most unhealthy thing for our bodies and minds. No wonder Jesus gave so much counsel on anxiety and the proverbs mentions finding your strength meager in your day of distress...  for our benefit 💕

[computerwiz]

On 12/21/2024 at 8:13 PM, sheseeksthesunshine said:

@computerwiz Don't give up I believe in you!! You can do it! Take the narrow road my brother! 😉

 

I appreciate the encouragement, and all the personal experience you shared.  

 

I only fell off my wagon that one day.  I'm back to being caffeine free.  😎

[1MKnight]

If others are sharing coffee pictures... Here's my coffee cup coaster from a pioneer school lol.

[Tortuga]

I don't usually like flavored coffee, but we have some Folgers Caramel K-cups that are pretty good.

[Katty]

I seriously doubt most of the issues mentioned aren't massively overplayed with the exception of caffeine consumption among those with health issues that make them more susceptible to the effects of caffeine, or in tandem with other unhealthy practices that would greatly exacerbate the issue.
For instance, consuming anything with a diuretic only dehydrates you if you're not consuming sufficient liquids to replenish hydration. 
Sure, there are many people who, for various reasons, need to cut down or remove caffeine from their diet, but there are also potential health benefits as well. I believe anything that can effect a person's neurological make-up in some way, can come with potential risks and side effect, but caffeine does also have potential health benefits as well. I shared this web page, before, but it shows that among home remedies, caffeine is shown to be the item associated with the strongest evidence behind the claim that it can help to prevent heart disease
https://informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/snake-oil-scientific-evidence-for-nutritional-supplements-vizsweet/

I'm not saying everyone should consume caffeine. Obviously, it's not for everyone. But, most substances can be associated with risks and side effects. 

[Desert Dan]

On 12/23/2024 at 12:27 PM, Tortuga said:

I don't usually like flavored coffee, but we have some Folgers Caramel K-cups that are pretty good.

 

I like a little bit of Coffee with my Cream and Sugar...

[Cool.As.Ice]

How many days have you been coffee sober?

[Tortuga]

1 minute ago, Cool.As.Ice said:

How many days have you been coffee sober?

Me: -1 minute. 

[computerwiz]

Just now, Cool.As.Ice said:

How many days have you been coffee sober?

 

I had some one more time Wednesday. It was a rough night and I just couldn't get any work done.

 

But it's nice to just have it here and there as needed and not have a crash or headache from missing it.  I think that will be how I handle it. Just gotta be careful not to make it a regular thing again. 😉

[Desert Dan]

On 1/4/2025 at 3:04 PM, computerwiz said:

 

I had some one more time Wednesday. It was a rough night and I just couldn't get any work done.

 

But it's nice to just have it here and there as needed and not have a crash or headache from missing it.  I think that will be how I handle it. Just gotta be careful not to make it a regular thing again. 😉

 

My caffeine crashes, as mentioned before are definitely something to fear.   I almost rather be sick than go through the caffeine withdrawals for a week.   Everyone is different.   It makes me feel a little more relieved knowing I am not the only one.

 

Now that we are talking about coffee, I sure want one this morning...  But hopefully I resist.

 

For those that can quit coffee without symptoms, I envy you!   For those that never tried to quit coffee before, ugh, not sure what to say.

Edited Friday at 04:01 PM by Desert Dan

[Desert Dan]

On 12/21/2024 at 7:09 PM, sheseeksthesunshine said:

At the end of the day, it’s about balance. I’ve learned the hard way that “just one” cup can be a slippery slope. 

 

That surely is the truth for myself.   Where we meet for service, coffee and donuts is what many eat and drink.   When asked if I want some coffee, I told them I was currently off of caffeine for the time period.   I jokingly said, "This is just like going to a gathering and someone is an alcoholic and they are serving alcohol.  One drink and the cycle could start all over again."   I am speaking for myself, but obviously others "crave" that cup in the morning of coffee and it can be a somewhat humorous test of one's willpower to abstain from it. 

 

Overall, I can definitely see the benefits of resetting the body with the caffeine relative to the tolerance that gets built up.  

Edited Friday at 04:10 PM by Desert Dan

[trottigy]

16 minutes ago, Desert Dan said:

For those that can quit coffee without symptoms, I envy you!   For those that never tried to quit coffee before, ugh, not sure what to say.

 

You've convinced me - I am not a quiter. 

 

[Tortuga]

Just now, trottigy said:

 

You've convinced me - I am not a quiter. 

 

Twice today already....

[Loopy]

I just started drinking coffee ☕️ a month or so ago. But I add Hot chocolate powder as I still can’t drink it straight.

 

Anyway, for years I drank soda/pop, (Mountain Dew) Drank 2, 20 oz bottles a day. Just to keep up with the stress of my job. 
 

Anyway I decided to stop drinking it/any soda years ago, especially because of the sugar and high fructose corn syrup. I had no problems with headaches or anything like that from quitting caffeine cold turkey—as they say.

 

 

[Desert Dan]

10 minutes ago, Loopy said:

I just started drinking coffee ☕️ a month or so ago. But I add Hot chocolate powder as I still can’t drink it straight.

 

Anyway, for years I drank soda/pop, (Mountain Dew) Drank 2, 20 oz bottles a day. Just to keep up with the stress of my job. 
 

Anyway I decided to stop drinking it/any soda years ago, especially because of the sugar and high fructose corn syrup. I had no problems with headaches or anything like that from quitting caffeine cold turkey—as they say.

 

 

 

I was a previous Mountain Dew drinker, I loved it but quit for the same reasons.   Only occasionally do I indulge.  

 

Regarding coffee (tasting like coffee), I could never drink it straight.   But there are tons of flavored creamers in the store to make the pain of pure coffee manageable for me.   Although, some have said that stuff in certain creamers is bad for us, ingredient wise.   Hard to win in this system of things.   I guess that pizza I had last week wasn't good for me either, but, oh well...   Moderation I guess.

 

"Are we there yet?", I keep asking for the new system.

Edited Friday at 05:29 PM by Desert Dan

[trottigy]

I'm not alone!!! 

 

I TOO was a Mountain Dew drinker. Super big gulp a day    (note: by 7 get the 8th one free   )

 

Now, I like my coffee in the morning.

 

 

Edited Friday at 05:38 PM by trottigy

[Tortuga]

2 minutes ago, trottigy said:

I TOO was a Mountain Dew drinker.

I never touched the stuff, maybe I saw too many cartoons that had radioactive goo the same color...

[Desert Dan]

1 hour ago, Tortuga said:

I never touched the stuff, maybe I saw too many cartoons that had radioactive goo the same color...

 

LOL.   There are more flavors these days, not necessarily radioactive green, check this out:

 

List of Mountain Dew flavors and varieties - Wikipedia

[trottigy]

Yep, now you can get radioactive red or blue!

 

 

 

[Tortuga]

"Does anyone wany more Mountain Dew?"

[Loopy]

1 hour ago, trottigy said:

Yep, now you can get radioactive red or blue!

 

 

 

I understand purple too🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣