I gave up my caffeine addiction last Fall after my doctor told me I needed to do so for health reasons. I loved my morning coffee, and I didn’t want to give it up. I am not a morning person, and I thought I needed the morning jolt to get me going. Nevertheless, I got on-board with the doctor’s instructions, and now my morning fix has given way to my morning decaf. Notwithstanding the brief withdrawal period, it really hasn’t been that big of a deal.
All of that is prologue to an interesting report from Reuters yesterday on a recent study showing that my desire for a “morning jolt” probably wasn’t quite what I thought it was. The report explains:
“Bristol University researchers found that drinkers develop a tolerance to both the anxiety-producing and the stimulating effects of caffeine, meaning that it only brings them back to baseline levels of alertness, not above them.”
If this study is correct, then caffeine isn’t the pick-me-up that we thought it was. Just an FYI for all of you who are reconsidering your caffeine addiction.
5 Comments
Pastor Pants
Denny, Interesting post!
I have never understood the blanket rejection of cigarette smoking and the declaration of its sinfulness (on the basis of addiction and health) by obese, caffeine addicted pastors! Seems a little inconsistent…
judd Rumley
Denny,
Coffee is more than caffine. It’s an experience ;o)
I just saw artilce in Runner’s World that said my oatmeal and coffee are good for me.
Here is a blurb:
“OATMEAL AND COFFEE
Steel-cut oats provide loads of carbs to refuel muscles. And research shows that pairing those carbs with caffeinated coffee boosts glycogen stores even more than eating carbs alone. Top your oatmeal with almonds, banana, and a splash of milk to add vitamin E, potassium, and calcium.”
Enjoy your decaf.
Judd “only 2 cups a day” Rumley
Donald Johnson
I do think it is wise to limit the amount of caffeine one consumes and for some it is wise to abstain. Similar to alcohol and similar considerations for others apply.
Scott
Unfortunatley, coffee is one of the only sources of anti-oxidants in the average American diet. To that extent, it’s quite good for you (even up to 2-4 cups/day). Contrary to popular belief, it can also help with hydration for the folks who go nut with soft drinks.
On the other hand, I’ve read extensive research about the dangers of decaff (loaded with chemicals to assist in “getting rid of the caffeine).
James K.
Just wait…
It’s only a matter of time before a study comes out that says the opposite…and then one that contradicts that one and so one. I’m a big fan of moderation in just about everything.