Coffee question

February 18, 2007

Drinking water is commonly acidic; obviously the concept

that " washing away acidity " can be accomplished with that acidic

water is a myth. Taking a dash of " No-Salt " potassium salts on your

food will more than compensate for a pot of coffee if electrolyte

balance concerns you.

If you think about it, there's more acidity in two drops of stomach

acid or one teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar, than in a pot of

coffee. Further, the potassium, magnesium and calcium in our food and

supplements are alkalizing minerals that we get in sufficient

quantities to neutralize quite a lot of acid in our food anyway.

People on the candida diet are also limiting carbs, which cause many

times more acidity than a cup of coffee, so even with a couple of

cups, people on a carb-restricted diet are less acidic than people on

an 'average' carb-containing diet. This is one of the reasons we heal

better.

Duncan

>

> I noticed while reading the digest that apparently coffee is now an

> okay substance for someone with Candida. One naturopath friend

told me

> it takes approximately 17 glasses of water to wash away the acid

that's

> created by drinking one cup of coffee. Coke is even worse at about

35

> glasses of water.

>

> It doesn't make sense to me that coffee would be beneficial for

anyone

> with candida since it acidifies the body so much. Some people get

rid

> of bowel problems like IBS simply by eliminating caffeine. Or was

the

> reference to coffee enemas?

>

> Thanks for an explanation,

>

> Sharon

>

February 18, 2007

On 2/17/07, Sharon <hotmocha@...> wrote:

> I noticed while reading the digest that apparently coffee is now an

> okay substance for someone with Candida. One naturopath friend told me

> it takes approximately 17 glasses of water to wash away the acid that's

> created by drinking one cup of coffee. Coke is even worse at about 35

> glasses of water.

Imagine how many cups of water it would take to wash away the acid

your stomach makes to digest food! What are we to do?!

Chris

--

The Truth About Cholesterol

Find Out What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You:

http://www.cholesterol-and-health.com

February 18, 2007

The problem with coffee is less the acidy, imo, but the fact that it lessens

the gallbladders ability to produce bile, not something that you want to

occur. Where as coffee enemas increase bile, drinking coffee does the

opposite.

Of course a cup her or there won't kill anyone

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February 18, 2007

Duncan,

A quick internet search shows this (I checked quite a few sites and

all were pretty close):

Coffee ranges in pH level of 4-5.5 (higher pH from organic)

Lemons 8.5-9 (just think of the Master Cleanse)

Hydrochloric acid? Not a food product. I don't understand your logic

in comparing this to coffee.

An interesting article on coffee with lots of expert doctors,

naturopaths, researchers and authors referenced to at the bottom of

the article:

The hidden dangers of caffeine: How coffee causes exhaustion, fatigue

and addiction:

http://www.newstarget.com/012352.html

Who runs www.newstarget.com? This guy with the great bod!:

http://www.healthranger.org/ Hmmm, maybe I can talk my husband into

this program, lol! This guy takes no bribes, no affiliate fees or

moneys from anything he recommends other than his health books.

I found my candida book again and when I have a bit more time, I'll

type out the references to coffee. Pretty interesting stuff. Will

reply to water in another post.

Sharon

> >

> > I noticed while reading the digest that apparently coffee is now

an

> > okay substance for someone with Candida. One naturopath friend

> told me

> > it takes approximately 17 glasses of water to wash away the acid

> that's

> > created by drinking one cup of coffee. Coke is even worse at

about

> 35

> > glasses of water.

> >

> > It doesn't make sense to me that coffee would be beneficial for

> anyone

> > with candida since it acidifies the body so much. Some people

get

> rid

> > of bowel problems like IBS simply by eliminating caffeine. Or

was

> the

> > reference to coffee enemas?

> >

> > Thanks for an explanation,

> >

> > Sharon

> >

>

February 19, 2007

Sharon,

> Coffee ranges in pH level of 4-5.5 (higher pH from organic)

> Lemons 8.5-9 (just think of the Master Cleanse)

The pH of lemon juice is nearly 2.0 according to this site:

http://www.jackeden.com/tips/phmat.html

This makes it nearly 100 times more acidic than the most acidic coffee you cite.

> Hydrochloric acid? Not a food product. I don't understand your logic

> in comparing this to coffee.

The food product goes in your stomach. The hydrochloric acid goes in

your stomach. Voila. They're mixed. The pH of the coffee is no

longer 4-5.5 but much more acidic because the acid produced within

your body is vast compared to the acid you ingest.

Chris

--

The Truth About Cholesterol

Find Out What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You:

http://www.cholesterol-and-health.com

February 19, 2007

Yes, you're right about that. What the charts measure is the

alkalizing or acidic effect on the body. Here's a simplified

explanation:

Why are acidy lemons alkaline-producing?

The answer is simply that when we digest the food, it produces

alkaline residue. That's why we classify it as an alkaline food. When

we digest a food it is chemically oxidized ('burned') to form water,

carbon dioxide and an inorganic compound. The alkaline or acidic

nature of the inorganic compound formed determines whether the food

is alkaline or acid-producing. If it contains more sodium, potassium

or calcium, it's classed as an alkaline food. If it contains more

sulphur, phosphate or chloride, it's classed as an acid food.

You might want to do a search on www.curezone.com for a more detailed

explanation. Keywords: lemon, pH, Master Cleanse. I'm not a

scientist and won't pretend to be but it's an interesting topic and

one worth researching further since alkalinity is so important for

health. Ask any naturopath and they will tell you that acidity is a

huge problem. I've only heard of one person who was overly

alkaline. Not a good state to be in either! I think you'll be able

to find answers as to the hydrochloric acid and coffee without too

much effort.

Hope this helps!

Sharon

>

> Sharon,

>

> > Coffee ranges in pH level of 4-5.5 (higher pH from organic)

> > Lemons 8.5-9 (just think of the Master Cleanse)

>

> The pH of lemon juice is nearly 2.0 according to this site:

>

> http://www.jackeden.com/tips/phmat.html

>

> This makes it nearly 100 times more acidic than the most acidic

coffee you cite.

>

> > Hydrochloric acid? Not a food product. I don't understand your

logic

> > in comparing this to coffee.

>

> The food product goes in your stomach. The hydrochloric acid goes

in

> your stomach. Voila. They're mixed. The pH of the coffee is no

> longer 4-5.5 but much more acidic because the acid produced within

> your body is vast compared to the acid you ingest.

>

> Chris

> --

> The Truth About Cholesterol

> Find Out What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You:

> http://www.cholesterol-and-health.com

>

February 19, 2007

Sharon, Google lemon juice pH and see it averages pH 2.3, very

acidic. Lemon (whole lemon) ASH is very alkaline, thus your

confusion

Google hydrochloric acid to find it aids digestion by increasing

stomach acidity for digestion; whether it's a food product or not is

irrelevant, however it IS mated with a food product for delivery to

the stomach.

I know large doses of caffeine are bad, but the subject -- the

concept that coffee stimulates candida -- is just another a candida

myth.

Duncan

just checke

>

> Duncan,

>

> A quick internet search shows this (I checked quite a few sites and

> all were pretty close):

>

> Coffee ranges in pH level of 4-5.5 (higher pH from organic)

> Lemons 8.5-9 (just think of the Master Cleanse)

> Hydrochloric acid? Not a food product. I don't understand your

logic

> in comparing this to coffee.

> Sharon

February 19, 2007

Hi Sharon,

> The answer is simply that when we digest the food, it produces

> alkaline residue. That's why we classify it as an alkaline food. When

> we digest a food it is chemically oxidized ('burned') to form water,

> carbon dioxide and an inorganic compound.

I don't understand what you mean. If we burn, say, glucose, we get

CO2 and water. There's no inorganic compound. There are other

inorganic compounds in the food that had glucose in it, but we don't

burn them for energy.

> The alkaline or acidic

> nature of the inorganic compound formed determines whether the food

> is alkaline or acid-producing. If it contains more sodium, potassium

> or calcium, it's classed as an alkaline food. If it contains more

> sulphur, phosphate or chloride, it's classed as an acid food.

If you add sulphur, phosphate, or chloride to a solution, it would

absorb acidity and make the solution more alkaline or basic.

Phosphate is one of the major neutralizers of strong acids in the

urine. I'm not sure I understand this classification.

> You might want to do a search on www.curezone.com for a more detailed

> explanation. Keywords: lemon, pH, Master Cleanse. I'm not a

> scientist and won't pretend to be but it's an interesting topic and

> one worth researching further since alkalinity is so important for

> health. Ask any naturopath and they will tell you that acidity is a

> huge problem. I've only heard of one person who was overly

> alkaline. Not a good state to be in either! I think you'll be able

> to find answers as to the hydrochloric acid and coffee without too

> much effort.

Ok thanks.

Chris

--

The Truth About Cholesterol

Find Out What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You:

http://www.cholesterol-and-health.com

February 19, 2007

Here's where that cuppa Joe is VERY GOOD for you:

Dr. Lee Wattenberg et. al showed in 1981 that kahweol and cafestol

palmitate in coffee increase activity of glutathione S-transferase,

the enzyme that creates glutathione, the antioxidant we're increasing

by using the precursors in undenatured whey.

Glutathione is part of the carcinogen detoxification mechanism as well

as being used in neutralizing free radicals that have been implicated

in the initiation of cancer.

In mice these detoxification systems were enhanced 600 percent in the

liver and 700 percent in the bowel when coffee beans are added to the

mice's diet.

This may interest those who are paying attention to detoxification and

to their liver and bowel health.

Duncan

February 19, 2007

Ducan,

> Dr. Lee Wattenberg et. al showed in 1981 that kahweol and cafestol

> palmitate in coffee increase activity of glutathione S-transferase,

> the enzyme that creates glutathione, the antioxidant we're increasing

> by using the precursors in undenatured whey.

Coffee also decreases sulfonation. Sulfonation can activate toxins,

but it is also a detoxification pathway in most cases. I know a

number of people who are sensitive to various amines and phenolic

compounds in foods benefit from epsom salts and/or molybdenum (which

increases the production of sulfate) supplements, so I'm inclined to

think that in some people (probably not everyone) the depression of

sulfonation would be a substnatial negative.

I find that I get eczema from some amines, it seems, probably mostly

histamine. (And I also seem to react somewhat to tyramine and

tryptamine.) But kale and broccoli also do a number on my skin, and

the only explanation is that the combination of quercitin, kaempferol,

and other flavonoids is depressing sulfonation enough to interfere

with my detoxification of the amines.

There are a lot of things that increase glutathione sulfotransferase,

and I'm inclined to think that the ones that don't depress sulfonation

are better, at least for certain people. But I'm sure it depends on

the individual, their varying enzyme activities, and which toxins

they're most exposed to.

Chris

--

The Truth About Cholesterol

Find Out What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You:

http://www.cholesterol-and-health.com

February 19, 2007

Thanks Chris;

So, people who do respond negatively to depressed sulfonation might

also use the whey if they drink coffee so sulfonation decrease is not

too pronounced (whey contains organic sulfur), yet glutathione levels

are enhanced.

Beneficial compromise, yes?

Someone just wrote to me a couple of days ago about inadequate

glutathione-producing enzyme; this may indicate a couple of cups of

coffee with the whey might help.

I seem to have a histmine iussue that is considerably reduced when I

use undenatured whey, and increases again when I stop using the whey

for a week or so. Just might be the thing you're talking about.

Thanks. I do use coffee but only 2-4 cups daily.

Duncan

>

> Ducan,

>

> > Dr. Lee Wattenberg et. al showed in 1981 that kahweol and cafestol

> > palmitate in coffee increase activity of glutathione S-

transferase,

> > the enzyme that creates glutathione, the antioxidant we're

increasing

> > by using the precursors in undenatured whey.

>

> Coffee also decreases sulfonation. Sulfonation can activate toxins,

> but it is also a detoxification pathway in most cases. I know a

> number of people who are sensitive to various amines and phenolic

> compounds in foods benefit from epsom salts and/or molybdenum (which

> increases the production of sulfate) supplements, so I'm inclined to

> think that in some people (probably not everyone) the depression of

> sulfonation would be a substnatial negative.

>

> I find that I get eczema from some amines, it seems, probably mostly

> histamine. (And I also seem to react somewhat to tyramine and

> tryptamine.) But kale and broccoli also do a number on my skin,

and

> the only explanation is that the combination of quercitin,

kaempferol,

> and other flavonoids is depressing sulfonation enough to interfere

> with my detoxification of the amines.

>

> There are a lot of things that increase glutathione

sulfotransferase,

> and I'm inclined to think that the ones that don't depress

sulfonation

> are better, at least for certain people. But I'm sure it depends on

> the individual, their varying enzyme activities, and which toxins

> they're most exposed to.

>

> Chris

> --

> The Truth About Cholesterol

> Find Out What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You:

> http://www.cholesterol-and-health.com

>

February 19, 2007

Duncan,

> So, people who do respond negatively to depressed sulfonation might

> also use the whey if they drink coffee so sulfonation decrease is not

> too pronounced (whey contains organic sulfur), yet glutathione levels

> are enhanced.

Yes, I think in general everyone would benefit from boosting

glutathione, and also many things can be detoxified in multiple

pathways. From what I have read, histamine detoxification does not

require sulfonation. I'm not even sure if it can get sulfonated. But

I know that tyramine can get sulfonated, and that histamine can be

detoxified by monoamine oxidase, which is the usual detoxifying enzyme

for tyramine, so sulfonating tyramine could probably free up some

other enzymes for detoxifying histamine regardless of whether the

histamine gets sulfonated or not (I'm not sure whether it does). So

yes, I think boosting any detoxification pathway is going to exert

some sparing effect that allows one to deal with the suppression of

another.

> Someone just wrote to me a couple of days ago about inadequate

> glutathione-producing enzyme; this may indicate a couple of cups of

> coffee with the whey might help.

Milk thistle boosts glutathione sulfotransferase (GST) quite well, and

it doesn't to my knowledge depress sulfonation. People with food

chemical problems (amines, salicylates, phenol, etc) tend to do well

on milk thistle even though they seem to need increased sulfonation,

so I'm guessing it doesn't have the sulfonation-depressing drawback

that other GST-boosting things have.

> I seem to have a histmine iussue that is considerably reduced when I

> use undenatured whey, and increases again when I stop using the whey

> for a week or so. Just might be the thing you're talking about.

> Thanks. I do use coffee but only 2-4 cups daily.

Hmm. I've been lax with mine. I'm going to try to boost it up and

see what happens.

Chris

--

The Truth About Cholesterol

Find Out What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You:

http://www.cholesterol-and-health.com

February 19, 2007

Wow Duncan! I can't believe you consume 2-4 cups of coffee a day.

I'm in shock! Please tell us why in light of this (from the

newstarget link in my previous post):

The experts speak on caffeine, exhaustion and fatigue:

" Caffeine's immediate effects on your body "

It doesn't take a genius to see that there might be a downside to all

of this neuron activity. In fact, uncontrolled neuron firing creates

an emergency situation, which triggers the pituitary gland in the

brain to secrete ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone). ACTH tells the

adrenal glands to pump out stress hormones—the next major side effect

of caffeine.

Caffeine Blues By Cherniske MS, page 56

Within five minutes after you drink your morning coffee, the caffeine

begins to stimulate your central nervous system, triggering the

release of stress hormones in your body, causing a stress ( " fight or

flight " ) response. The stress hormones are useful if you need to

prepare yourself to fight or flee a dangerous situation, but if you

are simply sitting at your desk you may feel a short charge of

alertness, quickly followed by feelings of agitation. Within the next

hour or so, after the stress response dissipates, you will probably

feel more tired and hungry. At these low-energy times, many people

reach for another cup of coffee, or eat a snack that is often high in

sugar to " pep up " and stay alert. However, both caffeine and sugar

only give you temporary feelings of increased energy, which quickly

dissipate. For some people, this cycle of low energy followed by an

infusion of caffeine or food continues the entire day -- leaving them

feeling exhausted and unable to focus by 3:00 p.m. because they are

drained from the ups and downs in energy their body endured

throughout the day.

Active Wellness By Gayle Reichler MS RD CDN, page 12

Among other things, it stimulates the production of adrenaline, one

of the hormones secreted by the adrenal glands to help us in extreme

emergency situations. Our adrenals evolved to give our early

ancestors the extra strength and alertness needed to escape a saber

tooth tiger attack, but we don't often need that much adrenaline

these days. Like sugar, coffee constantly stimulates the production

of adrenaline, putting excessive wear and tear on the adrenal glands.

And let's not forget that green tea and black tea contain caffeine,

and even decaf still contains some caffeine. If you're sensitive to

caffeine it can keep you awake at night even if you haven't had any

since noon. If you're suffering from insomnia, your best bet is to

drink nonstimulating herbal teas such as chamomile or mint in the

evening. If you need a boost in the afternoon, try a cup of ginseng

tea.

Prescription Alternatives by Earl Mindell RPh PhD and Virginia

Hopkins MA, page 388

Caffeine triggers a stress response that involves a surge in adrenal

hormones and the classic fight-or-flight " emergency, " affecting

virtually every cell in the body.

Caffeine Blues By Cherniske MS, page 98

Everybody " knows " that caffeine makes you more alert and clearheaded.

Think again. A cup of coffee gives you a wakeup jolt because it

triggers a stress response. Your adrenal glands are prompted to kick

out the same stress hormones that are released when you perceive an

external threat or danger. Your muscles tense, your blood sugar

elevates for extra energy, your pulse and respiration rates speed up,

and your state of alertness increases so you're ready to wrestle with

or run from environmental dangers. You may be only sitting at your

table or desk drinking a cup of coffee, but your body doesn't know

that. It's preparing for action.

The Memory Solution by Dr n Whitaker, page 261

Caffeine increases the stimulating neurohormone, noradrenaline, and

reduces the calming neurotransmitter, serotonin.

The Crazy Makers by Carol Simontacchi, page 191

Caffeine also stimulates the production of norepinephrine, another

stress hormone that acts directly on the brain and nervous system.

Epinephrine and norepinephrine are responsible for increased heart

rate, increased blood pressure, and that " emergency " feeling. In

fact, the emergency is quite real. caffeine can trigger a classic

fight-or-flight stress reaction with all of the results listed in

Illustration.

Caffeine Blues By Cherniske MS, page 57

I particularly recommend that you avoid caffeine. What caffeine

actually does is set off a stress response. It stimulates your

adrenal glands to make epinephrine and norepinephrine—the same stress

hormones that are produced in response to any stressor. This sets the

stress response in motion, causing tense muscles, elevated blood

sugar, and increased pulse and respiration. You may feel mentally

sharper because your brain is high on adrenaline. It's ready to

rumble. One cup of coffee for most people isn't damaging. But as you

may recall from our discussion of the three stages of the stress

response, if stress hormones remain elevated, the body is thrown into

a state of chronic stress. By sipping on coffee, tea, or caffeinated

soda all day long, you are forcing your adrenal glands to continue to

pump out stress hormones.

The Memory Solution by Dr n Whitaker, page 165

Caffeine works by mimicking a hormone that tells the adrenal glands

to crank out more adrenaline. The adrenal glands think there is a

stressful situation and that they are supposed to be making more

adrenal hormone.

Herbal Defense by Ralph T Golan ND, page 280

A dosage of 50 to 100 mg caffeine, the amount in one cup of coffee,

will produce a temporary increase in mental clarity and energy levels

while simultaneously reducing drowsiness. It also improves muscular-

coordinated work activity, such as typing. Through its CNS

stimulation, caffeine increases brain activity; however, it also

stimulates the cardiovascular system, raising blood pressure and

heart rate. It generally speeds up our body by increasing our basal

metabolic rate (BMR), which burns more calories. Initially, caffeine

may lower blood sugar; however, this can lead to increased hunger or

cravings for sweets. After adrenal stimulation, blood sugar rises

again. Caffeine also increases respiratory rates, and for people with

tight airways, it can open breathing passages. Caffeine is also a

diuretic and a mild laxative.

The New Detox Diet by Elson M Haas MD, page 30

Caffeine and nicotine overstimulate the adrenal glands. When these

substances, other stressors, and a generally poor diet are combined,

the adrenals can enter into a state of emergency. They become

depleted of important vitamins, such as B-complex vitamins and

vitamin C.

Complete Encyclopedia Of Natural Healing by Null PhD, page 233

Although we think of caffeine in coffee as the " wake-me-up " chemical,

chronic use of it may cause fatigue, headache, moodiness, and

depression in some people. Because caffeine boosts energy through

increasing the production of ATP, the basic unit of energy production

in your body, one school of thought suggests that chronically

stimulating this system may deplete it, sort of like overworking the

soil in farmland. Recommendation: If you are a caffeine junkie (more

than 3 cups of coffee a day) and can't get through the day without

your coffee fix, you may be promoting your fatigue with caffeine and

need a rest period. Go slowly with your reduction to zero caffeine to

avoid developing overwhelming sleepiness and a bad headache.

Doctors Complete Guide Vitamins Minerals by D Eades MD, page 324

Caffeine can have a detrimental effect on blood sugar. When caffeine

is ingested, the nervous system is stimulated. Adrenaline is released

and, in turn, the liver begins to emit stored blood sugar. Insulin is

then released, and blood sugar drops below normal—a common seizure

trigger for people with epilepsy. Caffeine can also constrict blood

vessels in the brain. It is important for people with epilepsy to

know that caffeine can be an ingredient in medications, including

some antihistamines and decongestants.

Disease Prevention And Treatment by Life Extension Foundation, page

739

For an optimal response to our plan, we recommend eliminating or

sharply reducing your caffeine intake. Caffeine raises levels of

adrenaline, causes overexcitation, increases stress, and impairs the

relaxation response. It's hard to be at peace when you're revved up

on caffeine.

Ultraprevention by Mark Hyman MD and Mark Liponis MD, page 241

Watch out for coffee. The caffeine in coffee can upset blood-sugar

levels, leaving you fatigued and longing for a quick-pick-me-up

snack. Limit coffee to two cups a day.

Food & Mood By Somer MA RD, page 57

Caffeine, in fact, is the most widely used cognitive-enhancement

product in our society. Numerous tests have proved that, when used in

moderate amounts, caffeine boosts concentration and alertness.

Because it is a stimulant, it increases output of adrenaline, and can

temporarily improve memory and mood.

Brain Longevity by Dharma Singh Khalsa M.D. with Cameron Stauth, page

266

Caffeine acts directly upon the central nervous system. It brings

about an almost immediate sense of clearer thought and lessens

fatigue. It also stimulates the release of stored sugar from the

liver, which accounts for the " lift " coffee, cola, and chocolate

give. But these benefits may be far outweighed by the side effects:

Vitamin Bible for the 21st Century by Earl Mindell, page 315

Caffeine doesn't add energy to your system, it just burns up your

reserves at a faster pace. You get a short-term boost at the expense

of long-term jitters and fatigue.

The Unofficial Guide to Beating Stress by Pat Goudey, page 136

On the physical level, we need a steady source of energy to

accomplish our goals. Nothing is more frustrating than to be

motivated, to have a great plan, but no energy to carry it out. When

I ask patients about their reasons for drinking coffee, the most

common response is: " I need the energy. " The irony is that caffeine

is a major cause of fatigue. Depending on caffeine to get you through

the day might work for a while, but in the long run it will make your

dreams harder and harder to achieve.

Caffeine Blues By Cherniske MS, page 43

Avoid caffeine -- it increases the stress hormones and adrenaline,

which causes a spike in blood sugar.

Ultraprevention by Mark Hyman MD and Mark Liponis MD, page 306

" Constant 'fight-or-flight' mode and the caffeine rollercoaster "

If you continue to drink coffee or other beverages containing

caffeine throughout the day, your adrenal glands will be constantly

stimulated and you will find yourself in a chronic state of stress.

Extra stress, I guarantee, you don't need—it takes a toll on your

body and brain. And even though most people think caffeine makes them

mentally sharper, studies demonstrate that, in fact, the opposite is

true.

The Memory Solution by Dr n Whitaker, page 261

Cut back on sugar and caffeine. These quick-fix solutions to lagging

energy and poor mood fuel your fatigue and depression and aggravate

food cravings. You can achieve the same neurotransmitter " fix, " but

provide your body with a sustained energy boost and mood elevation,

by switching to fiber-rich carbohydrates, such as breads, rice,

pasta, low-sugar cereals, and starchy vegetables. Coffee is a mixed

bag. One to two cups a day boosts energy and mood, but more than

that -- especially in people who are unknowingly sensitive to

caffeine—can fuel the fatigue spiral. Never consume sugar and

caffeine together, and include the occasional sweet treat with a

meal -- don't eat sweets alone.

Food & Mood By Somer MA RD, page 274

Using sugar as a quick fix for dwindling energy results in a

temporary high. In the long run, it could create a vicious

cycle. " The person suffering from chronic tiredness and depression

who turns to sugary foods may relieve the fatigue and feel better for

a short while, but the depression and fatigue return, " says Dr. Chris-

tensen. The person then must either reach for another sugar fix or

seek help elsewhere. As opposed to the temporary sugar high,

eliminating sugar and caffeine from the diet is a permanent

solution. " Ninety percent of our patients went cold turkey

[eliminated all sugar and caffeine from the diet}. They felt worse at

first, but an overwhelming number of them felt better and had more

energy within a week, " says Dr. Christensen.

Food & Mood By Somer MA RD, page 110

It is also interesting to note that several studies have found

caffeine intake to be extremely high in individuals with psychiatric

disorders. Another interesting finding is that the degree of fatigue

experienced is often related to the quantity of caffeine ingested. In

one survey of hospitalized psychiatric patients, 61% of those

ingesting at least 750 mg/day (at least five cups of coffee)

complained of fatigue, compared with 54% of those ingesting 250-749

mg/day, and only 24% of those ingesting less than 250 mg/day.

Textbook of Natural Medicine Volumes 1-2 by ph E Pizzorno and

T Murray, page 433

" Caffeinism and chronic fatigue "

" Caffeinism " is a state of chronic toxicity resulting from excess

caffeine consumption. Caffeinism usually combines physical addiction

with a wide range of debilitating effects, most notably anxiety,

irritability, mood swings, sleep disturbance, depression, and

fatigue.

Caffeine Blues By Cherniske MS, page 36

Although caffeine consumption provides temporary stimulation, regular

caffeine intake may actually lead to chronic fatigue. While mice fed

one dose of caffeine demonstrated significant increases in their

swimming capacity, when the dose of caffeine was given for six weeks,

a significant decrease in swimming capacity was observed.

Encyclopedia Of Natural Medicine by T Murray MD ph L

Pizzorno ND, page 368

Caffeine does not provide energy—only chemical stimulation. The

perceived " energy " comes from the body's struggle to adapt to

increased blood levels of stress hormones. In most cases, this

induced emergency state leads to well-defined side effects

collectively known as caffeinism. Ironically, caffeinism is

characterized by fatigue.

Caffeine Blues By Cherniske MS, page 10

While coffee, tea and other substances containing caffeine may be

used as stimulants to overcome the toxic effects of sedative drug

poisoning, they tend to charge the adrenals and thus deplete the

body's reserves.

Planetary Herbology by Tierra CA ND, page 241

Let's face it, remaining healthy and strong throughout life is a

battle. Caffeine is the Trojan horse. It looks like a gift but

instead delivers adrenal stress, low blood sugar, mood and energy

swings, fatigue, depression, malnutrition, and disturbed sleep. By

now, you are starting to see the full scope of how caffeine affects

the quality of life. Caffeinism is a gradual and at first

imperceptible disorder.

Caffeine Blues By Cherniske MS, page 94

The truth about caffeine and energy is finally getting out.

Physicians are starting to warn their patients about

caffeine " rebound, " and an article in U.S. News & World Report listed

caffeine addiction as a major cause of fatigue, including a " crash "

that occurs after caffeine " buzz " wears off. People who become aware

of this powerful influence on energy and mood and take steps to

improve their energy naturally can experience remarkable improvements

in their quality of life.

Caffeine Blues By Cherniske MS, page 119

" Adrenal fatigue "

The caffeine connection has been hidden by the fact that treatment

for adrenal dysfunction disorders tends to be shortsighted and one-

dimensional. As I have explained before, understanding the health

effects of caffeine requires a long view, perhaps encompassing most

of one's lifetime. And from that long-term view, a two-phase

phenomenon is revealed.

Caffeine Blues By Cherniske MS, page 205

Another concern is that caffeine addiction often occurs along with

other substance abuses, nicotine and sugar most commonly. Caffeine,

like sugar, over stimulates the adrenals and then weakens them with

persistent or chronic use. First, sugar stimulates and weakens the

adrenals, which creates fatigue. Then we use caffeine to keep us

aware and awake, further depleting our adrenals, to which many

respond by drinking more caffeine with sugar. In addition, people who

overuse caffeine tend to need more tranquilizers and sleeping pills

to help them relax or sleep.

Staying Healthy With Nutrition by Elson M Haas MD, page 937

Reduce or eliminate caffeine from your diet. Caffeine puts additional

stress on your adrenal glands.

Enhancing Heart Health by budoff MD FACC, page 61

But caffeine overstimulates the nerves and glands. It drains the

adrenal system, damages the thyroid, and can trigger heart

arrhythmias. In female and male menopause, caffeine plays a role:

Breast cysts and lumps are common in women, while men suffer from

caffeine-induced prostate problems.

Food Swings by Barnet Meltzer MD, page 56

In Phase 1 of the caffeine/adrenal relationship, stress hormones are

pumped out in excessive amounts. This action suppresses immunity and

increases risk for a number of health disorders, especially

cardiovascular disease. It also lowers production of DHEA, a hormone

critical to the optimum functioning of your immune, cardiovascular,

reproductive, and nervous systems.

Caffeine Blues By Cherniske MS, page 208

The active ingredient in kola nut is caffeine. It is used both for

its stimulating action as well as its flavor and color in various

soft drinks. Its use for depression and fatigue, therefore, is purely

symptomatic. A continual reliance on such symptomatic treatments as

this and others such as coffee or tea (Camellia sinensis) for

tiredness and fatigue is bound to deplete further the body's

reserves, setting one up for more chronic degenerative conditions.

Fatigue and tiredness usually have a cause that should be discovered

and treated at a deeper level with diet, herbs and appropriate

physiotherapy and lifestyle adjustments.

The Way Of Herbs by Tierra, page 150

Although acute caffeine consumption provides stimulation, regular

caffeine intake may actually lead to chronic fatigue. While mice fed

one dose of caffeine demonstrated significant increases in their

swimming capacity, when the dose of caffeine was given for 6 weeks, a

significant decrease in swimming capacity was observed.

Textbook of Natural Medicine Volumes 1-2 by ph E Pizzorno and

T Murray, page 433

Caffeine depletes the body of B vitamins, which you need for proper

brain and nervous system functioning and for converting food to

energy, says Murray, N.D., a naturopathic physician in

Seattle and author of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Getting Well

Naturally. To make matters worse, it also prevents iron absorption,

says Dr. Murray, which can lead to anemia, a condition in which you

have too few oxygen-carrying red blood cells and which is a major

contributor to fatigue.

The Complete Book Of Alternative Nutrition by Selene Y Craig, page

389

" After prolonged 'caffeinism,' your body enters a state of adrenal

exhaustion "

Habitual caffeine use ultimately leads to Phase 2, what has been

called adrenal insufficiency or adrenal exhaustion. This condition

bears more than a casual resemblance to the post-traumatic stress

syndrome experienced by soldiers returning from combat. In effect,

the adrenal glands simply wear out from chronic stimulation.

Caffeine Blues By Cherniske MS, page 206

But with caffeine, we don't provide the glands anything to make that

hormone out of—we just cry " emergency " and force them to figure it

out, one way or another. So the body reaches down into its reserves

and makes more hormone because it thinks it is the right thing to do.

Caffeine forces your glands to secrete when they don't have much left

to give, and they have to keep digging deeper and deeper, making you

more and more tired over time. And over the years, it takes more and

more coffee to get the same result. Some people reach the point of

drinking half a dozen or more cups a day and it's barely keeping them

awake. That's severe adrenal depletion.

Herbal Defense by Ralph T Golan ND, page 280

Another concern is that caffeine is often consumed along with other

substances such as nicotine and sugar. Like sugar, caffeine

overstimulates the adrenals and then weakens them with persistent or

chronic use. A cycle develops where first sugar stimulates and

weakens the adrenals, creating fatigue to which we then respond by

drinking caffeine to stay awake. In addition, people who overuse

caffeine tend to need more tranquilizers and sleeping pills to help

them relax or sleep. Caffeine is a lifetime drug for many. We begin

at a young age with hot chocolate or chocolate bars, move into colas

or other soft drinks, and then add coffee and tea.

The New Detox Diet by Elson M Haas MD, page 30

Dr. Hibbs describes a male patient suffering from many effects of

stress, including fatigue and constipation. The patient relied

heavily on coffee to keep him going physically and had developed

chronic adrenal fatigue. Dr. Hibbs took him off caffeine and sugar,

which are both stimulants and were taxing his system. Appropriate

exercise and dietary changes were made and he was put on adrenal

supportive supplements containing glandular tissue, herbs, and

nutrients. His bowel habits normalized quickly and remained that way

when he stopped the adrenal supplements several months later.

Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 688

The adrenal exhaustion/stress/fatigue/hypoglycemia syndrome is tied

to caffeine use as well. Caffeine has an overall effect of increasing

blood sugar (especially when it is sweetened), as it stimulates the

adrenals. Both stress and sugar use tend to pressure and weaken the

adrenal function. Recovery from the resulting fatigue requires rest,

stress reduction, and sugar avoidance, but caffeine can override this

fatigue and restimulate the adrenals. This process can eventually

lead to chronic fatigue, adrenal exhaustion, and subsequent inability

to handle stress and sugar intake. Caffeine will then be of little

help.

Staying Healthy With Nutrition by Elson M Haas MD, page 942

Research is revealing that cortisol and DHEA, both produced in the

adrenal cortex, hold an inverse relationship. As serum cortisol

increases, DHEA levels fall. It may be that stress and caffeine

create such a high need for cortisol that the exhausted adrenals

simply cannot maintain production of DHEA at optimal levels.

Caffeine Blues By Cherniske MS, page 68

Caffeine is undeniably an effective central nervous system stimulant.

It stimulates the brain, increases the secretion of adrenaline

(epinephrine), and boosts heart rate. Although relatively safe, long-

term use in excess of 250 to 300 mg daily may cause numerous health

problems. Caffeine has been known to raise blood-cholesterol levels,

deplete B vitamins, irritate the stomach and bladder, exhaust the

adrenals, and possibly lead to breast and prostate problems.

Off The Shelf Natural Health How To Use Herbs And Nutrients To Stay

Well By Mark Mayell, page 112

Far too many people overconsume caffeine, however. This occurs, I

think, because people simply do not have enough natural energy.

Instead of getting enough sleep, nutrients, and exercise to provide

the energy they need, people depend upon caffeine to push them

through the day. The short-term price for this dependency is

nervousness, irritability, insomnia, and a " rebound effect " of

lethargy and mental lassitude. The long-term price is burnout of the

adrenal glands, and a body that has been exhausted by artificial

stimulation.

Brain Longevity by Dharma Singh Khalsa M.D. with Cameron Stauth, page

266

Fatigue, childbirth, or injury to the kidney-adrenal area, also

steroid drugs or excess use of stimulants, including caffeine, to the

point of adrenal exhaustion, can all harm sexual strength for men and

women alike. Muscles can become weak. Blood circulation and nerve

sensitivity can become impaired. These are important factors in

sexual strength. Some sexologists think of the vagina as a muscle.

Asian Health Secrets by Letha Hadady DAc, page 423

According to Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., dizziness when standing after

sitting or lying down can be an indication of adrenal exhaustion. The

individual should take action to restore adrenal health by stopping

the use of stimulants (caffeine, tobacco, alcohol) and via rest and

normalization of lifestyle and nutritional balance.

Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 1014

" In other words, caffeine affects your body just like any drug:

Addiction and withdrawal "

Caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world. Studies show that

abstinence induces a withdrawal syndrome of fatigue, headache and

drowsiness within 24 hours and lasts about a week, on giving up the

habit.

Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Bartram, page 83

The second way that caffeine contributes to depression is, of course,

the withdrawal reaction, the most prevalent symptoms being headache,

depression, and fatigue. Three facts are important to grasp in regard

to withdrawal. First of all, each of the symptoms compounds or

magnifies the depressive effect. Secondly, withdrawal can occur even

in light caffeine users. And third, withdrawal reactions can be

evident even when caffeine is withheld for just a few hours. Some

people feel depressed or anxious if they're simply late for their

morning or afternoon cup. That's not only a powerful motivation to

consume the beverage, but it also creates an often-unidentified

source of background stress.

Caffeine Blues By Cherniske MS, page 112

Almost all of the research that has been done on caffeine agrees that

it is definitely physically addictive. It is a mood-altering central

nervous system stimulant. Though milder in its effects, caffeine

manipulates the same neurochemical channels that amphetamines,

cocaine, and heroin do. Overuse of caffeine can result in a variety

of symptoms, including irregular heartbeat, sleeplessness, headaches,

nervousness, tremors, irritability, and depression. Withdrawing from

heavy caffeine use can cause symptoms, too, principally a nagging

headache that is unaffected by aspirin or other over-the-counter

painkillers, as well as fatigue, muscle pain, lethargy, and feelings

of depression. To break a caffeine addiction, therefore, it is best

to cut down gradually to avoid an uncomfortable withdrawal period.

Prescription For Dietary Wellness by Phyllis A Balch, page 230

It's this " more " that is a double-edged sword. The initial high from

caffeine is followed by mild withdrawal symptoms, one of which is

fatigue. A vicious cycle can result as you drink more coffee to

prevent the inevitable letdown. The fatigue, an irritable or

depressed mood, and reduced work performance associated with caffeine

withdrawal can begin within hours of the last cup and can last up to

a week or more. People's tolerance to caffeine varies widely.

Withdrawal symptoms are reported in some people even with small

amounts of daily caffeine, such as one to two cups, while other

people can tolerate higher doses with no problems.

Food & Mood By Somer MA RD, page 105

Caffeine, which has come to be many Americans' " drug of choice, " is

highly addictive. A number of people suffer severe withdrawal

symptoms—headache, fatigue, depression, muscle pains—when they

abruptly stop their coffee or indeed their caffeinated tea intake.

Caffeine also gives some people headaches and makes others quite

anxious. Coffee in particular irritates the stomach and may stimulate

the development of cysts in women's breasts.

Manifesto For A New Medicine By S Gordon MD, page 155

Caffeine is clearly addictive, completely unregulated, and its

presence in our foods and beverages is often hidden! Almost daily I

see a patient whose symptoms are made worse by the consumption of

caffeine. The drug contributes to palpitations, panic attacks,

hypoglycemia, gastritis, fatigue, insomnia, and PMS, to name a few.

Some people are so sensitive to caffeine that they don't realize a

fruit drink with hidden caffeine can cause their symptoms.

Caffeine Blues By Cherniske MS, page 10

Many people are addicted to caffeine. While studies attempting to

prove that caffeine is implicated in everything from heart disease to

high blood pressure have never been conclusive, I believe that the

damage excessive caffeine consumption does can't be ignored. Caffeine

wreaks havoc on your metabolism and creates a real stress that could

precipitate symptoms including headaches, fatigue, irritability,

inability to concentrate, depression, and nervousness.

Natural Prescriptions by Dr M Giller, page 10

Telling whether you are addicted to caffeine is simple, says Dr.

Griffiths. Just give up your caffeine sources—coffee, tea, soft

drinks —for a couple of days and see if you feel tired, headachy,

unmotivated, grumpy and depressed. Headaches and fatigue are the

classic signs of caffeine deprivation.

Food Your Miracle Medicine by Carper, page 277

A significant cause of general fatigue is caffeine withdrawal. Since

millions of Americans have caffeine addictions, caffeine-related

fatigue is a common problem. When a person accustomed to large

quantities of caffeine suddenly limits his or her intake, the result

will be fatigue, probably accompanied by a headache. Eliminating

dependence upon coffee and other caffeinated products is crucial to

maintaining health and avoiding debilitating bouts with fatigue.

Complete Encyclopedia Of Natural Healing by Null PhD, page 104

Anyone with regular caffeine intake should truly consider withdrawing

from their habit until they can reach a state of occasional use and

enjoyment. For caffeine detoxification, it is important to support

ourselves nutritionally while we eliminate or reduce our intake. If

we are clearly addicted to caffeine products or if we become

pregnant, we should quit totally. Breaking the habit by tapering down

or going " cold turkey " will be better handled with a good diet and

adrenal support.

Staying Healthy With Nutrition by Elson M Haas MD, page 942

If your body doesn't get its caffeine quota, it can go through a week

or two of withdrawal symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, intense

cravings for caffeine, constipation, anxiety, and a dim bulb where

you used to have bright ideas.

Alternative Cures by Bill Gottlieb, page 137

It is important for people with hypoglycemic-induced fatigue to alter

their diets, incorporating high-fiber, protein-containing complex

carbohydrates, such as oatmeal, into their meals, and consuming

nutritious snacks during the mid-morning and afternoon. Complex

carbohydrates and high-protein (from fish and vegetable sources)

diets can also be useful in combating fatigue resulting from caffeine

withdrawal.

Complete Encyclopedia Of Natural Healing by Null PhD, page 106

" Although the phenomenon of caffeine withdrawal has been described

previously, the present report documents that the incidence of

caffeine withdrawal is higher (100 percent of subjects), the daily

dose level at which withdrawal occurs is lower (roughly equivalent to

the amount of caffeine in a single cup of strong brewed coffee or

three cans of caffeinated soft drink), and the range of symptoms

experienced is broader (including headache, fatigue and other

dysphoric mood changes, muscle pain/stiffness, flu-like feelings,

nausea/vomiting and craving for caffeine) than heretofore

recognized. "

Caffeine Blues By Cherniske MS, page 189

Cut off from caffeine or limited to considerably less than they're

accustomed to, caffeine junkies complain of headaches, depression,

difficulty concentrating and fatigue.

The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Women, page 99

Some people run their bodies on caffeine and not on their basic life

force and the natural energy of their hormones, such as adrenal and

thyroid. Caffeine, although it is not seriously addicting, is very

habit forming. It is not particularly good for athletes or anyone

seriously interested in their health. Although it may improve

muscular work and short-term performance in both physical and mental

athletes, it creates depletion by its diuretic nutrients, and foods

can help balance this.

Staying Healthy With Nutrition by Elson M Haas MD, page 939

Do not consume any caffeine, alcohol, or sugar. Eating sugar in any

form—including fructose and honey—promotes fatigue, increases pain,

and disturbs sleep. If these substances have been a regular part of

your diet, your symptoms may actually get worse for a short period as

a result of the " withdrawal " effect, but after that, you should

experience a noticeable improvement in your condition.

Prescription For Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A Balch CNC and

F Balch MD, page 377

Fatigue is a common symptom when you're quitting caffeine. One way to

beat it is to " thoroughly rub your ears and earlobes for a couple of

minutes when you wake up in the morning, " says Dierauf.

Alternative Cures by Bill Gottlieb, page 138

Headache isn't the only side effect you may experience from quitting

caffeine. It's just the most obvious. Your body, which has become

accustomed to drug-induced stimulation, needs to recover its natural

abundant energy supply. After all, most people consume caffeine to

boost their energy levels, so restoring natural energy production

once you're off the bean is critical. If you find yourself unable to

muster the oomph to face the day, or crippled by " brain fog " that

won't clear, you'll get discouraged quickly. Any program for quitting

caffeine must provide a variety of successful methods to deal with

fatigue so you don't go running back to caffeine.

Caffeine Blues By Cherniske MS, page 336

Be aware that abrupt cessation of coffee drinking will probably

result in symptoms of caffeine withdrawal, including fatigue,

headache, and an intense desire for coffee. Fortunately, this

withdrawal period doesn't last more than a few days.

Encyclopedia Of Natural Medicine by T Murray MD ph L

Pizzorno ND, page 368

>

> Thanks Chris;

>

> So, people who do respond negatively to depressed sulfonation might

> also use the whey if they drink coffee so sulfonation decrease is

not

> too pronounced (whey contains organic sulfur), yet glutathione

levels

> are enhanced.

>

> Beneficial compromise, yes?

>

> Someone just wrote to me a couple of days ago about inadequate

> glutathione-producing enzyme; this may indicate a couple of cups of

> coffee with the whey might help.

>

> I seem to have a histmine iussue that is considerably reduced when

I

> use undenatured whey, and increases again when I stop using the

whey

> for a week or so. Just might be the thing you're talking about.

> Thanks. I do use coffee but only 2-4 cups daily.

>

> Duncan

February 19, 2007

Sharon,

> Wow Duncan! I can't believe you consume 2-4 cups of coffee a day.

> I'm in shock! Please tell us why in light of this (from the

> newstarget link in my previous post):

That was about the highest text-to-citation ratio I've ever seen

(infinite). You cite plenty of opinions based on people's perception

of risks associated with physiology. But do you have any research to

show that:

a) people who consume more coffee have a greater risk of heatlh problems

coffee produces health problems in healthy people in intervention trial

c) everyone responds to caffeine in the same way

or

d) people respond differently, and the amount Duncan consumes is

inappropriate for him?

I personally do not tolerate caffeine that well and I feel best when I

drink 2-3 oz in the morning diluted with water into a 6-oz cup. I am

not opposed to the idea that my health would be better if I eliminated

coffee. However, I'm not all that confident that the coffee Duncan

drinks is an impediment to HIS health.

Chris

--

The Truth About Cholesterol

Find Out What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You:

http://www.cholesterol-and-health.com

February 20, 2007

Thanks Sharon,

Now I know why I had a love/hate relationship with caffeine.

It just didn't work for me... Though it wasn't fun quitting it back

in December, it helped me to use my diet, proper sleep, stress

management and exercise as my sources of energy instead of tricking

my body via a stimulant to squeeze out whatever I had in the energy

tank. This led to experiencing my true fatigued state caused by

dysposia and eventually to this group since my sub-par state of

health wasn't being masked any more.

I recall a documentary on Tibetan medicine as a treatment for

cancer. The doctor told the patients that no matter what they did

with diet and prayer and medicine, if they continued to drink coffee

they were had no chance for recovery. Sure enough one woman,

literally for the life of her, couldn't give up her java. This to

me is an indicaton that those with compromised immune systems would

be better served to give up coffee. As for relativly healthy people,

I don't know. Just know I feel much better without that stuff in MY

system.

Rock

> >

> > Thanks Chris;

> >

> > So, people who do respond negatively to depressed sulfonation

might

> > also use the whey if they drink coffee so sulfonation decrease

is

> not

> > too pronounced (whey contains organic sulfur), yet glutathione

> levels

> > are enhanced.

> >

> > Beneficial compromise, yes?

> >

> > Someone just wrote to me a couple of days ago about inadequate

> > glutathione-producing enzyme; this may indicate a couple of cups

of

> > coffee with the whey might help.

> >

> > I seem to have a histmine iussue that is considerably reduced

when

> I

> > use undenatured whey, and increases again when I stop using the

> whey

> > for a week or so. Just might be the thing you're talking about.

> > Thanks. I do use coffee but only 2-4 cups daily.

> >

> > Duncan

>

February 20, 2007