Nine out of 10 North Americans take a psychotropic (mind-altering) drug daily.
The culprit? Everyday, ordinary, over-the-counter caffeine.
How can that be?
Do you know many people who don’t drink at least one cup of coffee a day? Or tea? Or guzzle down a soda? Although caffeine free sodas are available, they are not nearly as good a seller as “the real thing”. People often think of “caffeine free” as being for children or those with medical problems.
But I need a lift now and then! And caffeine isn’t addictive, is it?
An addictive substance produces observable and measurable physical and mental effects when it is withdrawn. In this sense, even small doses of caffeine, taken regularly over time, will usually produce some degree of addiction.
A good way to check yourself is to stop all caffeine intake for a few days. The most common physical withdrawal symptom is headache, varying from mild to severe. Other physical manifestations include feelings of exhaustion, lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting. The good thing is symptoms only last from one to five days.
Psychological withdrawal can be even harder. People become accustomed to reaching for the pick-me-up throughout the day. The urge can be compared to the desire for a cigarette – it may be difficult ro resist.
Does caffeine damage the body?
• Most obvious is an overstimulated nervous system with tremors, nervousness, anxiety and sleep problems. In time these symptoms give way to chronic fatigue, lack of energy, and persistent insomnia.
• Caffeinated beverages can cause stomach irritation. While additives are primarily responsible for this effect, caffeine itself has a constricting effect on blood vessels. It can thus interfere with digestion.
• Caffeinated drinks stimulate the stomach to excrete excessive acid. This may cause or aggravate ulcers.
• Caffeine increases energy by raising blood sugar levels. These, in turn, draw out and insulin response which not only cancels the surge, but produces the yo-yo syndrome – reaching for another caffeinated drink, and then another and yet another.
• Caffeine also irritates the kidneys and acts as a diuretic (increased urine output).
• Caffeine often stimulates the heart to beat faster and makes a person more susceptible to an irregular heart beat.
Are there some healthful alternatives to the caffeine high?
Some find that ending the morning shower with a blast of cold water is quite stimulating. During the day, stand up, stretch, and take a few deep breaths every hour or so.
Take a brisk walk at break time or during lunch hour. Drink a cup of cold (or hot) water several times a day. Walk to a window and relax your eyes on the distant landscape. Tidy up your work area. All these good things will make you feel better. Look for other creative ways to get a lift without the letdown.
In a crisis, would just a little caffeine really matter?
Occasional small doses of caffeine will hardly make a difference. The trouble is, most of us have a hard time knowing when to stop.