Most of us wake up in the morning and reach for a cup of coffee to kick-start our day. According to the International Coffee Organization, approximately 1.6 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide every day.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) state that the average amount of caffeine consumed in the US is approximately 300 mg per person per day – the equivalent to between two and four cups of coffee. This is considered to be a moderate caffeine intake.
But some studies suggest that one or two cups of coffee a day may negatively impacts our health. The top health problems found to be related to caffeine are:
1. Cardiovascular problems. Caffeine increases heart rate, elevates blood pressure, and can contribute to the development of heart disease. Unfortunately, both regular coffee and decaf are included in this risk. Caffeine is also linked to coronary vasospasm which is the cause 20% of all fatal heart attacks that kill otherwise healthy people.
2. Stress. Caffeine stimulates the excretion of stress hormones, which can produce increased levels of anxiety, irritability, muscular tension, pain, insomnia, and decreased immunity.
3. Emotional Disturbances. Anxiety and irritability are emotional disturbances as well as depression and attention disorders.
4. Caffeine decreases mental activity. It decreases blood flow up to 30% and negatively affects memory and mental performance.
5. Blood Sugar Swings. Caffeine temporary stimulates a sugar surge in the blood stream followed by an over production of insulin, which causes the blood sugar to crash. It is advised that Diabetics avoid caffeine for this reason.
6. Gastrointestinal Problems. Coffee increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid that leads to an increased risk for ulcers.
7. Mens health research has found that in the majority of cases, men can significantly reduce their risk for urinary and prostrate problems by cutting coffee and caffeine out.
8. Nutritional deficiencies. Caffeine inhibits the absorption of some nutrients as well as the excretion of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and trace minerals, in the urine. All these elements are essential for good health.
9. Female hormone imbalances. Fibrocystic breast disease, PMS, osteoporosis, infertility problems, woman who take birth control pills should avoid caffeine because they prevent the body from detoxifying caffeine.
10. Aging . The production of DHEA, melatonin and other vital hormones decline with age, but caffeine speeds up the process.Caffeine also dehydrates the body which contributes to aging of the skin and kidneys.
11. Caffeine has been shown to inhibit DNA repair and to slow the ability of the liver to detoxify foreign toxins
12. Adrenal Exhaustion. Caffeine causes adrenal exhaustion, which weakens the immune system and opens one up to a variety of health disorders related to inflammation, fatigue, and autoimmunity.
Some healthy alternatives to coffee:
1. Herbal Tea
2. Rooibos
3. Roasted grains- these are korean and japanese teas made from barley and corn.
4. White coffee. This is a Lebanese after dinner beverage made with orange.
5. Boil Ginger Honey Lemon and a pinch of sea salt.
Laura Schwalm is a Master psychic Healer who offers services, coaching and workshops in Holistic and Spiritual practices that heal and balance the body, mind, and spirit. To read more about Laura’s services go to www.pureenergyhealer.com. If you are in the NYC area and you want to learn Holistic and Spiritual practices go to www.meetup.com/holistic-and-spiritual-transitions/
