Caffeine is a great nervous system stimulant, makes you feel great within seconds of consumption. Every house has some caffeine stored in form of tea, coffee, carbonated drinks or chocolate. Many of us can’t start our day without a dose of tea or coffee. If we miss that dose, headache occurs and we feel sluggish throughout the day. Work efficiency reduces significantly and withdrawal symptoms start and your day is ruined even if you drink the missing dose of coffee.
Question arises, Do we really need to drink Coffee (Caffeine)?
Humans have been consuming caffeine on regular basis for last couple of centuries but what about time before then? There isn’t any recorded history of any mass scale consumption that we have right now. We have made our bodies addicted to the smell and taste of caffeine. It is the world’s most consumed psychoactive drug and it’s LEGAL. Last time I heard, drugs/medicine are for sick people right? If that’s the case then billions of people in world must be sick, right? Well, the answer is Yes and No.
After drinking a cup of tea daily for 26 years in my Life, including childhood. I have come to a conclusion that Caffeine must only be taken as a Medicine.
A normal Human, who is not suffering from any disease/illness does not need Caffeine.
The reason behind this big statement is pretty simple. Caffeine has a mild laxative and diuretic effect. Remember, how quickly you want to go to the restroom after drinking Cup of Joe. Coffee stimulates our colon muscles which leads to bowel movement. This is where the problem starts.
1. Coffee Prevents Food Nutrient Absorption
Caffeine puts huge stress on our digestive system and makes it work overtime. It forces food from stomach to intestines/colon to pass rapidly, resulting in diarrhea. This prevents our body from absorbing extremely important nutrients/electrolytes from the food that you ate. These include Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium and various other trace minerals. Coffee also makes you sweat and urinate a lot which makes you dehydrated. A dehydrated body leads to allergies, dizziness, anxiety and plethora of mental and physical discomforts.
2. Caffeine Aggravates Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Heartburn / Ulcers
If you have any digestive system related disorder, you must quit caffeine immediately. I know that caffeine makes you poop but seriously. It does more harm than benefit. I am speaking from experience after suffering from IBS+GERD (acid-reflux) for 8 years combined with severe case of sinusitis. You will suffer intense caffeine withdrawal symptoms but they will go away after a week. Keep yourself hydrated to counter the headaches and body aches.
3. Daily Tea/Coffee Consumption Slows Down Body Healing
I have mentioned it acts as a laxative, if you keep telling your body empty your intestines by drinking tea, the food won’t get absorbed properly. Then your body will not get required proteins/minerals to strengthen the bones and build muscle mass. As a result, your immune system will compromised. You will become weaker and your body will not heal quickly as it used to.
4. It will disrupt your Sleeping CycleÂ
Drinking excess caffeine in any form will deteriorate the quality of your sleep. Your sleeping cycle will be disrupted and you will wake up and sleep at odd times. In some cases it can insomnia too. Coffee also prevents you from entering deep sleep where you get dreams (it’s called Rapid Eye Movement sleep or REM sleep). It doesn’t take long for a sleep deprived person to become a raging monster, or perhaps a lazy sloth.
5. Drinking Daily Coffee/Tea can cause these diseases tooÂ
Caffeine is a great substance if regulated and used rarely as a medicine. Excess daily intake can cause a great list of physical diseases, the list is:
- Anxiety / Depression / Restlessness / Nervousness
- Sinusitis / Allergies / Hay Fever / Chills
- Toothache / Cavities / Gum swelling / Gingivitis
- Tremors / Shivering / Arthritis / Osteoporosis
- Bloating / Acid Reflux / SIBO / Peptic Ulcers
- Dandruff / Dry Skin / Hair Loss / Psoriasis
Final Words:
The verdict, statements are written based on my personal experience. I urge you guys try quitting caffeine temporarily and evaluate it’s effects on your body. I am sure you will be surprised how happy and relaxed your body will feel.
About Caffeine Withdrawal:
Quitting caffeine cold turkey or abruptly will cause headaches, body pain, sleepiness and constipation as your body takes time to adjust to newer and healthy lifestyle. The withdrawal effects of caffeine last for 6 days. During this period always keep your self hydrated and take appropriate rest/sleep. Magnesium supplements or Mg rich foods can also be eaten to lower withdrawal symptoms to a great extent.
Disclaimer: The statements made on this article are not evaluated by Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not intended as professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult a certified medical doctor/practitioner for diagnosis and treatment of your ailment.
