ADMIN: THE GREAT CAFFEINE DEBATE

[Guest guest]

Let's not let things get out of hand.

I think it's important that when things get emotional, everyone

should step back and take a breather.

Simply presenting the FACTS and allowing people to decide for

themselves whether or not those facts hold up, in other words, is

probably what's best.

Here are the facts that I found from Merck, a reliable medical

source, who quotes another source (which might NOT be reliable)

about caffeine:

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This information is provided by an independent source. Merck & Co.,

Inc. is not responsible for this content. Please discuss any and all

treatment options with your healthcare professional. The

manufacturer of a product generally has the most complete

information about that product.

Caffeine Withdrawal

Caffeine is an alkaloid found in tea, coffee, chocolate and kola

nuts. It's an addictive substance that acts as a stimulant in the

body. Its effect varies with the individual. The International

Olympic Committee has banned caffeine because it can raise an

athlete's metabolic level, blood temperature, blood pressure and

blood sugar level.

In the general population, excessive caffeine can cause high blood

pressure, vomiting and convulsions. High amounts of caffeine (five

or six cups of brewed coffee a day) may cause jitteriness, anxiety,

headaches, sleep deprivation and increased metabolic rate.

Cutting back or suddenly eliminating caffeine can cause withdrawal

symptoms. These include severe, throbbing headaches, drowsiness or

decreased sociability and anxiety. Caffeine withdrawal may also

resemble the flu, with muscle stiffness, nausea and waves of hot or

cold sensations sweeping the body.

Some people who have a lifelong habit of drinking only one six-ounce

cup of coffee a day (105 to 150 mg of caffeine) will experience

caffeine withdrawal if they stop. Others who binge on caffeinated

products for a short period may show withdrawal symptoms. Discomfort

usually begins 12 to 24 hours after eliminating caffeine. Peak

withdrawal symptoms strike between 20 to 48 hours after abstinence

and can last from two days to a week.

How to avoid caffeine withdrawal

To avoid caffeine withdrawal, gradually cut back on caffeinated

products. Taper them off over several weeks. Start by eliminating

the evening cup of coffee or drinking half-caffeinated, half-

decaffeinated coffee instead of the full-strength brew. If you drink

tea, brew it for shorter times. Tea brewed for one minute has one-

half to two-thirds the caffeine of tea steeped for five minutes. See

your doctor if headaches, mood swings and memory loss occur. These

can be triggered by several medical problems that should be ruled

out. Also see your doctor if the headaches are debilitating, or if

withdrawal symptoms persist more than a week after cutting out

caffeine. If you have surgery planned, eliminate caffeine and avoid

withdrawal before any surgery.

What you can do

Monitor how much caffeine you drink. Low to moderate caffeine

consumption usually is 50 to 300 mg a day. Most people tolerate

these levels without adverse effects. Higher consumption can cause

negative health effects, such as anxiety and insomnia.

Try hot herbal drinks or hot water with a squeeze of lemon.

Exercise instead of drinking coffee during break time. Exercise is

also stimulating.

Drink more water as a healthy substitute for coffee or caffeinated

soft drinks. Get at least eight glasses of water a day.

Should you call the doctor?

Caffeine withdrawal can usually be handled at home. Symptoms include

headache, mood swings, irritability, forgetfulness and inability to

concentrate. People who are in jobs that require quick reflexes may

notice their responses are slow for a day or two. They should go

through caffeine withdrawal gradually to minimize this effect. Talk

to your doctor if you have questions about caffeine withdrawal.

Copyright 2003 Health Ink & Vitality Communications