BENEFITS OF CAFFEINE
Believe it or not, certain amounts of caffeine can have beneficial effects. Historically,
small amounts of caffeine have been used to help control weight, alleviate pain,
open up airways for improved breathing, and overcome chronic fatigue.
Small amounts of caffeine are found to provide the following benefits:
*Can benefit people who are at high-risk for liver disease.
*Increases muscle strength.
*Increases metabolism by breaking down fat, freeing fatty acids and forcing them
to be burned. (Caffeine is the most active ingredient in many diet pills.)
*Increases pain relief medication effects.
*Increases mental faculty.
*Reduces asthma symptoms.
RISKS OF CAFFEINE
Two cups of coffee a day is considered an acceptable amount. Caffeine does not
become a problem until you start consuming an excessive amount of it. As your
body gets used to caffeine, it becomes addicted to it. The symptoms for drinking
too much caffeine and the symptoms for caffeine withdrawal are very similar.
EXCESS CAFFEINE - Too much caffeine can cause an array of problems including:
*Restlessness
*Irritability
*Anxiety
*Heartburn
*Headaches (sometimes severe)
*High blood pressure
*Sleeplessness
*Rapid heartbeat
*Nausea
CAFFEINE WITHDRAWAL - Symptoms can begin as soon as 12 hours after your last
cup, depending on the amount of caffeine your body is used to. Symptoms can last
for up to a week and include:
*Restlessness
*Irritability
*Anxiety
*Headaches (sometimes severe)
*Muscle stiffness
*Chills and/or hot spells
If you are attempting to reduce your caffeine intake, do so gradually. Cutting back
slowly will help you avoid some of the withdrawal symptoms. If you simply must
have a cup of something in the morning, try decaf or an herbal tea.
CAFFEINE ALTERNATIVES Most people who drink coffee regularly, do so to
combat fatigue. Regular coffee consumption increases tolerance to caffeine,
resulting in a greater dependence on it. There are other options to deal with fatigue
that do not rely on caffeine.
*EAT BREAKFAST. Having a healthy breakfast (Include protein, not donuts!) every
morning revs up your metabolism, improves your concentration, and makes it
much easier to get through the morning.
*EAT A SNACK. If you find yourself getting sluggish by the middle of the morning,
eat a healthy snack like fruit, whole grain crackers or yogurt. Complex
carbohydrates supply your body with the energy it needs to be effective.
*MOVE THROUGHOUT THE DAY. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk
during your break or at lunch, and get up and stretch as often as possible during
your day. Regular physical movement makes your heart pump harder and helps
your body fight fatigue.
*AVOID TOO MUCH FAT. If you find yourself falling asleep at your desk by 3:00
every afternoon, a high-fat lunch may be to blame. After you eat, your body is busy
with the digestion process and distributing nutrients to the proper places. If you
consume a lot of fat, it takes your body longer to work through the digestion
process, causing you to feel more tired.
"Caffeine - Benefits and Risks"

Good one. Thanks and God bless.

Nellyd: Good one. Thanks and God bless.

welcome