NUTRITION TIPS
This Month’s Nutrition Tip – August 2009
Caffeine seems to be the drug of choice for the western world, in the morning at least. This mild stimulant is usually consumed in tea, cola, and coffee, however it is found in small quantities in other drinks. Approximately 80% of adult Americans consume caffeine or related substances on a regular basis. The figures are likely to be higher in Great Britain due to our love of the great British cuppa! Although people usually think of coffee when they think of caffeine consumption, cola and in particular tea can be as ‘strong’.
What is it ?
Caffeine is, technically speaking, a xanthine alkaloid. It is found in coffee plants, tea plants, cacao plants, kola nuts, in the main. Caffeine is produced by the plants as an insecticide.
Effect in the body
Caffeine acts like sugar causing a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. This makes you feel good temporarily but is followed by a drop in blood sugar which may leave you feeling tired and drained. More often that not you reach for another cup of tea or coffee which causes your blood sugar to increase rapidly again. This constant up-and-down can eventually cause blood sugar imbalances. If you chronically consume coffee or tea in place of water, it may act as a diuretic and lead to dehydration. In addition to caffeine, tea also contains tannins which bind important minerals and may prevent them being absorbed.
Sources
Coffee, tea, Cola drinks, ‘Energy’ drinks, some medication, some painkillers and chocolate (in very low quantities).
Stopping all sources of caffeine abruptly may cause withdrawal headaches, irritability and tiredness. Therefore start to reduce your daily intake by a cup a day, until you are only having 1 cup of tea or coffee per day. Then cut it out completely. Replace these drinks with green or white tea (which still contain some caffeine but in lower amounts), or other herbal teas, such as ginger, peppermint or nettle. Also drink plenty of water for fluid.
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More details on request
“Lindsey gave me a thorough dietary assessment which involved me writing a diary of my diet for one week. As painful as I found this process - I was a bad eater, often skipping meals and gorging on sugar! - It was worth doing this because the plan and the support I received from Lindsey, helped me break through my emotional comfort zone to experience a greater well being. Lindsey, recommended good, simple food that made me feel and look better. I have found that eating regularly enough to keep my sugar levels from dropping and choosing from food that isn't high in sugar content does keep me on an even keel.” Rita, London
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