Caffeine is one of the most overused drugs in our society. People of all ages are exposed to the effects of caffeine. Adults drink coffee and tea while children are exposed to caffeine in soda pops and in chocolate products. Although caffeine is the one to get the most attention, a lot of other chemicals in caffeine containing products are detrimental to our health. Many toxic chemicals are used in the preparation of coffee even decaffeinated coffee.

Sources:

Coffee, tea, some soft drinks, chocolate, green tea, some over the counter medications (such as Dristan, Midol), and some weight loss products.

Negative Effects:

• Side effects are nervousness, insomnia, irritability, restless legs, headaches, fatigue, heartburn, tremors, agitation, depression, diarrhea, increased heart rate, poor concentration, elevated blood pressure.
• Caffeine increase the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach therefore is an acid irritant to the gastrointestinal tract and liver. Regular use of caffeine can make you more prone to peptic ulcer disease. Another chemical found in coffee and tea called tannic acid which is a mild irritant to the gastrointestinal tract and may further reduce the absorption of minerals such as manganese, zinc and copper.
• Caffeine is a diuretic therefore increases the loss of fluids and by doing this also increases the loss of potassium, magnesium, zinc and B vitamins. It is important that someone drinking coffee or tea get their daily requirements of water.
• Caffeine reduces the absorption of iron and calcium.
• Caffeine relaxes the smooth muscle in the colon resulting in diarrhea.
• Many cardiovascular disorders have been associated with consumption of caffeine: high blood pressure, increased cholesterol and triglycerides, heart rhythm disturbances, arrhythmias, increases vasoconstriction, which restricts blood flow
• Caffeine use has been associated with many female reproductive disorders. It has been associated with increase in fibrocystic breast disease, premenstrual syndrome, breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Women consuming caffeine products have an increase in size and number of cysts and a reduction in the disease is noted when caffeine use is eliminated.
• Caffeine use by expecting mother is associated with birth defects and spontaneous abortion. Caffeine also is transferred in breast milk. So it is recommended to limit or avoid consumption during these times.
• Certain cancers have been associated with increase caffeine consumption: bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, and prostate cancer.
• Caffeine consumption may be correlated with kidney stone formation.
• Adrenal exhaustion, stress, fatigue, and hypoglycemia are all tied with caffeine use. Caffeine increases blood sugar levels by stimulating the adrenals. After continual stimulation the adrenals begin to weaken resulting in fatigue. People then increase the amount of caffeine intake to increase energy levels, which in turn further weakens the adrenal and eventually leads to chronic fatigue and exhaustion.

Reducing intake
The more coffee you consume the more slowly you need to reduce consumption in order to reduce withdrawal symptoms. Start off using ¼ cup hot water, ¾ cup coffee, ½ decaffeinated, ½ cup coffee and continue to dilute until no caffeine is being consumed. It is extremely important to increase you intake of water to support your body through this process. Since caffeine makes the body more acidic, it is important to help get the body back to a more neutral body pH. By increasing vegetables and fruits during this time can support your body as well as to help reduce cravings.