Caffeine. To buzz or not to buzz?

Caffeine gets you high but there are reasons for cutting back.  Please read on!

Cut back because:

1.  Dependence!  Addiction to a substance isn’t cool. Though the FDA does generally recognize the drug as safe it is still a drug nonetheless.  It alters your state which is helpful sometimes but excess will scramble your brain and body.  Sure it’s fun to feel energetic and high but a sedate, calm, clear mind/body is wonderful as well.
2. Dehydration.  It is a mild diuretic.
3. Heartburn. 
4. Osteoporosis.    Coffee can increase urinary excretion of calcium.
5. Sleep.  Duh!  It will keep you awake.  Unless you suffer from ADHD in which case coffee has shown to have a calming effect
6. Hypertension.  But really, only if you already have elevated blood pressure.
7. Heart Rhythm Disturbances.   Ask my momma, she will tell you all about it!
8. Blood Vessels.  They weaken.
9. Cholesterol.  It can increase LDL (the bad one).

Sip on!

1. It’s fun and tastes good!  Unless there is a medical reason to stop drinking coffee entirely drinking a cup from time to time is totally fine!
2. Antioxidants.   Antioxidants prevent cell damage and ageing caused by oxidation.  (But you could also eat blueberries…)
3. Enhanced Alertness and Attention.  As long as you don’t drink so much you start to shake, moderate consumption of coffee is a relatively safe stimulant.
4. Some studies suggest consumption can reduce risk for : Parkinson’s Disease, Type 2 Diabetes, Liver Cirrhosis, Gallstones, Kidney stones and it may open the airways for asthmatics.