Session 4

 

Caffeine/ How much?

 

Coffee is the most widely used stimulant in the world

It works by stimulating the adrenal glands.

Health Problems:

1. Can lead to adrenal exhaustion

2. Poor quality sleep pattern

3. Irritability, and central nervous system distress

4. Migraines

5. High Blood pressure/fluid retention and dehydration

6. Joint and muscle stiffness

7. Excess acidity leading to PH imbalance

8. Leaches calcium from the bones, leading to Osteoporosis

 

How much is enough?: Adults maximum 400 mg a day or 3-4 1 cup servings. Caffeine is difficult to measure as it depends on the kind of bean, how long it is roasted and other factors such as volume of coffee used to brew.  Be very cautious of new designer canned caffeine boost drinks...the kids love them for the buzz and they are loaded with both caffeine and sugar. Expect behavior changes ranging from wired to out of control. Further, they contain other ingredients in them that naturally contain caffeine so they aren’t legally required to list the caffeine content in those, so it is very misleading to read the labels.

 

Healthier Options

 

Decaf teas & coffee ( naturally decaffeinated not methyl hydrate)

Calf Lib Tea & Coffee is a close match

Herbal tea—Rooibos Tea is a great healthy alternative, Green Tea is low in caffeine

Fresh fruit juice

Water

 

Enjoy your regular tea and coffee as a weekly treat rather than daily and use the above alternatives to decrease the negative effects of caffeine.

THE CANADIAN YOGA INSTITUTE

Nutrition Lessons

& Recipes Winter 2007