As a Seattle native, I have indulged in many cups of coffee, especially during the gray winters. Now I know much more about caffeine and its effects on the body, and although I still enjoy a cup of coffee here and there, caffeine is not in my daily routine anymore. And here’s why…

The effects of caffeine in the body are numerous but focused on the central nervous system (CNS) and heart:

• It inhibits the absorption of Adenosine, a hormone related to restfulness and sleep
• It excites Epinephrine directly stimulating the body’s fight or flight response and weakens the immune system
• Cortisol commonly referred to as the “stress hormone” is elevated, which increases blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and moodiness. In addition, it suppresses the immune system and is related to increased abdominal fat.
• Dopamine, the “feel good chemical” is increased suggesting the potential addictive properties of caffeine
• Acetylcholine is also increased, which in turn stimulates the CNS

The affects of caffeine in the body look strangely familiar… like those of a stress response. Caffeine, like stress, stimulates the CNS and activates the fight or flight response (increased heart and breathing rate, glucose becomes readily available, pupil dilation, sweating, decreased focus on digestion). This response is incredibly useful when we are threatened for our lives, but ironically becomes a threat to us if we live in this perpetual state of stress. Stress hormones such as Cortisol and Epinephrine build up in our bodies over time leading to headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, high blood pressure, chronic fatigue, depression, and susceptibility to infections.

Caffeine also affects the body by:

• increasing metabolism
• increasing the breakdown of fat if consumed prior to exercise
• increasing physical performance
• increasing urination, which can lead to dehydration and calcium depletion
• stimulating smooth muscle leading to diarrhea or uterine cramping during menses

As most of us have experienced at one time or another, caffeine withdrawal can cause headaches lasting up to 5 days. The best way to decrease caffeine intake is to cut down by 1/2 cup of the caffeine source daily. This slow taper decreases the likelihood of withdrawal.

In short, caffeine is something best used in moderation and definitely less than 300 mg daily. Here is some additional info on caffeine:

7 oz drip coffee 115-175 mg
7 oz brewed coffee 80-135 mg
1 shot espresso 100 mg
Tea (green to black) 30-70 mg
Yerba mate 25-150 mg
Mountain dew 55 mg
Coke 45 mg
Pepsi 37 mg

We use a lot of metaphors in Chinese medicine. Some of them get lost in translation and therefore can be really amusing. But, this one I’m about to share with you is pretty easy to understand and illustrates a great point. If there’s one piece of dietary advice I’d like you to know, it’s this. Think of your stomach as an oven. If you throw raw, uncooked food into it, it must work much harder to cook the food. In addition, the flame is easily put out when it comes in contact with cold food. A healthy oven must have an adequate flame to cook the food properly. If the food is not cooked the nutrients aren’t fully extracted. This is why most acupuncturists will recommend that you steam your vegetables (the healthiest cooking method) instead of eating them raw and heat up your food before you eat it. For you salad lovers out there, this is a double whammy… both raw and cold!

This advice completely contradicts the principles behind the raw foods diet, which not everyone is suitable for.  Continue Reading »