5 easy steps to getting over caffeine addiction

Caffeine is the most widely ingested psychoactive drug in the world, primarily used to increase wakefulness and alertness. Mostly derived from the coffee bean, caffeine is highly addictive, with strong side effects upon withdrawal, including headaches and extreme fatigue. Too much caffeine can cause dizziness, anxiety and acid reflex. Consuming caffeine during pregnancy has been linked to low birth weight, smaller head size and possible DNA inhibition. Fortunately, there are several substitutes for caffeine that offer similar focus and wakeful results. 1) Ginkgo This is an herbal extract from the nut of the tree with the same name. It has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine and works as a vasodilator, which increases of blood flow, particularly to the brain and extremities. People have reported better focus, well being and even creativity when taking this herb. Ginkgo is also used to treat asthma and circulatory diseases. It can be consumed in capsule, tincture or tea. 2) Ginseng This is an extract derived from the ginseng root. It grows in many parts of the world and varies in potency. Also used since ancient times, ginseng is beneficial for increased blood flow, and like coffee, has a stimulating effect. It's been shown to reduce depression and stress. It can be consumed in capsule, tincture or tea. 3) Ice Cold Water and a B12 Ice cold water first thing in the morning can shock your system into a metabolic furnace that kicks into gear to warm the water put into your system. Combined with vitamin B12, this is an excellent way to jump start your engine. B12 is known for its mental clarity and energy enhancing properties (take a look at some of those energy drinks; B12 is usually front and center). It also plays a role in melatonin production (a hormone that regulates healthy sleep cycles). B12 can help depression, asthma and the formation of red blood cells. The best way to take B12 is subliminally (under the tongue). 4) Teeccino and Cafix These are two caffeine substitutes often found in health food stores. They are primarily made from grains, figs, chicory and beetroot. These products have had great success in mimicking the familiar taste of coffee, without any caffeine or acidity whatsoever. Like anything, there would be an adjustment period, but most people trying to kick the caffeine addiction give these two products high marks. 5) Stretch and Eat an Apple? Stretching upon rising catapults oxygen metabolism in the blood, sending oxygen rich cells to the muscles and the brain, which sparks an alert and focused body. Combine this with a fresh apple and you can boost your system into a similar caffeine wakefulness. The act of chewing an apple opens up neural and muscle pathways, and the fructose sparks the metabolism into energy production. Note: If you are a daily caffeine drinker, any of the above substitutes will take time to work as your body deals with caffeine withdrawal. Caffeine is very strong and rivals most other products, but in due time, the body will get used to the lack of caffeine and embrace other choices. Be sure and check with your doctor before withdrawal and replacement of these and any other ideas. Article Comments

This couldn't be anymore true

something to think about

I strive more and more each day to constantly think about my reactions and actions towards every situation and every thought I have, and just how those thoughts and or actions can alter the very core of my being and the future that I will then face. I also think about how these things alter the paths of those around me as well, because we are linked in every way possible to those around us so we must realize this and think before we act or say when dealing with others. Though it may not seem much to us at the time, every little thing we do, say, or think alters not only our futures but those whose lives we touch as well. So let's stop judging one another, let's stop looking at one another different, let's stop dividing ourselves with our religions, political views, races, or whatever, and let's learn to love one another unconditionally as though we would love ourselves for the sake of our children's futures. Let's begin today to stop letting the choices of a few dictate the future of the many, and let's learn to control our hearts and minds using our thoughts for the greater good of every living thing on this planet! Together we can alter our future to a place only few of us could ever dream of, but together it will no longer be just a dream but the reality we all seek from within! I know in your hearts you didn't want to live as you do now consuming everything, destroying everything, stepping on others to get ahead, living with money as our rulers, ect....., but that you wanted to be free, happy, loved, to give love, and to shine from all your hearts from day to day! This is what we really are if we choose, but the choice between fear and love is yours and yours alone! But when making your choices that will alter our futures, remember that you are not alone in your feelings of anger towards all that is going on, you are not alone in your disgust with how things are being ran, you are not along in seeing the hate and lies being spread, and together through our unity through unconditional love we can change all of this! Together we can alter the future of our children, and we can create a better world for them as well. It may never be Utopia, but it can sure be more than it is now with less violence, hate, fear, and greed!

So I leave you with this “My life amounts to no more than one drop in a limitless ocean. Yet what is any ocean, but a multitude of drops?”
― David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas

 

 

quote of the day

The mind is as important as the body

motivation

"Your desire to change must be greater than your desire to stay the same."