Coffee, colas more dangerous than realized

[Archimandrit Nilos]

I agree totally with your opinions. Coffein is a dangerous poison.

[Barbara]

Thank you !

Appreciate people reading this and considering the ideas therein.

I will probably as I uncover more relevant information. Sty tuned !

[Matthew]

Caffeine is like alcohol: healthy in moderation, unhealthy in excess. I think most people are aware of this, even if they choose to consume too much of either. Often people aren't aware of how low the recommended daily intake of caffeine and alcohol is: one 8oz cup of coffee in the morning and one 5oz glass of wine in the evening is quite sufficient for health. But you have as you say those who down 24oz "cups" (tubs?) of coffee, in addition to soda etc. The bad effects aren't as immediately obvious as excess alcohol, but clearly not free of harm.

I'm not sure about the recommendation of total abstinence, however. That doesn't seem to be medically necessary for most people (some people certainly shouldn't consume any caffeine, e.g. those with a heart condition). Best to consult your doctor.

I think Jonathan is correct. Caffeine is healthy in small doses. (by healthy I do not mean it PROMOTES health, but that it is not a negative upon health). Consider the fact that Orthodox Traditions which we received from the Holy Fathers includes the practice of serving coffee in monasteries and the monks have for centuries had coffee in monasteries as a staple. However, I never saw any monks addicted to coffee, or abusing it.

[jgress]

I think there have been some studies that show that moderate consumption of caffeine has significant health benefits, but I'd be surprised if any doctor actually prescribed caffeine, just as no doctor would prescribe alcohol, even if studies show that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with certain health benefits. You don't lose out that much by not consuming either, so doctors generally agree that it's not worth exposing patients to potential addiction to either.

Some painkillers do contain caffeine, e.g. Excedrin, just as Nyquil contains alcohol.

On a related topic, I've been reading about the promotion of electronic cigarettes, which help people sustain their nicotine addiction while avoiding the most unhealthy aspects of tobacco smoking, which involve the various poisons in the smoke itself (tar, carbon monoxide etc). Apparently nicotine on its own is not considered much more dangerous than caffeine. I don't think it's associated with many health benefits, though, apart from calming irritable bowel syndrome.

[JamesR]

That's horrible. I'm 17 years old and I'm already hooked on coffee. I've been drinking it since I was about 13 years old. About half a pot a day. I especially started drinking it because I gave up soda. I drink it for the taste. I like the Colombian kind the best. Anyhow, I don't think I will ever be able to give up my coffee. I know it's bad for me. But I truly can't. I love it too much.

[Barbara]

Don't be despairing, James R ! You can decide to drop this habit if you want to !
I recommend you do this NOW, because your adrenal glands will be WRECKED by drinking half a coffeepot a day,
in no time at all !

You need the adrenals to provide you energy for your entire life.
Now is the time to repair the damage and get back to a healthy balance with the nerves, too.

Coffee ruins the nerves...

Try the Pu-Erh, or perhaps Russian Caravan, a powerful smoky flavored beverage, Teas to substitute.
If you like the taste of coffee, you will surely prefer these exotic beverages which have CHARACTER, unlike coffee.
Also, it is better in everything to go AGAINST the CROWD rather than with the herd.

It marks you out as an individual, not a creation of the mass mentality.

You will advance faster spiritually that way, especially, as well as be immune to lies, false propaganda, etc etc.

Your Guardian Angel will be so glad, too !

[silverbeam]

I drank a coffee while reading this thread and I think I'll try to make it my last.

As a heavy user, I've deliberately maintained a blind spot to the truth about this drug for many years, but my attachment lately has felt burdensome and the enjoyment has all but faded. That article was the last push I needed.

Thank you for posting the information. Please pray for my success in this attempt to quit.

Glory to God