NATURALLY BALANCED HEALTH - Holistic Wellness

Reasons to Avoid Coffee
Written by: Stephen Stiteler, L.Ac., O.M.D.

Coffee is a narcotic beverage. The caffeine in coffee belongs to the same alkaloid group as morphine, cocaine, and strychnine. The caffeine can combine with your stomach acid (hydrochloric) to form a potent toxin called Caffeine Hydrochloride. As this toxin absorbs into your portal circulation and hits your liver, bile is released in attempt to flush it from your system. This is why people feel an increase in "bowel regularity" when they drink coffee.

Decaffeinated coffee is no better for you than regular coffee. They both contain a large concentration of Trichloroethylene, a potent carcinogen primarily used as a degreasing agent in the metal industry and as a solvent in the dry cleaning industry. Deadly pesticides are regularly used on coffee plants in Columbia. Among them are several that have been banned in the USA: Aldrin, Dieldrin, Chlordane, and Heptachlor.

Some speculate that coffee is the most significant source of toxins in the American Diet, since coffee is also the primary source of water for Americans. A naturally occurring carcinogen called Nitrosamine is found in coffee. Chlorgenic Acid found in coffee has been linked to toxic side effects in the liver.

Heavy coffee use depletes the system of Thiamin (B-1). This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, nervousness, general malaise, general aches and pains and headaches.

Exhausted adrenal glands: Caffeine is a nervous system stimulant. It causes adrenal glands to secrete adrenaline, the hormone that your body depends on during emergencies to elevate heart rate, increase respiration and blood pressure for a rapid fight-or-flight response. When coffee is over-used, the adrenal glands can become exhausted. If caffeine sensitivity has diminished and more and more coffee is required to get the "buzz", the adrenals are showing signs of exhaustion. Blood Sugar Swings: Caffeine forces the liver to release glycogen (sugar) into the blood stream. The pancreas responds to the sudden increase in blood sugar by releasing insulin, the hormone which causes excess carbohydrates to be stored as fat. Within the span of an hour or so, the result is a sharp drop in blood sugar. This creates a condition known as hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. That's when another cup of coffee seems like a good idea and the cycle repeats itself.

Higher Cholesterol: RE-heated coffee releases 400% more Caffenol into the system. Caffenol has been linked to elevated cholesterol. Never use re-heated coffee. Acid Imbalance: Over 208 acids in coffee contribute to indigestion and a wide variety of health problems including arthritis, rheumatic problems, allergies, skin irritation, and general pain and inflammation throughout the body. Coffee breaks down into a by-product called uric acid. This acid is known to burden the kidneys, contributing to kidney stones and gout. Many people experience a burning sensation upon drinking coffee because of its effect of stimulating hyper secretions of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

Mineral Depletion: Regular use of coffee inhibits vitamins and minerals from being properly absorbed in the small intestine. Coffee causes unnecessary excretion of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and trace minerals into the urine. All these minerals are considered essential to good health. Women need to be concerned about osteoporosis as they reach their menopausal years. Studies show that women who drink coffee have an increased incidence of osteoporosis compared to non-coffee drinkers. Pregnancy Danger: Caffeine can cross the placental barrier during pregnancy. Miscarriage, infertility, and low birth weight have been linked to coffee use.

* Prostate problems: Coffee can contribute to enlarged prostate and irritate the urethra in males. Frequent urination has been attributed to coffee use.

* There are a number of health conditions for which doctors advise their patients to eliminate coffee and caffeine from their diets:


* Acid indigestion Anxiety, irritability, nervousness.


* Colitis, diverticulitis, diarrhea, or other irritable bowel problems.


* Chronic fatigue syndrome, and other auto-immune disorders Diabetes, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar.)

* Dizziness, Menniere's syndrome and tinnitus.

* Gout and kidney stones
* Heart disease and heart palpitations
* High blood pressure
* High cholesterol
* Insomnia
* Liver disease, gall stones, blocked bile flow
* Kidney and bladder disorders
* Migraines and other vascular headaches
* Osteoporosis
* Skin irritations, rashes and dry skin
* Ulcers, heartburn, and stomach problems such as hiatal hernia
* Urinary tract infections