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In my Provision,
Panic No More,
I wrote about the life-sustaining rhythm between stress hormones
like adrenalin and rest hormones like melatonin. In nature, the two work
together to keep things in balance. Unfortunately, there's much in the modern
world that works against this rhythm, beginning with the vast extension of
waking and working hours due to electric power. In the old days, people worked
from sun up to sun down. Nowadays, people start from before sun up to long after
sun down. It's a formula for exhaustion, anxiety, and illness.
Another factor that works against this rhythm is the growing use of artificial
stimulants like caffeine. Everyone knows about the natural sources, like coffee,
tea, and chocolate. Now, however, caffeine is being added to drinks and foods
such that scientists are warning against new phenomenon: caffeine intoxication.
The health risks are significant including nervousness, anxiety, restlessness,
insomnia, gastrointestinal upset, tremors, rapid heartbeats (tachycardia),
psychomotor agitation (restlessness and pacing) and in rare cases, death.
The worst offenders are the so-called "energy drinks" which can have up to 14
times as much caffeine as a soft drink such as Cola. To put this in perspective,
consider the following examples:
- Cup of Tea: 15-40 milligrams
- Can of Cola: 30-60 milligrams
- Cup of Coffee: 80-150 milligrams
- Can of "Energy Drink": 400-570 milligrams
There's no way the body can keep up with such an overload of stimulation.
Talk of caffeine as energy booster ignores the fact that caffeine eventually
becomes an energy drain. It literally burns out the body's ability to replenish
itself. Then, thinking we need more energy, we go back to the caffeine. It
becomes a vicious circle with significant health-risk impacts.
If you like to start your day with a cup of regular tea or coffee, there's
probably no real danger to that. Beyond that morning cup, however, it would be
good to avoid additional caffeine stimulation. That's one more way to
Panic No More.
Coaching Inquiries: How much caffeine do you drink? What signs, if any, do you
have of caffeine intoxication? How could you cut back on your consumption of
caffeine? How would you describe your rhythm between stress and rest hormones?
How could you get in better balance?
 To reply to this Pathway, use our
Feedback Form. To learn more about our
Wellness Coaching programs and to arrange for a complimentary wellness coaching
session, use our Contact Form or
Email Bob.
May you be filled with goodness, peace, and joy.
Bob Tschannen-Moran
LifeTrek Coaching International
121 Will Scarlet Lane
Williamsburg, VA 23185-5043
U.S.A.
Telephone: 757-345-3452
Fax: 772-382-3258
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