Caffeine: Breaking the Habit

Jennifer VelezKaplan University

HW499

What is Caffeine?Caffeine is a chemical found it plants that stimulates

the central nervous system (CNS), heart, muscles, and the centers that control blood pressure (WebMD).

Where is the Caffeine?Cup of brewed coffee = 115 mg1.5 oz shot of espresso = 11 mgCup of hot tea/12 oz iced tea = 65 mg/70 mgRed Bull/Monster Energy Drink = 80 mg/120

mgMountain Dew/Pepsi/Coke = 54 mg/40 mg/45

mgVivarin/NoDoz = 100-200 mgExcedrin/Anacin = 65 mg/40 mg1 oz milk chocolate = 6 mg¼ cup chocolate chips = 15 mg

ContraindicationsThe use of caffeine is contraindicated in the

following cases: gastric and duodenal ulcer, gastritis, pyrosis (stomach acidity), colitis, nervousness, hypertension, heart dysfunctions, arrhythmia, gout, pregnancy, (retards fetal growth), and breast-feeding (caffeine passes to the mother’s milk)(Pamplona-Roger, 2006).

Caffeine Can CauseElevated blood sugarIncreased blood pressureElevated blood fats (triglycerides)Heightened symptoms of PMSTremors, irritability, and nervousnessAggravation of anxiety disorders and panic

attacksIncreased stomach acid secretionsUrinary calcium and magnesium losses

Caffeine Can Cause Cont.InsomniaIrregular heartbeatIncreased stimulation of the central nervous

system (it overrules the need for rest)Addiction/Dependency(Diehl & Ludington, 2011)

Statistics & Reports Related to Monster, Rockstar and 5-hour Energy DrinksNov. 16, 2012 -- The FDA has posted adverse-event

reports for two more energy drinks: 40 illnesses and five deaths linked to Monster Energy, and 13 illnesses and two lasting disabilities linked to Rockstar Energy.

FDA reports linked 92 illnesses and 13 deaths to 5-Hour Energy shots.

Deaths due to heart attack or suicide linked to 5-Hour Energy

A miscarriage linked to 5-Hour EnergyConvulsions, life-threatening fear, deafness, and

hemorrhage linked to 5-Hour Energy (DeNoon, 2012)

Statistics & Reports Related to Monster, Rockstar and 5-hour Energy DrinksDeaths due to heart attack or loss of

consciousness linked to Monster Energy drink

Hospitalization due to irregular heartbeat, severe diarrhea, migraine, psychotic disorder, heart attack, and/or vomiting linked to Monster Energy drink

Disability from irregular heartbeat or stroke linked to Rockstar Energy drink

Hospitalization due to psychotic disorder, increased heart rate, or loss of consciousness linked to Rockstar Energy drink (DeNoon, 2012)

Are you Addicted?Do you find yourself craving caffeine in any

form on a daily basis? To find out if you are addicted stop all caffeine intake for one week. If you are addicted you will most likely develop withdraw symptoms such as headaches, lack of appetite, and nausea which can last from one to five days (Diehl & Ludington, 2011).

Take the Food Addiction Quiz: http://www.caffeineinformer.com/caffeine-addiction-diagnosis

Tips to Break the HabitGradually reduce the amount of caffeine.Replace it with decaffeinated options.Drink more water.Slow down your daily activities.Exercise in the fresh air.Get the support of others around you.Reward yourself for taking such a positive

step. (Diehl & Ludington, 2011)

ReferencesDeNoon, D. (Nov. 16th, 2012). More deaths, illnesses related

to energy drinks. Retrieved on June 10th, 2014 from http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20121116/more-deaths-illness-energy-drinks

Diehl, H. & Ludington, A. (2011). Health Power: Healthy by choice not by chance. Review and Harold Publishing Association. Hagerstown, MD.

Pamplona-Roger, G. (2006). Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Editorial Safeliz, S. L. Madrid, Spain.

WebMD. (n.d.). Caffeine. Retrieved on June 10th, 2014 from http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-979-CAFFEINE.aspx?activeIngredientId=979&activeIngredientName=CAFFEINE