If you’re someone who wakes up, bleary-eyed, groping your way to the coffee pot or nearest Starbucks, we probably don’t need to tell you about the disadvantages of caffeine. As a caffeine addict, you’re living with those disadvantages day in and day out: the lift-off followed by the inevitable crash; the caffeine headache if – God forbid – you don’t get your daily fix. But perhaps you haven’t yet kicked the habit because you think it’s just a mild inconvenience to be addicted. You may be willing to put up with a little anxiety and irritability, even insomnia or migraines, in exchange for your daily cuppa joltin’ joe or your favorite caffeine-infused soft drink. You may not know the full scope of the dangers of caffeine, so we’re here to clue you in.

Caffeine Dangers: What Media Forgot to Tell You

You may be aware that caffeine consumption is linked to an increased risk of hypertension and can adversely contribute to cardiovascular disorders. You may even know that it stresses the adrenal system – a system already on overload in most Americans. The severity of the risks of caffeine is, by and large, underreported in most media. Caffeine consumption is big business in this country, and most of the studies touting its benefits are funded by – you guessed it! – companies that profit when we drink the stuff. But, according to Dr. Jack James who is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Caffeine Research, caffeine dangers are very real. Caffeine is directly responsible for thousands of deaths each year, and tens of thousands of emergency room visits. When the indirect risks of caffeine are considered, the numbers are even more significant. Dr. James maintains that the disadvantages of caffeine can be – and are – lethal, and thinks it should be controlled as other drugs, like alcohol and nicotine, are controlled.

Caffeine and its Effects on the Colon

Let’s focus for a moment on how caffeine can wreak havoc on your digestive system and affect the health of your colon.

• Caffeine increases the body’s production of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This negatively impacts the immune system in several ways, including slowing down the function of the entire digestive tract.
• The liver recognizes caffeine as a toxin, and will filter it rather than addressing other toxins that may be present, putting strain on the colon and other organs.
• Another disadvantage of caffeine is that it irritates the lining of the stomach and small intestine, which can be disastrous for those who suffer with ulcers, colitis, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
• Caffeine is a diuretic; besides putting strain on the kidneys, caffeine will pull water from the colon, which can cause or exacerbate constipation.

Out of Caffeine Harm’s Way

To avoid putting further stress on your digestive system, kick the habit and the caffeine dangers that accompany it. If you’re brave and don’t have other health challenges, you can try to quit cold turkey. Or, if your consumption is high, wean yourself off caffeine gradually by alternating days with green tea and coffee and increasing the consecutive days of green tea as your body lets you know it’s ready to do so. Either way, schedule a colonic during your detox to help your body as it heals from the addiction and restores its alkaline balance. Many of our clients find that their cravings for caffeine are replaced with a yen for much healthier fare – like green juice and salad. As your body gets healthier, it will crave cleaner foods! Please remember, our team is dedicated to your radiant good health, so don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns as your journey unfolds!