"I can definitely say without a doubt that I am addicted to caffeine," said Sarah Kripal, mother of two from Lincoln, Nebraska. "I need about four energy drinks, three cups of coffee and a six-pack of soda every day."
Lindy Smith, a mom of three in Forest Lake, Minnesota, says she needs caffeine just to get through the day. "I usually drink two to three pots of coffee a day. I am sure this is not good for me, but how do you keep up?"
Author and parenting expert Stacy DeBroff says today's moms are the busiest ever. "We have crammed lives. We work full time, our kids our busier than ever, and we are finding ourselves always on the go."
What's in Your Cup? |
Caffeine content of common beverages: Note: Energy drinks and soda estimates are per can, ranging from 8 to 18 ounces. Coffee and tea estimates are per 8-ounce serving. Source: CNN research |
Caffeine works by suppressing the neurotransmitters in your brain that would normally release nerve impulses that make you tired. This is one reason caffeine is addictive, experts say. People start to depend on the boost of energy it provides.
But what effect is that having on your health? Research shows that caffeine can trigger migraines, heartburn, gastrointestinal problems and put women at an increased risk of miscarriage or heart problems.
"It makes you nervous, jittery, pulse races, premature heartbeat," said Emory University cardiologist Dr. Allen Dollar. "But the good news is, those are very short-term effects and have no long-term consequences whatsoever."
But the bigger issue may be the addictive nature of caffeine. "Needing any type of stimulant to get through your day is dangerous," Dollar noted.
Following are ways you can boost your energy naturally:
- Sleep seven to eight hours every night.
- Maintain a proper diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Take a daily break (10 minutes or more) to rest or read a book.
Related Article: 12 Reasons Why You Should Supplement Your Diet
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5 comments:
I really do try to be very healthy but caffeine is my weak spot. I gave up my diet soda but had to have iced tea for the caffeine. I am still trying but I love my caffeine. AHHHHHHHHH. Thanks for the tip!
I almost exclusively drink very strong tea during the day, and on those nights when my kids are ip in the wee hours, I go for a cup or two of coffee. So I'm sure I'm fully addicted by now, just by evidence of not being able to think before my first jolt...er cup.
I have kicked the caffeine habit SO many times - suffering through massive headaches each time I do it. I don't like coffee that much and I drink decaffeinated tea but I LOVE Coke and Dr. Pepper. (sigh) I confess I'm still drinking them even though I know I shouldn't. I try to balance it out by drinking lots of bottled water (or at least that's what I tell myself!) :)
I wish i could give up my caffeine habit, but I am weak! (and sleep deprived!)
I too drink a lot of water, so hopefully that balances it a bit.
Hey Lisa! I'm weak and sleep-deprived too (as you know). I hope to someday kick the caffeine habit for good but not today. :)
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