GasBuddy Blog

Message Forum - Read Message

Category: Diet/eating > Topics	Add to favorite topics Post New Topic

Author	Topic: It's been 10 years since my last cup of coffee . . .	Post a Reply Back to Topics

MetroSexual Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:3,004 Points:316,380 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Aug 1, 2008 10:08:32 PM Ignore MetroSexual Report Abuse Coffee was the hardest thing I ever had to give up, but I quit it completely on August 1, 1998. I was a major addict and had been since I was a kid. It wasn't until 2003 that I FINALLY didn't crave it. Just a little over five years of wanting it every single day but denying myself the indulgence. That was tough. The reason I quit it was because after years of drinking it, it was making me physically ill. I went through the flu-like withdrawal symptoms -- severe headache, fatigue, the whole nine yards. I don't regret my decision at all now. And no, I don't drink decaf either, or eat chocolate, or consume any other caffeine-laden product. If you have been thinking of quitting (the very few of you, I'm sure), here are a few things you might not know: 1. Caffeine is lethal. The lethal dose is 10 grams or more. Many of us take in 1/10 of a lethal dose every day (8 to 10 cups of coffee). 2. Caffeine is nature's PESTICIDE. It is produced as a protective agent by plants which paralyzes and kills certain insects. 3. Caffeine is in cola and many other soft drinks, cocoa, tea, energy drinks, some analgesics (pain killers). It may be listed as guaranine, mateine, and theine. 4. The half life of caffeine in the body is more than double for women who are pregnant. 5. In high doses, caffeine can cause mania, depression, psychosis and hallucinations. Click here for more information about caffeine. It's always good to know the facts about what you are putting into your body so you can avoid the pitfalls. [Edited by: MetroSexual at 8/1/2008 11:12:23 PM EST]

MetroSexual

Champion Author
New Hampshire

Posts:3,004
Points:316,380
Joined:Aug 2005

Message Posted: Aug 1, 2008 10:08:32 PM

Ignore MetroSexual Report Abuse

Coffee was the hardest thing I ever had to give up, but I quit it completely on August 1, 1998. I was a major addict and had been since I was a kid.

It wasn't until 2003 that I FINALLY didn't crave it. Just a little over five years of wanting it every single day but denying myself the indulgence. That was tough.

The reason I quit it was because after years of drinking it, it was making me physically ill. I went through the flu-like withdrawal symptoms -- severe headache, fatigue, the whole nine yards. I don't regret my decision at all now. And no, I don't drink decaf either, or eat chocolate, or consume any other caffeine-laden product.

If you have been thinking of quitting (the very few of you, I'm sure), here are a few things you might not know:

1. Caffeine is lethal. The lethal dose is 10 grams or more. Many of us take in 1/10 of a lethal dose every day (8 to 10 cups of coffee).

2. Caffeine is nature's PESTICIDE. It is produced as a protective agent by plants which paralyzes and kills certain insects.

3. Caffeine is in cola and many other soft drinks, cocoa, tea, energy drinks, some analgesics (pain killers). It may be listed as guaranine, mateine, and theine.

4. The half life of caffeine in the body is more than double for women who are pregnant.

5. In high doses, caffeine can cause mania, depression, psychosis and hallucinations.

Click here for more information about caffeine.

It's always good to know the facts about what you are putting into your body so you can avoid the pitfalls.

[Edited by: MetroSexual at 8/1/2008 11:12:23 PM EST]

REPLIES (newest first)Ignore Short Messages

csr1000 Sophomore Author London Posts:176 Points:60,790 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Jan 24, 2013 12:03:33 PM Ignore csr1000 Report Abuse I'm enjoying my after-lunch black coffee right now and it is delicious. I know some people have food sensitivities to caffeine--and it sounds like the original poster does as well. People like that should not drink coffee, just like I can't have eggs and my daughter can't tolerate lactose. However, I'm pretty sure my coffee habit isn't as bad for my health as those I see around me gorging on soda and fast food. Of course I'm not loading it up with fattening cream and sugar either.
Hemond Champion Author Providence Posts:8,167 Points:133,385 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Jan 17, 2013 7:22:52 AM Ignore Hemond Report Abuse Sipping contentedly right now. Ground the beans 10 minutes ago and used my Chemex coffee maker. (Probably the best coffee maker on the planet.) Using Trader Joe's beans. Also keep a gallon jug of water in the refrigerator dedicated to making coffee only. This lets the 'off' flavors in the tap water gas off - improves the water 100%.
Snowchoux Champion Author Missouri Posts:1,003 Points:145,635 Joined:Sep 2012	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 12:20:06 PM Ignore Snowchoux Report Abuse I never have drank coffee very often, sure I did when I was a kid.
Caragogo Champion Author South Carolina Posts:1,087 Points:547,840 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Jan 2, 2013 5:00:00 PM Ignore Caragogo Report Abuse Wow what an eye opener. will do the research and consider dropping coffee.
ReddevilNO Champion Author New Orleans Posts:3,360 Points:579,490 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Nov 11, 2012 6:44:19 AM Ignore ReddevilNO Report Abuse It's my morning pick me up, but I only drink 1 cup a day. I sure hope that's not too much. I can stop if I had to, but I know it will be hard for me to do it.
freedom27 Champion Author Calgary Posts:2,255 Points:282,495 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Nov 8, 2012 10:14:54 AM Ignore freedom27 Report Abuse Thanks for the link about caffeine as well.
freedom27 Champion Author Calgary Posts:2,255 Points:282,495 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Nov 8, 2012 10:09:44 AM Ignore freedom27 Report Abuse MetroSexual, I don't drink caffiene for religious reasons but I'm pleased to see the health reasons to back it up as well.
Kanakakua Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:1,682 Points:198,000 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Nov 5, 2012 11:21:53 PM Ignore Kanakakua Report Abuse Decaf
michaelsnu Rookie Author Hartford Posts:17 Points:57,090 Joined:Jul 2012	Message Posted: Aug 20, 2012 8:57:38 PM Ignore michaelsnu Report Abuse The author of the following article hits the nail on the head when he stated "And it has a high content of antioxidants. But this doesn't mean you should disregard the old maxim "Everything in moderation." /health/coffee-and-health/AN01354
JUsaBiz Rookie Author Washington Posts:65 Points:5,250 Joined:Jul 2012	Message Posted: Jul 22, 2012 11:09:56 PM Ignore JUsaBiz Report Abuse never drink coffee
alohamary Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:3,170 Points:413,915 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: May 6, 2012 8:05:02 PM Ignore alohamary Report Abuse Just love my tea !!
Hemond Champion Author Providence Posts:8,167 Points:133,385 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: May 2, 2012 11:29:48 AM Ignore Hemond Report Abuse Starbucks recently started shamelessly promoting their new lite blend - BLONDE. Its pretty good. The other one I like is PIKE. Only thing is they brew it only sometimes. I don't like to hang at Starbucks though. Instead I go to a local cafe to hang out and like to drink their Americano. Terrific, especially the way they brew it. Cafe is real cute, a Euro style street cafe. Some great pastry delights to sample too while hanging out.
MetroSexual Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:3,004 Points:316,380 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: May 2, 2012 10:53:17 AM Ignore MetroSexual Report Abuse Wow, it has been almost 14 years now, and I still don't drink it. Per the antioxidant factor in coffee -- you can get the same benefit from decaf, according to the Harvard study. It is the caffeine that can be the trouble. I have a friend who plays tennis with a woman who has had some major health issues lately. She was stopped at a train crossing when she suddenly lunged forward and hit the car in front of her -- in a total blackout. MRIs didn't show anything, but while my friend was sitting with his tennis partner before a match, she started rubbing her head and repeating herself. Her face began to grimace and she was obviously seizing. He called the paramedics the first time, but when it happened again on a subsequent day, and she was in an obvious grand mal seizure, he just stayed with her until she recovered. It turns out that she has been taking caffeine pills (like Vivarin, NoDoz) before their matches to improve her game. She is clearly suffering from caffeinism, but the doctors are too dense to realize it. Caffeine can be deadly. If she seizes while driving, it may be deadly for her and other people who don't even consume it. I hope she can get it under control before that happens. By the way -- terrific comments! Thanks so much for posting. I am always interested to hear what people feel about what we ingest, especially the things we ingest without really giving any thought to them. [Edited by: MetroSexual at 5/2/2012 11:59:51 AM EST]
Hemond Champion Author Providence Posts:8,167 Points:133,385 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Mar 26, 2012 5:39:41 PM Ignore Hemond Report Abuse Coffee is high in antioxidants. On the order of green tea. Drink up.
tasha88CA All-Star Author California Posts:602 Points:43,315 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Mar 26, 2012 5:19:50 PM Ignore tasha88CA Report Abuse i dont drink coffee just dont take my tea away
Hemond Champion Author Providence Posts:8,167 Points:133,385 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Jan 29, 2012 2:23:27 AM Ignore Hemond Report Abuse I'm an unabashed coffee snob. I am constantly on the lookout for the latest and the best in coffee, beans, grinders, cafes. I prefer mine medium roast, 2 teaspoons half and half, no sweetener. Lately I get shot of espresso added in. At home I grind my own beans, sometimes use a Chemex coffee maker. I'm gonna try roasting my own beans next. I'll buy unroasted beans online and try roasting them in a popcorn maker.
1007 All-Star Author Michigan Posts:562 Points:995,415 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Jan 27, 2012 10:05:23 AM Ignore 1007 Report Abuse 3 cups this morning sounds like we should give up coffee
Sneakers55 Champion Author Houston Posts:51,270 Points:2,141,225 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Jan 5, 2012 10:49:11 PM Ignore Sneakers55 Report Abuse Coffee alkaloids make me jitter and gut cramp, gastroenterologist told me to get off the stuff. Gut is fine with iced tea and soda.
gooberoobu Champion Author Kalamazoo Posts:4,053 Points:535,945 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Nov 8, 2011 10:46:48 PM Ignore gooberoobu Report Abuse I can live without coffee, but cant live without soda.....
gspecilk236 Veteran Author Harrisburg Posts:393 Points:103,935 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Oct 31, 2011 10:27:15 AM Ignore gspecilk236 Report Abuse I don't like the bitter taste of coffee either. I do like the specialty drinks tho that disguise the bitter. I tryyy not to consume too much caffeine and sugar even tho it's difficult since it's in yummy stuff.
HuoXingC All-Star Author Oakland Posts:790 Points:108,125 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: May 10, 2011 7:26:00 PM Ignore HuoXingC Report Abuse Thank you for sharing, and congratulations! Almost all of my friends drink coffee every day, and many of them don't realize that they're addicted. I don't drink coffee at all because I hate the bitter taste of it. The last time I had coffee was almost 5 years ago, and it was only a small sip out of my sister's coffee. I much prefer hot green tea and hot chocolate.
Bud76 Champion Author San Bernardino Posts:4,068 Points:760,290 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: May 8, 2011 1:02:34 PM Ignore Bud76 Report Abuse Will never give up my coffee.
portlandcat Champion Author Tennessee Posts:1,918 Points:346,210 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: May 6, 2011 7:56:55 AM Ignore portlandcat Report Abuse 3cups is my limit or I get a weird headache and I only drink it in the morning.
Grantme Champion Author Raleigh Posts:1,637 Points:693,230 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: May 3, 2011 8:06:50 PM Ignore Grantme Report Abuse In 49 years I have had 1 small cup
mrsmeesh Rookie Author Gary Posts:44 Points:8,180 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Apr 24, 2011 7:39:30 PM Ignore mrsmeesh Report Abuse I used to think I needed caffiene every day. drank way to much coffee and energy drinks in college and ended up having a kidney stone at 20 years old! That opened my eyes and stopped me dead in my tracks with caffiene. I also drink a lot less pop because of the caffiene, so its only been making me healthier to cut it out of my life
ITravelCA Sophomore Author Los Angeles Posts:247 Points:321,290 Joined:Jun 2010	Message Posted: Mar 28, 2011 11:13:26 AM Ignore ITravelCA Report Abuse I went from 8 cups a day down to 2 and feel better.
DianePA Champion Author Harrisburg Posts:1,187 Points:222,030 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Jan 14, 2011 7:08:54 AM Ignore DianePA Report Abuse Drink 3 cups a day and love it. Won't give us unless I can't sleep
Tundralimited2009 Champion Author Dallas Posts:38,812 Points:1,447,425 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Oct 23, 2010 6:09:42 PM Ignore Tundralimited2009 Report Abuse I am in the same boat I trried various times to quit am down to 2 cups per day
kslgas Champion Author Calgary Posts:2,397 Points:1,600,035 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Sep 9, 2010 6:16:59 AM Ignore kslgas Report Abuse still doing it everyday, but I don't miss it if I don't have it though
MetroSexual Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:3,004 Points:316,380 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Aug 31, 2010 11:00:40 AM Ignore MetroSexual Report Abuse I haven't been on GB for some time, so forgive me for my absence. Thanks for all the posts. Very interesting that there are a few here who don't touch caffeine. Good for you. Remember, when you hear that caffeine is good for you, be sure to probe until you find out who funded the research. Always an eye-opener. I found another negative for coffee and tea specifically: Both inhibit the absorption of iron. It does not seem to be a factor of caffeine, though, but the tannins in the beverages. This is important to know if you suffer anemia. Timing your consumption of either can make the difference: Click here for the study.
HotwheelsNM All-Star Author New Mexico Posts:672 Points:120,335 Joined:Aug 2010	Message Posted: Aug 9, 2010 11:01:39 PM Ignore HotwheelsNM Report Abuse I do not use caffeinated beverages and am happy to say that I made it through nursing school without the use of caffeine. I value my rest and went to bed at a decent time, too.
noblegiant Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:2,055 Points:940,770 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Jun 22, 2010 7:23:28 AM Ignore noblegiant Report Abuse god bless you!!
puljujarvi Champion Author Tampa Posts:5,181 Points:1,082,650 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Jun 6, 2010 3:33:25 AM Ignore puljujarvi Report Abuse Fantastic! I had my last cup of coffee in 1978. That was after having my first in 1977. Never figured out what made anyone like to drink such an awful lousy flavor. At the time, I thought German beer or any beer for that matter was easier to get to liking.
matt8sj All-Star Author San Jose Posts:520 Points:22,090 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: May 19, 2010 11:14:44 PM Ignore matt8sj Report Abuse vietnamese coffee is the greatest
noblegiant Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:2,055 Points:940,770 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: May 9, 2010 8:05:17 AM Ignore noblegiant Report Abuse god bless you!! but dunkin donuts coffeee is still the greatest....
DnzsWithWombats Champion Author Connecticut Posts:8,134 Points:1,270,045 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Apr 23, 2010 6:25:50 AM Ignore DnzsWithWombats Report Abuse Yes, in high enough doses. It would certainly be toxic. So would fluoride in a high dose. Right? In lesser amounts, fluoride and caffeine actually both do good things for us.
vic168 Champion Author New York Posts:3,297 Points:604,335 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 21, 2010 7:35:53 PM Ignore vic168 Report Abuse thats crazy
JerseyGirlVA Veteran Author Virginia Beach Posts:332 Points:73,800 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Jan 13, 2010 7:22:44 AM Ignore JerseyGirlVA Report Abuse wow I wish I had that kind fo self-control. I love coffee... hot, cold, frozen, etc. But I am working on cutting back to 4 times a week rather than 7.
socalpvteye Champion Author Orange County Posts:2,424 Points:959,185 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Dec 21, 2009 12:40:22 AM Ignore socalpvteye Report Abuse Never had coffee in my life.
MetroSexual Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:3,004 Points:316,380 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Dec 18, 2009 8:04:43 AM Ignore MetroSexual Report Abuse I should mention my coffee substitute: Lemon water. I drink mine at room temperature, but it can be served hot. Lemon water hydrates the body and brain, and the lemon provides a taste and smell which contribute to alertness. I'm sure the Vitamin C in lemons helps as well, since Vitamin C helps to keep the blood flowing smoothly (it inhibits platelet aggregation) hence helping the brain to get the nutrients it needs to function properly. I use whole lemon, and eat the whole thing, peel and all, after it has been squeezed and doused in the water. The only side affect is good health, though you want to be sure to brush your teeth. Lemons have been classified by nutritionists as one of the 12 healthiest foods you can eat. Once lemon is inside the body, it converts to an alkaline. For Sneakers: It's great that you never became addicted to coffee. Also, the acids in coffee, of which there are more than 30, may have contributed to your aversion. The acids are what cause many people to have indigestion when consuming coffee. For those reading this who are trying to quit in stages, there are low-acid varieties of coffee available. You may have to ask your grocer to stock it, or go to Trader Joe's, if there is a store near you. TJ's has a low-acid whole-bean variety. [Edited by: MetroSexual at 12/18/2009 9:07:08 AM EST]
Sneakers55 Champion Author Houston Posts:51,270 Points:2,141,225 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Dec 17, 2009 4:01:57 PM Ignore Sneakers55 Report Abuse I haven't had any coffee in about 30 years. All it would do is make me jittery. Neither tea nor caffeinated drinks have the same effect, so I suspect it's an alkaloid unique to coffee.
Sneakers55 Champion Author Houston Posts:51,270 Points:2,141,225 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Dec 17, 2009 3:59:49 PM Ignore Sneakers55 Report Abuse MetroSexual wrote: >I have never placed much stock in the "Eating for Your >Blood Type" concept. In Japan, they do horoscopes based on blood type instead of astrological sign. IMHO, one probably works as well as the other.
MetroSexual Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:3,004 Points:316,380 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Dec 17, 2009 1:50:54 AM Ignore MetroSexual Report Abuse I have never placed much stock in the "Eating for Your Blood Type" concept. I believe that eating highly nutritious foods which are unprocessed are best for good health and weight management. About the caffeine and weight loss issue -- I lost a ton of weight and had coffee throughout the entire process. Coffee kept a lot of my hunger pangs at bay, and since I like mine sweetened and with milk, it served to help offset my cravings for more calorie-laden foods.
MITYMO Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:13,180 Points:1,590,850 Joined:Jan 2004	Message Posted: Apr 5, 2009 2:31:43 PM Ignore MITYMO Report Abuse I saw that book...Eating for your Blood type roaming around at work about a year or two ago. Never heard of or seen it since. I was interested to know more but couldn't come up with the name.- I have heard you shouldn't have caffeine if you are trying to diet to loose weight. I usually have a cup on the weekends and stay away from it during the week.
AUREOLAE Champion Author Oakland Posts:3,364 Points:801,165 Joined:Jan 2004	Message Posted: Apr 5, 2009 2:35:50 AM Ignore AUREOLAE Report Abuse I stopped it cold mid-January 2009. Am feeling quite a bit better. I don't consume "anything caffeine" anymore. I've replaced it with herbal teas and I juice quite a bit more.
MPG Lover Champion Author Illinois Posts:1,171 Points:590,075 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Aug 14, 2008 11:23:48 PM Ignore MPG Lover Report Abuse I still drink it, in the 2-3 cups a day range; sometimes substituting a tea for a coffee; but, I did have a friend that had a sudden onset of ulcers. The doctor was no help, but a nurse refered to the book loosely titled: "Eating for Your Blood Type" and she said he should cut out wheat products and coffee, he did and he said "I've never felt better". He's not the kind of guy to run to the doctor either, he was in bad shape. I'll have to ask him other effects; is he calmer now? I've toyed with the idea, but for now will likely substitiute tea for coffee sometimes. Tea stimulates the beta waves in the brain (alertness) but not the alpha waves (stress response) so I think it's healthier; you don't get the shakes; never heard of a lethal tea dose. Good topic!