The problems with caffeeine can include adrenal fatigue, irritability, depression, and mood swings. I don't suffer from any of those but I resent the fact that I "need" a coffee in the morning to start the day. I know that coffee removes essential nutrients from my system and that is just not good economics - when I'm trying to fill up the body with nutrients and the caffeine is pulling them out - time to get rid of the caffeine. Carolanne is right about the body developing a tolerance for a set amount of caffeine and then needing more to give the same effect. She also talks about the possibility (probability) of pesticides and fungicides in the coffee.
She offers the following alternatives: Roasted dandelion root - B vitamins, zinc, potassium, and iron. So instead of using a pesticide to kill the dandelions, sneak up on them after a good rain, pull them out and wash off the roots. Roast them in the oven and then whirl them in the blender. She says that two teaspoons of roasted root per cup of hot water will create a tea that helps boost energy. Strain it first!
Black sesame - copper, manganese, iron, and calcium. Simmer one tablespoon of seeds in one cup of water over low heat for ten minutes. Strain and add stevia and milk or substitute.
Molasses-Ginger Tea -improve circulation, nourish the glands, and get iron and magnesium. Combine one tablespoon molasses, one tablespoon coconut oil, and a quarter teaspoon ginger powder with one boiling cup of watter.
Sparkling fruit spritzer Use pure or sparkling water with freshly squeezed orange, lemon, or lime juice. Sweeten with some stevia if needed.
Carob - calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium and source of anti-oxidants.
Whisk one tablespoon of carob flour per cup hot water or nondairy milk. Add stevia to taste.
Thanks Carolanne! I am going to try the dandelion thing tomorrow.
Other than the slight frontal lobe headache, I am doing all right as my adrenals try to adjust to having to produce with the caffeine kicking at them. I have been more tired than usual but since I am on vacation it's okay. Day four coming up! If I make it through the week, I'll blog about my caffeine story. It's a classic!