Caffeine. Are You Consuming Too Much?
- 6.01.2009
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If you wake up and say, 'I have to have my coffee to function', or need a pick-me-up half way through the day and say, 'Let's grab a Coke', than you are like 80% of the world's population. You make caffeine a part of your day.
Caffeine is a natural substance found in over 60 plants, including coffee and cocoa beans. It has a stimulating affect on the nervous system. Researchers debate if people are truly addicted to the stimulant, but, recognize that caffeinated beverages are part of a popular trend.
Medical experts believe that this is okay in moderation. The highest caffeine levels can be found in plain coffee at about 135 mg a cup. Coke contains 35 mg. Energy drinks are equivalent to several soft drinks. Smaller amounts of caffeine can even be found in chocolate and medications. A low to moderate level of intake is between 100-300 mg of caffeine daily according to medicinenet.com, but many people drink far more than this.
Too much caffeine can lead to an array of health problems including anxiety and dehydration. It often replaces the beverages in our diet that provide the most nutrients. Researchers continuing to study a possible link between caffeine and diseases like bone loss and heart disease.
For more information on caffeine
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Caffeine is a natural substance found in over 60 plants, including coffee and cocoa beans. It has a stimulating affect on the nervous system. Researchers debate if people are truly addicted to the stimulant, but, recognize that caffeinated beverages are part of a popular trend.
Medical experts believe that this is okay in moderation. The highest caffeine levels can be found in plain coffee at about 135 mg a cup. Coke contains 35 mg. Energy drinks are equivalent to several soft drinks. Smaller amounts of caffeine can even be found in chocolate and medications. A low to moderate level of intake is between 100-300 mg of caffeine daily according to medicinenet.com, but many people drink far more than this.
Too much caffeine can lead to an array of health problems including anxiety and dehydration. It often replaces the beverages in our diet that provide the most nutrients. Researchers continuing to study a possible link between caffeine and diseases like bone loss and heart disease.
For more information on caffeine
Read More
Starving of Dehydration
- 5.29.2009
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As the weather gets warmer and people get more active, it is imperative to protect our bodies from harm and abuse. Our bodies are finely tuned machines that require strict upkeep. The human body is made up of 60% water, with every organ system depending on water to function. If you do not replenish water throughout the day you run the risk of dehydration and damage to your body, as it is unable to fully function. The Mayo clinic suggests healthy adults drink between 8 and 13, 8 oz glasses of water a day, more if you are sweating, exercising, pregnant, nursing, or especially active.
Do not use thirst alone as a guide for when to drink. By the time you become thirsty, you may already be experiencing dehydration. Also, know that as you get older your body is less able to sense dehydration and send your brain signals of thirst. Excessive thirst and increased urination can be signs of a more serious medical condition that should be discussed with your doctor.
The Mayo Clinic suggests that people make water the beverage of choice to make sure that they meet their body’s requirements. Nearly every healthy adult can consider the following:
* Drink a glass of water with each meal and between each meal.
* Hydrate before, during and after exercise.
* Substitute sparkling water for alcoholic drinks at social gatherings.
Make these habits a part of your lifestyle and protect yourself from the devastating effects of dehydration.
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Do not use thirst alone as a guide for when to drink. By the time you become thirsty, you may already be experiencing dehydration. Also, know that as you get older your body is less able to sense dehydration and send your brain signals of thirst. Excessive thirst and increased urination can be signs of a more serious medical condition that should be discussed with your doctor.
The Mayo Clinic suggests that people make water the beverage of choice to make sure that they meet their body’s requirements. Nearly every healthy adult can consider the following:
* Drink a glass of water with each meal and between each meal.
* Hydrate before, during and after exercise.
* Substitute sparkling water for alcoholic drinks at social gatherings.
Make these habits a part of your lifestyle and protect yourself from the devastating effects of dehydration.
Read More
Summer Heat. Beware.
- 5.25.2009
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As you enjoy the summer sun this year, remember to guard yourself from heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is serious and can sneak up on you quickly. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body becomes fatigued or dehydrated while exposed to extreme heat without replenishment. When your hypothalamus becomes overwhelmed and cannot regulate your body temperature you are at risk for heat stoke.
Remember to avoid extreme exercise, outdoor work, and laborious outdoor activities in the heat of the day. Beware of certain medications and alcohol as they increase the rate of dehydration and obstruct the body’s ability to regulate its temperature.
Signs to watch for:
* Heavy sweating
* Fatigue
* Headache
* Pale, clammy skin
* Thirst
* Rapid heartbeat
* Dizziness, fainting
* Nausea, vomiting
* Muscle cramps
* Mild temperature elevations
If coma or seizure occurs or your body temperature reaches 104 F, you may have a fatal heat stroke.
Enjoy the summer, soak up the sun, but be alert and know the warning signs of heat exhaustion.
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Remember to avoid extreme exercise, outdoor work, and laborious outdoor activities in the heat of the day. Beware of certain medications and alcohol as they increase the rate of dehydration and obstruct the body’s ability to regulate its temperature.
Signs to watch for:
* Heavy sweating
* Fatigue
* Headache
* Pale, clammy skin
* Thirst
* Rapid heartbeat
* Dizziness, fainting
* Nausea, vomiting
* Muscle cramps
* Mild temperature elevations
If coma or seizure occurs or your body temperature reaches 104 F, you may have a fatal heat stroke.
Enjoy the summer, soak up the sun, but be alert and know the warning signs of heat exhaustion.
Read More
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