Caffeine, which Wikipedia states “is the most widely consumed psychoactive drug”, stimulates the nervous system and the blood vessels in the brain and body. Caffeine also blocks the effect of adenosine (a neurotransmitter that causes sleepiness and fatigue) on adenosine receptors in our brains. When the caffeine wears off, the delayed buildup of adenosine hits us like a ton of bricks. This is why we can often feel sleepy or experience a crash after consuming caffeine.

Coffee, specifically, is a diuretic and dehydrates the body, which makes us more tired and makes us want to drink more coffee (thus, starting the dehydrating cycle again). When the body gets used to the amount of caffeine it’s being given, it asks for more and more, until we become addicted.

There are now a staggering number of caffeinated drinks, gums and foods available and the amount of caffeine consumption is off the charts. Excessive caffeine intake has severe adverse effects on our sleep, emotional stability and digestive systems. As the body/mind rises and crashes day after day, using this legal “upper”, deterioration of the body’s vital systems begin. Too much caffeine intake can lead to rapid heartbeats, irritability, anxiety, muscle jitters and the list goes on.

It seems as though most people’s days are so fast-paced and so multi-tasked, that they need to keep up an unreasonable speed through life, often with the help of caffeine (we’ve been there). The perpetual “on-the-go” lifestyle we’re being advertised and the endless number of processed “convenience” products we’re being sold, slow us down and tire us even more.

Over the last year, we have said goodbye to bad-for-us corn syrup, bad-for-us toothpaste, bad-for-us deodorant, bad-for-us food and beverages and so many other everyday items that contain unhealthy ingredients and chemicals. The two of us don’t mind having a splash of coffee every once in a while, but we will no longer rely upon it as an energy source. Instead, we’re choosing herbal tinctures, non-caffeinated teas and other naturally energizing foods.