It's been over three months since I decided to kick my caffeine habit  (more specifically, my espresso habit), and I feel like a different person.  Believe it or not, I've only caved into the lure of my favorite caffeinated beverage - a large iced soy latte - a handful of times (ok...maybe a couple of handfuls), and on most days of the week, I can actually get by without even drinking normal coffee. 

This may not seem like a major accomplishment to some, but it was no small feat for yours truly.  I used to suffer severe withdrawal symptoms on the mornings that I didn't get my espresso fix - splitting headaches, nausea, cloudiness - I was an addict in the truest sense of the word.  Now I can walk past a Starbucks without feeling that aching urge for my icy and overpriced fix...and I am proud!

Besides saving a lot of money and being free of the withdrawal symptoms, I have also noticed a drastic difference in my PMS symptoms (ladies, pay attention!).  PMS has been linked to the breast tenderness and irritability symptoms - - two things that have taken a noticeable dive for me in the past few months.

Although a few servings of caffeine per day isn't a bad thing and even has many benefits, my consumption had easily crossed the line from moderate to excessive.  "Everything in Moderation" definitely rings true for caffeine.

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• #11 Comment from sflbuddy 
  4/1/07 6:34 AM | Permalink

  I was a 2-3 pot a day coffee drinker.  My usual breakfast/lunch was coffee and cigarettes.  I did not have any respect for my body and paid more attention to my cars needs than what my body needed.
  On March 6th. 2007 I was rushed to the emergency room where it was discover that my large intestine ruptured and I had emergency surgery.  Turns out I had Diverticulitis but never knew.
  Since then I have learned to respect my body and only drink 2 cups of coffee a day (morning/Evening) and I've quit smoking.  It's amazing what you'll do when your body screams HELP!!
  LISTEN to you Body~
  My blog:  http://journals.aol.com/sflbuddy/diverticulitis/
• #10 Comment from xincsilla 
  2/18/07 1:40 PM | Permalink

  I prevent my arteries clogged by cholesterol as an espresso coffee lover.
  I am 51 yrs old, and I saw doctors only advertised.
• #9 Comment from feylady 
  1/29/07 12:44 PM | Permalink

  I cut back on caffiene without totally eliminating it and I do feel better and sleep more soundly.  I switched to tea instead of coffee... Stash brand teas at the healthfood store are soooo good... they have caffiene but at least I don't get the creamer out for tea as much which helps my waist line.  
  
  I have a cup of chai with a mix of black and green tea and spices with cream in it for my morning drink... just one cup... then a couple more cups of breakfast blend tea with caffiene through mid morning... but then I stop the caffiene for the day and switch to something like Berry Zinger or other caffiene free tea... all the "Zinger" teas by Celestial Seasonings are very good hot or cold and taste good unsweetened and are caffiene free.
• #8 Comment from tlsesterling 
  1/23/07 12:09 AM | Permalink

  My dr. recommend giving up caffeine in coffee about 12 years ago, she said that it encourage the growth of fibroids--more fibroids more pain with my periods.  I will occassionally drink caffeine coffee, but now prefer caffeine free.  
  
  I still get caffeine in my tea, but do not seem to suffer any ill effects.  If you have painful periods, give up the caffeine--it may help.  TS
• #7 Comment from kam0715xx 
  1/22/07 3:52 PM | Permalink

  Try giving up coffee if you have problems with urinary incontinence "wetting your pants".  I accidentally found the connection when I gave the coffee up and the "wetting" stopped.  I no longer have to wear pads all the time.  It's great.  So if you have that problem and drink alot of caffeine, try stopping and after the headache goes away you'll feel alot better, and dryer.  lol