Why should I give up coffee?

In my practice, I commonly recommend patients discontinue drinking coffee as it can negate the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment. On a regular basis, patients ask the questions "Why is coffee bad for me? Do I really need to give it up?" So, I thought it would be helpful to have a complete list of the reasons I recommend a coffee-free diet, aside from its interactions with homeopathic remedies.

Fatigue

I know, this is the main reason that people drink coffee: to help you wake up in the morning, get over that late afternoon slump, or to stay up while working late at night. Yes, coffee is a very short term remedy for fatigue, but in the end, it only makes it worse. Coffee is a central nervous system stimulant which overstimulates the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline and cortisol, both stress hormones. This is what is responsible for that initial euphoric feeling with a cup of coffee, when you have a heightened sense of mental clarity, alertness and more energy. Unfortunately, this affect is short lasting and leads to a crash in energy, and eventually adrenal depletion, fatigue and caffeine dependence and addiction. Your adrenal glands stop being able to produce normal levels of these stress hormones, as caffeine has worn them out. Coffee blocks the absorption of iron, which can contribute to iron deficiency anemia, also resulting in fatigue.

Anxiety/Panic/Depression/Sleep disorders

Because coffee stimulates an excess release of stress hormones and interferes with our brain chemistry, it contributes to states of anxiety, panic, depression and insomnia. Coffee inhibits adenosine, which is one of our calming neurotransmitters, thus blocking our body's ability for natural stress reduction and relaxation. Coffee depletes the body of vitamin B6, a nutrient needed for the production of serotonin. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression and anxiety. Coffee also decreases vitamin D absorption, which has been linked to mood disorders and depression.

Coronary Artery Disease/Hypertension

Coffee intake has been linked to elevated homocysteine levels, which contributes to coronary artery disease. Elevated levels of cortisol due to coffee intake lead to constriction of blood vessels and can be a contributing factor to hypertension.

Osteoporosis/Bone Health

Coffee has been shown to decrease the absorption of both calcium and vitamin D, both necessary for optimal bone health. Coffee actually leaches calcium from the our bones, contributing to loss of bone density and osteoporosis.

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Coffee is acidic, and contains numerous chemicals that are irritating to the lining of the digestive tract. Over time, coffee consumption can contribute to many gastrointestinal conditions including gastritis, GERD, and irritable bowel syndrome. Because of coffee's irritant effect on the gastrointestinal tract, it decreases the absorption of many essential vitamins and minerals.

Dehydration

Coffee is a diuretic that causes frequent urination. This depletes the body of important nutrients and electrolytes including magnesium, potassium and calcium.

Dental health

Not only does coffee stain your teeth a yellowish brown color, it also increases dental caries (cavities).

So, those are a few reasons to motivate you to give up coffee and improve your health!

Coffee Alternative

If you are considering giving up coffee, the best coffee alternative I have found is Dandy Blend. This is a caffeine-free, gluten-free coffee alternative that contains water soluble extracts of roasted dandelion root, chicory and beets, and grains barley and rye. It surprisingly tastes like coffee without the bitterness and acidity. Substituting Dandy Blend for coffee helps with avoiding headaches and other coffee withdrawal symptoms. Dandelion, one of the main ingredients in this blend, is a wonderful botanical for digestion and nutrient absorption, liver functionality, skin health, weight loss and hormone balancing. I recommend Dandy Blend as part of a detoxification program and/or for every day use. Check out Dandy Blend's website:

http://www.dandyblend.com/ for more info or for a store locator near you. In Portland, you can buy Dandy Blend at Peoples Food Co-op in SE, or the Alberta Co-op in NE.

Some recipe ideas using Dandy Blend:

Straight up:

1 tsp Dandy Blend dissolved in 8 ounces hot water. I recommend using 1 Tbsp for a fuller flavored cup.

*you can also dissolve Dandy Blend in cold water and serve over ice for a refreshing iced-coffee alternative.

Dandy Latte:

1 Tbsp Dandy Blend

12 ounces steamed or warmed dairy alternative-almond milk or hemp milk

1 tsp honey

Stir all ingredients together and enjoy!

Dandy Bliss:

1 Tbsp Dandy Blend

1/2 cup Coconut Bliss Ice Cream (original or vanilla flavor)

1/2 cup water

1 cup ice

Blend all ingredients in the blender and enjoy!

I recommend trying to give up coffee for 2 weeks and notice how differently you feel. Just eliminating coffee and caffeine from your diet can drastically improve how you feel physically, mentally and emotionally.

Naturopathic Travel Kit

Summer is here! For many of us, this means vacations are just around the corner.

When traveling, I find that it is great to be prepared for any bumps along the way to ensure that vacation is the most relaxing experience possible. As we embark on new adventures in our travels, it is so common for minor ailments to arise along the way that can take away from a true feeling of relaxation, ie- sunburns, insects bites, minor cuts and musculoskeletal injuries, food poisoning, etc.... We have all had the experience of being on a trip and encountering some injury or illness that seemingly dampens our full enjoyment of vacation. Over the years, I have come up with what I call my "Naturopathic travel kit" that includes remedies for most acute ailments that arise. This kit includes my 8 favorite staples I bring along on any trip.

I pass this along to you so your vacations this summer are full of relaxation, joy and pure bliss!

1. activated charcoal capsules: Honestly, I don't leave home without these. This is the best remedy I have found for helping with food poisoning and digestive upset due to exposure to new and different foods. Activated charcoal adsorbs (binds) to toxins and helps to flush them out of the GI tract, drastically reducing the amount you absorb. As soon as you suspect food poisoning, I suggest taking 2-4 capsules of activated charcoal with 8 oz water, 3 times per day for 2-3 days. You can find activated charcoal at most drug stores, grocery stores and health food stores.

2. homeopathic arsenicum (30 C potency): This is also a really helpful remedy for food poisoning. Especially if you experience nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, this homeopathic is so helpful for a faster recovery. **(see note below for dosage suggestions and where to find homeopathic remedies).

3. probiotics: This is a great supplement to take while traveling to prevent digestive upset and susceptibility to food poisoning, Probiotics are the "good" bacteria that normally populate our digestive tract and help to optimize immune and digestive health. Probiotics help with preventing infection from pathogenic bacteria and viruses. I love our 8 Hearts brand of probiotics called Replenish. These are available through my office at www.8hearts.org. I suggest taking 2 capsules each day.

4. homeopathic arnica (30 C potency): This is a wonderful remedy for acute muscle strains/soreness and ligament sprains due to overuse. Especially if you are planning a trip where you will be increasing your physical activity-ie-hiking trip, etc-don't leave home without the arnica! **

5. homeopathic apis (30 C potency): This is ideal for acute insect bites, stings and allergic reactions, especially when there are symptoms of hives, swelling, burning and heat. This is wonderful especially on camping trips, or when traveling to tropical destinations where insects and critters are abundant. **

6. CCC cream : This is my favorite topical cream made by Eclectic Institute which is helpful for so many acute traumas/injuries that can occur while traveling. The C-C-C stands for Calendula, Coneflower (Echinacea) and Comfrey. The combination of these herbs makes this a wonderful remedy for sun burns, insect bites, minor bruises and superficial wounds-scrapes and cuts. This cream is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and helpful with wound healing and tissue repair. Many health food stores carry this product, or you can find it online: http://www.amazon.com/Eclectic-Institute-Calendula-Comfrey-Coneflowe/dp/B00128SMB8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307906029&sr=8-1

7. sunscreen : This one may seem obvious, but this is a staple in my travel kit which can easily be overlooked. I recommend spending 10-15 minute in the sun each day before applying sunscreen for optimal vitamin D absorption, then applying a good quality sunscreen for sun-damage prevention. I suggest a paraben-free brand like Alba Botanica. You can find their products at most health food stores, or check out their website for more info: http://www.albabotanica.com/?id=72

8. homeopathic cocculus (30 C potency): This remedy is great for helping with symptoms of motion sickness. I find this to so helpful for feelings of nausea and dizziness that can arise from travel via plane, boat, train, etc. **

** Homeopathic remedy info: A general rule of thumb for use of homeopathic remedies for acute ailments: dissolve 3-5 pellets under the tongue away from food, 3 times per day while symptoms persist, up to 1 week. Homeopathic remedies can be found at most health food stores. The brand I like that is sold over the counter is Boiron and is packaged in small blue tubes.

I wish you all a summer of relaxing vacations and optimal, vibrant health!