posted
Caffeine just kills my brain. I have been using it to self medicate for depression and energy. I really need to quit the junk (for the thousandth time... )
Are there any other methods that might give a similar effect as caffeine?
Thank you!
Posts: 26 | From BKNY | Registered: Aug 2009
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glm1111
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 16556
posted
Caffeine is reported to have some very good benefits and I just read a recent article that it has potential for alzheimers. It is purported to be very high in antioxidants..
You can google coffee healt benefits. Don't mean to contradict your concern, but just thought you might want to look at some benefits so you won't keep beating yourself up.
Adderral can give the same effect but has it's side effects as well. Why do you say it kills your brain?
I am sure others will come along with other views on coffee.
Gael
-------------------- PARASITES/WORMS ARE NOW RECOGNIZED AS THE NUMBER 1 CO-INFECTION IN LYME DISEASE BY ILADS* Posts: 6418 | From philadelphia pa | Registered: Jul 2008
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Caffeine can have some benefits - even in black coffee. The gallbladder benefits greatly from black coffee. A tender stomach lining, not so much.
However, the flip side of our caffeine hit can be too much stimulation. With lyme, so often, that can just further clobber us due to the extreme endocrine dysfunction.
Our bodies just don't handle stress as well due to the toxic load and damage that creates.
As with all things we consume, SOURCE and BALANCE matters greatly in outcome.
While GREEN TEA also has caffeine, it's a bit less but it's balanced with THEANINE so that the excitatory reaction is mitigated (for most people).
Google: Green+Tea,Theanine
GREEN TEA also has many benefits and tastes lovely. My favorite: YOGI CHAI GREEN
=============================
ADRENAL SUPPORT
should help and is really very nearly required if one is to reach a good remission because lyme just so clobbers the HPA-axis (that triangle of major support from the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal organs/functions).
I know I use "clobber" frequently to describe what happens to energy due to being hit with lyme - "clobber" just fits. Sadly.
Many LLMDs strongly suggest those with lyme go gluten-free. Some also suggest those other foods this entire list:
Gluten; Dairy (& casein); Corn; Soy.
All additives. All processed foods.
The benefits can be very nice. And there are still hundreds of real foods to enjoy in thousands of different combinations with garden herbs and spices. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Going Scent-Free can also help improve mood & energy. The chemical assault is a huge factor. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- FOOD FUELS US
Getting enough protein from a variety of sources (and good WHOLE,COMPLEX carbs - and good fats)? ---------------------
THE REQUIREMENTS OF PROTEIN & AMINO ACID DURING ACUTE & CHRONIC INFECTIONS
Indian J Med Res 124, August 2006, pp 129-148
- by Anura V. Kurpad
Fifteen pages of text.
Excerpt from abstract on page one:
. . . In general, the amount of extra protein that would appear to be needed is of the order of 20-25 per cent of the recommended intake, for most infections. . . .
[note: see what author states about lysine supplementation appearing to help immune function.] -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Amazing information. Thank you. I have been getting my caffeine from green tea, but I always end up ramping up and up and up, until I have about 5 cups a day. I can't control myself, so it is addictive for me.
Gael, the effect on my brain is almost enough to stop cold turkey. I feel as if someone has hit me over the head with a frying pan. Just a huge, vibrating head, like something out of Looney Tunes.
Keebler, the days I am low protein are the worst! I had to quit my vegetarian diet just to help balance. Thank you for reminding me to stay consistent, as I did not have much protein today, and am especially affected by the caffeine tonight. Hmmm. Interesting connection.
Thank you!
Posts: 26 | From BKNY | Registered: Aug 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- WILD SALMON & sardines help me the most. NUTS as my "first breakfast" and between meals, too.
You may need more assertive REST, too. BEFORE your body just can't go anymore, go lie down if at all possible.
You may need to restructure your routines. Lying down is vital to the kind of rest we need on and off throughout the day during this time. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Ah. I always push on through, which is just awful. Thank you for the great suggestions. Love Salmon and nuts.
Posts: 26 | From BKNY | Registered: Aug 2009
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lymeboy
Unregistered
posted
Caffeine has done ok by me, but like Keebler said I really moderate my intake. Maybe once - twice - week. I used to drink over a pot of coffee every day. This is probably what kep t me from realizing how ill I was for so long. It probably made me sicker too.
My need to drink that much coffee was probably because of the BB running through my body, eating me alive.
Anyway, I drink decaf Green Tea, and that is pretty stimulating. WHen I want, from time to time I have a cup of coffee. I love the stuff, but it is definitely best to keep your intake low.
Cordyceps is pretty stimulating. The few times I have used it, it put a glide in my steps!
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posted
Thank you Lymeboy. I will try the cordyceps. It sounds great!
Posts: 26 | From BKNY | Registered: Aug 2009
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WPinVA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33581
posted
It's understandable that you've been using caffeine to get through your day. Have you had your thyroid checked? My energy is slowly improving after adrenal support and thyroid medication.
Posts: 1737 | From Virginia | Registered: Aug 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- malala . . . you do not WANT something that is stimulating. Rather, supportive.
I never found Cordyceps to be stimulating, though I know some people have.
I find it very supportive as any adrenal support should be. If anything is too stimulating it can torpedo you hours later and leave you sinking.
Support & Balance are key.
Usually, we should not taking this or that pill (even if an herb or other nutrient) for an immediate action. . . .
. . . but, rather, for it to nourish our organs & cells to function better. And that should result in feeling better and more balanced. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Carol in PA
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5338
You can read the reviews to get an idea of what's going on, and you can read some of the book by clicking on "search inside."
Rhodiola supports the HPA axis. When I first started taking it, my menstrual periods went back to normal.
I think the different brands vary in how well they help fatigue. You can read reviews at iHerb.com and at Amazon for many brands.
Posts: 6956 | From Lancaster, PA | Registered: Feb 2004
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