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learner202
09-17-2003, 08:02 PM
It's a morning ritual for millions of Americans. A cup of coffee to help launch us on our day with eyes wide open. Many of us have come to depend on this morning dose of caffeine; David Letterman has even remarked, "If it weren't for the coffee, I'd have no identifiable personality whatsoever."

Jokes aside, caffeine can be serious business, and health experts continue to debate the effects of caffeine on the body.

What is caffeine? Where is it found?

Caffeine is a substance that is extracted from plants or produced synthetically for use as an additive in certain food products. It is a stimulant to the central nervous system and acts as a diuretic.

Caffeine is found naturally in the leaves, seeds, and fruits of more than 60 plants. In addition to making its way into coffee, caffiene is a common ingredient in tea, chocolate, cocoa, and many colas. Caffeine may also be found in over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers, appetite suppressants, and cold medicines.

Individual Differences

One cup of coffee contains about 100 milligrams of caffeine, a significant dose for infrequent coffee drinkers, and enough to produce identifiable effects on the body. Thirty minutes after a cup of coffee, drinkers' metabolism increases, blood pressure climbs, and heart rate accelerates.

There is some debate about whether or not caffeine should be avoided. Some say that regular coffee drinkers quickly develop a tolerance to caffeine, and effects to the body are diminished or even eliminated. Others point out that caffeine can cause difficulty sleeping, irritability, and nervousness.

In short, different people can tolerate different amounts of caffeine before they feel effects. For some, the caffeine in a milk chocolate bar will go unnoticed. For others, who are extremely sensitive, caffeine may bring about an elevated heart rate, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, and other negative effects. Consumed in very large quantities, caffeine's effects are intensified.

A Warning

Caffeine is also known to enhance alertness, concentration, and memory. However, according to "Brewing Trouble," an article published on WebMD Health by Rebecca A. Clay, caffeine can trigger an assortment of other effects, including sweaty palms, a pounding heart, and ringing in the ears for people predisposed to anxiety disorders. These effects, in turn, can bring about a full-blown panic attack.

"If you tend to be a high-strung, anxious person, using a lot of caffeine can be risky," stresses Norman B. Schmidt, PhD, associate professor of psychology at Ohio State University. Roland Griffiths, PhD, a professor of psychiatry and neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, agrees: "People often see coffee, tea, and soft drinks simply as beverages rather than vehicles for a psychoactive drug. But caffeine can exacerbate anxiety and panic disorders." Many people suffer from caffeine withdrawl.

The American Psychiatric Association joined the caffeine debate when it added three related disorders to its list of official diagnoses: caffeine intoxication, caffeine-related anxiety, and caffeine-related sleep disorders.

Special Populations

In general, children should stay away from too much caffeine. Fruit juices and milk are always healthier alternatives to sodas for children, and over active youngsters should certainly steer clear of caffeinated drinks, as caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant.

Other populations who should restrict caffeine use include people with coronary heart disease, peptic ulcers, anxiety, or depression. Caffeine has been known to exacerbate symptoms for individuals with these conditions.

Women who are pregnant or considering the possibility of becoming pregnant should keep caffeine use to a minimum, if they consume it at all. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that mothers who drink significant amounts of coffee during pregnancy have a higher risk of delivering low birth weight babies. In addition, FDA cites studies in which maternal coffee intake may contribute to anemia for moms and infants. Separately, Yale-New Haven Hospital references a study in which a link was found between high caffeine intake during pregnancy and sudden infant death syndrome.

Whether you drink one cup of coffee or soda a day or several cups, try to monitor your caffeine intake and its effects on your body. Caffeine withdrawal is a serious health problem. If you have concerns or questions, talk to your health care provider. A nutritious diet-whether or not it includes caffeine-is a "must have" if you are committed to following a path to better health.

jaywooly
09-17-2003, 08:15 PM
I stay away from coffee. I like to sleep at night (and day if time permits).

chelle
09-17-2003, 08:36 PM
I always have a cup on my workout mornings. :)

learner202
09-17-2003, 09:12 PM
Coffee is good but my ranods acts up if I have any.

midwtchamp
09-18-2003, 01:27 AM
FYI the chemical name is dextrophin

bigshug
09-18-2003, 02:06 AM
Originally posted by learner202
Coffee is good but my ranods acts up if I have any.


What in the hell are "ranods"??

BLEED GREEN
09-18-2003, 09:38 AM
1 cup of expresso and 2 ECA pills= Awesome workout

chelle
09-18-2003, 09:42 AM
Originally posted by bigshug
What in the hell are "ranods"??

It's a problem with circulation in his hands.
(I already asked :p )

Max-HC
09-18-2003, 09:43 AM
Never drink coffee or soda,ephedra for pick me up when i need it..

LA
09-18-2003, 01:07 PM
Originally posted by BLEED GREEN
1 cup of expresso and 2 ECA pills= Awesome workout Agreed!

midwtchamp
09-18-2003, 01:10 PM
Damn I cant have my daily ECA stack now! I had to cut it out 2 weeks before surgery what a jerk lol

radical_P
09-18-2003, 09:58 PM
Originally posted by LA
Agreed!

add some asprin to it and you are good to go

radical_P
09-18-2003, 10:01 PM
Originally posted by chelle
It's a problem with circulation in his hands.
(I already asked :p )

Just if you really wanted to know

What is Raynaud's Phenomenon?

Raynaud's Phenomenon is a Disorder of the small blood vessels that feed the skin. During an attack of Raynaud's, these arteries contract briefly, limiting blood flow. This is called a vasospasm. Deprived of the blood's oxygen, the skin first turns white then blue. The skin turns red as the arteries relax and blood flows again. Extremities--hands and feet--are most commonly affected, but Raynaud's can attack other areas such as the nose and ears.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include changes in skin color (white to blue to red) and skin temperature (the affected area feels cooler). Usually there is no pain, but it is common for the affected area to feel numb or prickly, as if it has fallen asleep.

What causes Raynaud's?

Doctors do not completely understand the cause of Raynaud's, but they believe the body's blood vessels overreact to cold.

When the body is exposed to cold, the hands and feet lose heat rapidly. To conserve heat, the body reduces the amount of blood flowing to these areas by narrowing the small arteries that supply them with blood. In persons with Raynaud's, these small blood vessels overrespond to cold. For example, reaching into a refrigerator may trigger an attack.

Cold temperatures are more likely to provoke an attack when the individual is physically or emotionally stressed. For some persons, exposure to cold is not even necessary; stress alone causes vessels to narrow.

Who is affected?

Women between the ages of 15 and 50 are most often affected, but anyone can have the problem. It is not known for sure how many people suffer from these symptoms, but Raynaud's is a common problem.

How is Raynaud's diagnosed?

An attack is usually temporary, so the doctor relies on the patient's description to diagnose the problem. The doctor will also determine whether the patient has Raynaud's alone (called primary Raynaud's phenomenon) or if another disease or some aspect of the patient's lifestyle is causing the symptoms. If the problem is caused by another disease or risk factor, the patient is said to have secondary Raynaud's phenomenon.

Is primary Raynaud's different from secondary Raynaud's?

Yes. Primary Raynaud's usually affects both hands and both feet, and the cause is not known for certain. Secondary Raynaud's usually affects either both hands or both feet. Causes of secondary Raynaud's can be identified. Smoking is one cause. Some drugs may also cause this form of Raynaud's phenomenon. These include:


Some heart and blood medications.


Migraine headache medications.

radical_P
09-18-2003, 10:14 PM
Originally posted by body2see
Radical P, very nice you answered my question. I am willing to bet that AAS would be horrible for someone that has this problem.

I would have to agree

learner202
09-18-2003, 10:55 PM
Also, my doctor told me there is no treatment or test that can be done to tell if you have it.

radical_P
09-19-2003, 09:49 AM
Originally posted by learner202
Also, my doctor told me there is no treatment or test that can be done to tell if you have it.

Sorry bro but your doc doesn't know what he's talking about....

If a doctor suspects Raynaud's phenomenon, he or she will ask the patient for a detailed medical history. The doctor will then examine the patient to rule out other medical problems. The patient might have a vasospastic attack during the office visit, which makes it easier for the doctor to diagnose Raynaud's phenomenon. Most doctors find it fairly easy to diagnose Raynaud's phenomenon but more difficult to identify the form of the disorder.

What Is the Treatment for Raynaud's Phenomenon?

The aims of treatment are to reduce the number and severity of attacks and to prevent tissue damage and loss in the fingers and toes. Most doctors are conservative in treating patients with primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon; that is, they recommend nondrug treatments and self-help measures first. Doctors may prescribe medications for some patients, usually those with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. In addition, patients are treated for any underlying disease or condition that causes secondary Raynaud's phenomenon.

Nondrug Treatments and Self-Help Measures

Several nondrug treatments and self-help measures can decrease the severity of Raynaud's attacks and promote overall well-being.

Take action during an attack--An attack should not be ignored. Its length and severity can be lessened by a few simple actions. The first and most important action is to warm the hands or feet. In cold weather, people should go indoors. Running warm water over the fingers or toes or soaking them in a bowl of warm water will warm them. Taking time to relax will further help to end the attack. If a stressful situation triggers the attack, a person can help stop the attack by getting out of the stressful situation and relaxing. People who are trained in biofeedback can use this technique along with warming the hands or feet in water to help lessen the attack.


Keep warm--It is important not only to keep the extremities warm but also to avoid chilling any part of the body. In cold weather, people with Raynaud's phenomenon must pay particular attention to dressing. Several layers of loose clothing, socks, hats, and gloves or mittens are recommended. A hat is important because a great deal of body heat is lost through the scalp. Feet should be kept dry and warm. Some people find it helpful to wear mittens and socks to bed during winter. Chemical warmers, such as small heating pouches that can be placed in pockets, mittens, boots, or shoes, can give added protection during long periods outdoors. People who have secondary Raynaud's phenomenon should talk to their doctors before exercising outdoors in cold weather.

People with Raynaud's phenomenon should also be aware that air conditioning can trigger attacks. Turning down the air conditioning or wearing a sweater may help prevent attacks. Some people find it helpful to use insulated drinking glasses and to put on gloves before handling frozen or refrigerated foods.


Quit smoking--The nicotine in cigarettes causes the skin temperature to drop, which may lead to an attack.


Control stress--Because stress and emotional upsets may trigger an attack, particularly for people who have primary Raynaud's phenomenon, learning to recognize and avoid stressful situations may help control the number of attacks. Many people have found that relaxation or biofeedback training can help decrease the number and severity of attacks. Biofeedback training teaches people to bring the temperature of their fingers under voluntary control. Local hospitals and other community organizations, such as schools, often offer programs in stress management.


Exercise--Many doctors encourage patients who have Raynaud's phenomenon, particularly the primary form, to exercise regularly. Most people find that exercise promotes overall well-being, increases energy level, helps control weight, and promotes restful sleep. Patients with Raynaud's phenomenon should talk to their doctors before starting an exercise program.


See a doctor--People with Raynaud's phenomenon should see their doctors if they are worried or frightened about attacks or if they have questions about caring for themselves. They should always see their doctors if attacks occur only on one side of the body (one hand or one foot) and any time an attack results in sores or ulcers on the fingers or toes.
Treatment With Medications

People with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon are more likely than those with the primary form to be treated with medications. Many doctors believe that the most effective and safest drugs are calcium-channel blockers, which relax smooth muscle and dilate the small blood vessels. These drugs decrease the frequency and severity of attacks in about two-thirds of patients who have primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. These drugs also can help heal skin ulcers on the fingers or toes.

Other patients have found relief with drugs called alpha blockers that counteract the actions of norepinephrine, a hormone that constricts blood vessels. Some doctors prescribe a nonspecific vasodilator (drug that relaxes blood vessels), such as nitroglycerine paste, which is applied to the fingers, to help heal skin ulcers. Patients should keep in mind that the treatment for Raynaud's phenomenon is not always successful. Often, patients with the secondary form will not respond as well to treatment as those with the primary form of the disorder.

Patients may find that one drug works better than another. Some people may experience side effects that require stopping the medication. For other people, a drug may become less effective over time. Women of childbearing age should know that the medications used to treat Raynaud's phenomenon may affect the growing fetus. Therefore, women who are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant should avoid taking these medications if possible.

bigshug
09-19-2003, 10:48 AM
I swear I almost get emotional at the level of information to be found on this board.......

learner202
09-19-2003, 12:09 PM
He just told me no caffeine, nicotine, ephedra. Thats it. This was about 5 years ago though so they might have something better now.