Keep Me Up! - Understanding Caffeine
Let’s talk about the most common, widely used drug: caffeine.
Ask yourself:
Does your day start with a cup of coffee or tea?
Do you rely on energy drinks to get through the day?
Do your cocktails include caffeinated mixers like energy drinks or soda?
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. It promotes wakefulness, alleviates fatigue, and can improve focus and concentration—when used in moderation. But while caffeine offers perceived benefits, it's also a highly addictive psychotropic substance with real physiological effects.
How Caffeine Works
Caffeine stimulates the brain by triggering the release of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla, resulting in a surge of epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. This mimics the fight-or-flight response, a survival mechanism designed for short bursts of action in high-stress situations.
However, frequent and excessive use of caffeine artificially triggers this response during routine daily tasks. Over time, this chronic stimulation leads to adrenal fatigue—a state where your adrenal glands reduce their normal hormonal production.
What Happens With Regular Caffeine Use?
Just one week of consistent caffeine consumption can begin to suppress natural adrenal function. As this suppression continues, you may experience:
Chronic fatigue
Irregular sleep patterns
Mood swings
Heightened dependence on caffeine to function
Common Side Effects of Excessive Caffeine
Restlessness, nervousness, and irritability
Headaches, dizziness, and sleep disturbances
Increased heart rate or abnormal heart rhythms
Digestive issues
Put Your Health First
You can begin to reduce your dependence on caffeine by making gradual, sustainable changes. Slowly taper your intake to avoid withdrawal symptoms and take steps to reduce daily stress and anxiety.
Take Action: Create New Habits
Track your caffeine intake daily
Choose water instead of caffeinated beverages
Switch to decaf versions of coffee or tea
Shorten steeping time for black or green teas
Try herbal teas and caffeine-free alternatives
Read supplement labels—caffeine is often hidden in pills and energy blends
Replace the habit, don’t just remove it
Herbal Caffeine Alternatives
Looking for energizing or comforting drinks without caffeine? Try these herbal and caffeine-free options:
Grain & Root-Based Alternatives:
Roasted barley
Chicory root
Dandelion root
Kaffree Roma, Postum, Pero, Roastaroma, Cafix, Teeccino
Herbal Teas & Roots:
Peppermint
Ginger root
Ginseng root (mild stimulant)
Lemon grass
Red clover
Miso broth (nourishing and grounding)
You have the power to take control of your energy—naturally. Reclaim your vitality by reducing dependence on artificial stimulants and supporting your body's own rhythm.
