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Dangers Of America's #1 Drug: Caffeine

Dangers of America’s #1 Drug: Caffeine

What is a drug?
 According to the FDA, a drug is “any article [substance], other than food, intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or other animals.”
 Does caffeine match this definition? Absolutely!

A Nation on Drugs
 According to the Center for Science in the Pubic Interest (CSPI), 80-90% of Americans consume caffeine daily.
 So, it must be o.k., right?

Reasons for Drinking Caffeine:
The Truth Exposed

Caffeine Gives You Energy
 Wrong! Caffeine does not provide energy, only chemical stimulation of the nervous system.
 Perceived energy is the result of the body’s struggle to adapt to increased blood levels of stress hormones.
 Energy can only come from food. The value of which is measured in calories. Caffeine does not provide calories.

Caffeine Gives You a Lift
 Wrong! While the initial adrenal stimulation may provide an anti-fatigue “lift,” the ultimate mood effect is a letdown, often in the form of depression, anxiety, or panic attacks.


Caffeine Sharpens Your Mind
 Wrong again! While caffeine users may feel more alert, the experience is really one increased sensory and motor activity (dilated pupils, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure).
 The quality of thought and recall is improved no more than the quality of music is improved by playing it at a high volume or speed.

Some Effects of Caffeine on the Body:

What the heck are adenosine receptors?
 Biochemical control switches found throughout the brain, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system and respiratory system.
 In the brain, adenosine dampens or slows down neuron firing. Caffeine inactivates this mechanism, your neuron circuits keep firing...

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