The TRUTH About Caffeine [Revealed]
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted June 10, 2024
Some people (like mainstream nutritionists) love to hate on caffeine, blaming it for everything from hyperactive kids to sleepless nights.
But the truth is, in the right amount, caffeine can be a total game-changer for your mind and body.
Surprised? Let me explain…
First off, let’s talk about how caffeine works.
Throughout the day, a molecule called adenosine builds up in your brain, latching onto nerve cells and making them slow down.
The result? You start feeling drowsy and sluggish.
But caffeine binds to the same receptors and blocks adenosine’s sleep-inducing effects. Suddenly, your neurons are firing on all cylinders, and you feel sharp as a tack!
And the benefits don’t stop there.
Caffeine is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to boosting physical performance. It helps your muscles contract more efficiently and is a natural painkiller. No wonder so many athletes swear by their pre-workout cup of Joe!
Okay, you’re probably not training for the Olympics or competing in the Tour de France. But who couldn’t use a little extra oomph to power through the daily grind?
However, the most impressive caffeine perk may be its incredible ability to enhance mental focus and productivity.
Studies show that moderate caffeine intake can improve
- reaction time,
- memory,
- and overall brain function.
So, caffeine can be your secret weapon, whether you’re trying to stay sharp during a book club discussion, powering through a challenging crossword puzzle, or just aiming to maintain your mental acuity as you age.
And, yes, you can overdo caffeine.
Some people are a “fast metabolizers” which means caffeine stays in their bodies for a short time. Other people are the opposite. If you have trouble sleeping, consider cutting back on caffeine or stopping after noon.
And you can get into trouble when you drink more than four cups of coffee a day. This amount of caffeine can increase anxiety and nervousness, leading to health problems. But everyone is different, and you know best what your body can handle.
So, don’t let the over-cautious nutritionists scare you—when consumed in moderation, caffeine is a legit brain-boosting, performance-enhancing wonder drug.
Embrace it, harness its power, and unlock your full potential.
P.S. Beware of this “Coffee Trap” … it UNDOES benefits!
Sources:
Mendoza, M. F., Sulague, R. M., Posas-Mendoza, T., & Lavie, C. J. (2023). Impact of Coffee Consumption on Cardiovascular Health. The Ochsner Journal, 23(2), 152-158. https://doi.org/10.31486/toj.22.0073
Santos C, Costa J, Santos J, Vaz-Carneiro A, Lunet N. Caffeine intake and dementia: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Alzheimers Dis. 2010;20 Suppl 1:S187-204. [doi: 10. 3233 /JAD-2010-091387.] PMID: 20182026.
Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Military Nutrition Research; Marriott BM, editor. Food Components to Enhance Performance: An Evaluation of Potential Performance-Enhancing Food Components for Operational Rations. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1994. 20, Effects of Caffeine on Cognitive Performance, Mood, and Alertness in Sleep-Deprived Humans. [www. ncbi.nlm .nih. gov /books/NBK209050/]
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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