Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry, “Lately, I am having trouble with energy, so I am drinking more and more coffee during the day to stay awake. I am starting to think that I am getting addicted to caffeine. Do you think too much caffeine is harmful? Do have suggestions for something else I can take to help me get going in the morning?” — Julie W., Madison, WI

A. Dear Julie, I admit that I enjoy my morning cup of coffee as well. And science has found that there are health benefits associated with coffee drinking, including less likelihood of diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia. I don’t know that there is such a thing as a true “addiction” to caffeine. However, it is definitely a stimulant and many people find that they develop a dependence on it to boost their energy at some point during the day. Unfortunately, with dependence, suddenly stopping your coffee intake may cause excessive fatigue and even headaches temporarily, until your body gets used to functioning without caffeine. To naturally increase your body’s own energy I recommend three things: physical exercise (in other words, ask your body for energy), a healthy diet low in carbohydrates, and a combination of natural plant oils including Scot’s pine, Black spruce, and Thyme. I don’t think you should worry about a morning cup of coffee, but these recommendations can help your body learn to make its own energy and you won’t have to rely on artificial stimulants to get through the day.

Best wishes–Terry