Evils of Caffiene?

[Puritan]

Greetings,
I guess this is the right forum for such a topic?
Even though the discussion of 'sin' as well as other things will probably come up.
Basically this has to do with what I believe God has been dealing with me about. I have recently felt led to give up all forms of caffeine products--permanently.
And even some foods that are high in sugar and processed chemicals.
This is not because i am fasting,per se--but am only seeking to draw closer to God in prayer.
And caffeine plays havoc on my nerves,and messes up my ability to focus.
I used to go to Starbuck's and have a hot tea,but even Green Tea has almost just as much as coffee.

Anyway,I was just wondering how this affects other Christians,and if it is more of an addiction,or just a daily habit.
This may sound strange to some,but i really feel the Holy Spirit telling me that this is much more harmful mentally than most are aware of.
There must be some chemicals in caffeine that perhaps even doctors aren't fully knowledgable of,or else I wouldn't feel such a strong prompting from God over this.
I know this sounds like a stricly personal preference,but in all truthfulness,
I feel God is saying it would greatly benefit anyone,and not just myself.
It sounds silly,but i almost feel like some kind of messenger??
Anyone else feel an urging to radically change their diets also??

Just curious,
~David


BTW--I still feel OK about 'decaf' tea,but something about coffee still makes me uncomfortable.

 

[Multi-Elis]

I think that if God is telling you to give up caffeine for whatever reason, then you should.

But it has been discovered the regular caffinated coffee has many wonderful healthy things despite the high blood pressure that it interferes with with some people.
I'd say it seems to me that the good and the bad cancel out each other, but that is my personal oppinion.
However, drinking tea is healthy, it's good against cancer, among other things. Though it is not totally understood.
My sources are past issues of new-scientest magazine.

My conclusion is that no matter how much people bash caffeine, there'll be just as many reasons why one should drink it...

...excepting the addiction it causes. And for people like me on whom the traditional coffee and tea just never have a habit-forming affect, a cup of coffee plus a little emotion causes the effects of the emotion to last longer and be exagerated...

I avoid caffeine unless I need it... and then only in moderation...

So if you give up caffeine, you won't be the only one, for whatever reason...

Just don't think of it too negatively just because God is telling you personnally to give it up. He's probably telling you to give it up because of the affects it has on you, or to be an example to all the other addicts, or who knows? Mystery.

 

[Salsa_1960]

I drink decaf tea and watch my caffeine intake in other areas. I don't feel like it's a sin if I take in caffeine, but for health reasons, I think it's in my best interest.

 

[eRev]

Coffee is more addictive than marijuana, according to the New Scientist Magazine.

 

[Puritan]

>Thanks for all the input.
And I agree that there can be some good things in coffee,as there are good things in alcohol,that help cleanse the body of toxins.
But if one always ate right,then they would have no reason to drink coffee or any other semi-healthy foods in the first place.

I guess my biggest hang-up with it is how even some Christians feel like they MUST have a cup of coffee in the morning. I think when it gets to that point of dependency,then one is trusting in their emotions moreso than in God.
Why would a born-again believer need to depend on anything other than in Jesus and the Holy Spirit to help them??
With the resurrection power of Christ in us,why should we be under submission to anything,other than God's Word?
Just a thought...

~David

 

[Sling of David]

I also feel that if God is leading you to do something (like nix caffeine) then certainly do so.

Otherwise, there are many things that we do which should only be done "in moderation" (i.e., caffeine, alcohol, etc.)

Work to improve your diet, get some exercise, and quite often cravings for potentially harmful things tend to decrease. It works for me!

 

[retooferab]

Mmmm. Ugh! Caffeine = Bad!

I agree with what you are saying, Puritan! Bless you, brother. I am with you! Caffeine for me is a vice I'd like to rid myself of (Mountain Dew). God provides us with water. That's what we really need, eh? All the best to you. Let us know how it goes, OK? I'm sure it'll get easier with more time and healthier habits.

 

[movin_on_up]

Deleted message

 

[Puritan]

Thanks 'Retooferab' for your input!
Actually I am doing OK with my own diet now,but I am more concerned about my mother. She is a borderline 'Bi-polar' with manic depression,and is taking
medication for clogged arteries. Still her doctor said coffee was Ok,and she drinks at least 2 cups a day. I thought caffeine was bad for your heart?
And her nerves are already shot to begin with.
Anyway,you might want to keep her in mind in your prayers.

Thanks,
David

 

[retooferab]

Yes, in my prayers.

No, don't believe that doc! I'm sure there are some alternate opinions on the matter from people that have a broader perspective on health. Even other doctors. My OPINION is that SOME doc's do not have a clue when it comes to health! Sounds like an oxymoron, but I think not! Shop around for another or additional provider maybe?

 

[Sweetbriar]

I gave up regular coffee 15 years ago but I was a "coffee abuser". My own opinion is that once in awhile or one cup a day is probably ok but my nutritionist told me years ago that caffeine in excess is very harmful to your adrenal glands which are important to the functioning of your immune system.

Nowadays if I even have one cup in a blue moon it effects my sleep and the funny part is I don't even like coffee anymore which astonishes me b/c I was soooo in love with it for years.

 

[dotcomguy]

I agree with what you are saying, Puritan! Bless you, brother. I am with you! Caffeine for me is a vice I'd like to rid myself of (Mountain Dew). God provides us with water. That's what we really need, eh?

ahh, mountain dew. I used to drink that stuff all the time.

However, just recently I've been drinking water primarily. I've found it to be much more satisfying in the end. Now I drink water all the time.

 

[Lbiagm]

caffenine can cause kidney stones.

 

[bugg_superstar]

more like prolonged use of diuretics (caffeine/alcohol/etc) increases the risk of getting kidney stones.

 

[Christiangamer]

caffiene is my friend, it doesnt harm me enought to turn away from it. its better for me than alcohol. Viva la JOLT COLA!

 

[stillsmallvoice]

Hi all!

Christiangamer is 101.45% right about caffeine & coffee. See http://content.health.msn.com/content/Article/80/96454.htm. Don't you just love it when scientists tell us that something we like is actually GOOD for us?! Pour me another cup (of Turkish coffee)!

Be well!

ssv

 

[faith177]

I would have to agree that it is in excess that causes the problems, however it is habit forming which in turn causes some to drink in excess, and everyday is not moderation in my mind.

I have been drinking in excess and am now also trying to cut down, I have a cup or two in the morning and then drink water and tea for the rest of the day but I would like to get to the point where I do not feel the need to have it even every day. I have heard that it messes with our calcium absorption which is important especially for us women.