Health, habits and quitting caffeine

Fasting is extreme.  Perhaps small portions through the day of fruits, vegetables and grains are a better way for you to go to keep the nervous system and the digestive system smooth and calm.  Now, if you crave, desire and need a jolt of caffeine every morning to get going, perhaps you may want to slow down or quit.  Caffeine undermines the peace and balance that comes from your yoga practice.

Caffeine overload can trigger anxiety attacks, jitters, impatience, mood swings and insomnia.  However, quitting cold is not necessarily the answer because you can become irritable with constipation and headaches as side-effects.  There are elevated levels of caffeine in coffee, cocoa, and chocolate, as well as soft drinks and some teas that are healthy like green or black.

Slow down on caffeine - it is too dramatic and severe to give up instantly. Herbalists agree the best approach is to plan ahead.  A six week planning time can work emotionally and psychologically.  Start with some yogurt or herbal infusions.  Herbal infusions are the result of large amounts of herbs brewed for a long time.  Try putting a cup of dried herb in a quart jar, fill to the top with boiling water, cover, and let stand for at least four hours or maybe all through the night.

Strengthen your liver with bitters such as dandelion root or artichoke leafs.  Taken before a meal herbs can improve your liver and digestion.  The suggestions and ideas were talked about, tossed around and written down in the park near the art museum in Philadelphia, PA - - open forums are always held in a creative environment, outside or inside!

Try peppermint in your caffeine-free products.  Put coffee in half the cup and use creamer for the other half.  This will ease you into letting go of caffeine.

Remember, everything worthwhile and beneficial is challenging.  Nothing comes easy!