I was so proud that I was able to give up my treasured caffeine and go the decaf route. It was part of the healthy lifestyle I so diligently set off to pursue once I hit the "50" Boomer highway. There are times I even feel a little pompous about kicking the habit. While many of my friends and co-workers hungrily fuel themselves each day with a variety of high octane coffees, lattes and alike, I smile and say - "Make mine decaf, please." What a shining example of health and self-control! Well, maybe not so much.
It seems that my good friend "decaf" still contains enough caffeine to jump start my day, keep me alert and yes - keep me hooked on caffeine! Bummer! When did this happen?!
According to research from our www.realage.com friends, three 8-ounce servings of a decaf beverage may contain as much as 21mg of caffeine which is certainly enough to keep me coming back for more - and, maybe, even awake at night. Even a 1-ounce serving of decaf espresso can contain up to 16 mg. In comparison, 8 ounces of caffeinated coffee can contain as much as 90-135 mg of caffeine; 40-60 mg for a 12-ounce cola; and 15-50 mg for 8 ounces of tea.
Because it is such a powerful stimulant, even a small amount may affect you. While it can jump-start your day, too much might mean an elevated heart rate and a rise in blood pressure. And, since it's addictive, kicking the habit can cause withdrawal symptoms. There have been times when traveling, for example, and decaf wasn't an option, that I've consumed full strength caffeinated beverages for several days in a row. When I switch back to the decaf drinks, I experience very bad headaches for a day or two. It has happened often enough that I know the culprit is cold turkey caffeine abstinence. Even though, as I discovered, that decaf beverages can contain some caffeine, apparently there's not enough present to avoid the headaches during the switch back.
The bottom line is - if you do experience sensititvity to caffeine - maybe you need to forget even the decaf products. You might find it will make a big difference.
Luckily for me, I never got into a coffee-drinking habit. If I have even a little, my heart races.
Posted by: Rhea | February 21, 2007 at 10:32 AM