Caffeinated Survival

Hi My Loves! 💕

Until last year, I had a love/hate relationship with caffeine. Growing up, I consumed copious amounts of it — black tea with milk and sugar was my go-to:

• Right after waking up

• While studying

• With breakfast

• And again in the early evenings

I didn’t realize when exactly I became dependent on it, or how I gradually developed a case of hyperacidity because of it.

There are so many schools of thought — some demonize caffeine, while others swear by it.

But here in April 2025, I want to take a middle ground. I don’t want to completely disregard its benefits, but I also can’t ignore its impacts.

⚠️ What Happens When the Body Is in Constant "Go Mode"?

We don’t want the body producing excess adrenaline, because that means:

• Your neurotransmitters are in constant alert mode

• Muscles are tense

• Blood pressure and heart rate rise

• Adrenals become overloaded

👉 This is a stress/trauma response — and caffeine mimics this.

The body biologically believes it's in trouble, and it responds just like it would during real stress or trauma.

💭 Why Are You Using Caffeine?

There are ways to consume caffeine without its baddies — but ask yourself:
What is my intention behind taking it?

Here are some of my biggest takeaways:

🚨 If You Have a History of Stress or Trauma:

• Caffeine may worsen your state, even at the cellular level.

• Your body doesn’t get the chance to relax — it’s always in "Go, Go, Go!" mode.

🧠 Caffeine’s Effects on Brain Chemistry:

• Caffeine blocks adenosine, the neurotransmitter that tells you to rest.

• It also increases dopamine and serotonin, which sounds great — but for an already exhausted body, this adds to the imbalance.

🧊 If You’re in Functional Freeze:

• Caffeine might actually help you get things done if you're stuck — can’t get out of bed, go to work, hit the gym, run errands, etc.

⚡ But If You’re Using It to Sit and Think:

• Caffeine might increase anxiety and depression.

• It becomes a debt you must repay later — especially if you're forcing yourself to do things you don’t want to do.

🥣 Caffeine on an Empty Stomach? Nope.

Avoid caffeine first thing in the morning or on an empty stomach:

• It overstimulates your body

• Kicks the adrenals into action

• Releases stored glucose from the liver

• Puts the body into survival mode

✅ Pro tip: Always take caffeine after a nourishing meal — with protein, fat, and fiber.

☕ In What Form Are You Using It?

There are 3 major ways people consume caffeine:

1. 🔋 Isolated Caffeine (Energy Drinks)

• Found in drinks like Monster and Red Bull

• Most stimulating

• Artificial and isolated from natural compounds

• Lacks minerals that would balance caffeine’s harsh effects

2. 🌿 Caffeine from Natural Sources (Coffee, Tea, Twigs)

• Coffee is more acidic and has more caffeine than tea

• Can cause hyperacidity over time

• If you love coffee but want to reduce the effects, try:

  • Naturally decaffeinated coffee (from a clean source)

  • Chicory coffee – has digestive benefits + prebiotic fiber

  • Date-seed coffee – roasted date seeds ground into a powder; tastes very similar to coffee!

💚 Personal favs:
I enjoy Pu-erh tea or Kehwa (Kashmiri Chai) with spices like saffron and cardamom.
These support blood sugar levels while still giving a gentle energy boost.

🔸 Again, always consume tea after meals if you’re prone to anxiety.

3. 🍫 Chocolate Caffeine

• Chocolate with sugar can stimulate some people a lot — especially at night.

• Personally, I get way too excited eating chocolate at night — it disrupts my sleep.

• But if it works for you without jitteriness or insomnia, go for it!

🤔 How Does Your Body React?

All in all:
If caffeine doesn’t cause jitteriness, anxiety, or acidity — then you’re likely good to go ✅
Just remember: always pair it with nourishing food.

With Love,
Zitni Zun 🌸