Comments: The Pain...
good for you! caffeine-withdrawl is painful but the ease-out method will help you. Not sure if there is enough caffeine in ginger-peach [one of my favorites/republic of tea] to make a difference.
As far as aspartame.....that probably ignites your sinus issue more than anything. That shit is poison. I'm not trying to be preachy...I *enjoy* a diet coke now and again [which is ironic] but realize it should be a never-endeavor. Take a look on the internet for the negative effects of aspartame--it's linked to everything from fatigue to allergies to vision loss [i'm not kidding] headaches and cancer. Most people are allergic to it and cannot metabolize it. That might be the inspiration you need to stick with the plan. Just saying that gave me the inspiration to go from some to none. That, and the fact that coke will rip the paint off of a car.....
Posted by maria at February 23, 2005 01:27 PM
Ah, caffeine. A subject near and dear to me. Espresso est, ergo cogito.
Of course, the least painful route is to cut back gradually. But, as you plan to dive right in – or out, in this case...
Typically, the worst symptoms occur within 12-24 hours of stopping, peaking 1-2 days later. It can take up to 2 weeks to finally get through the withdrawal symptoms. Although, with the copious amounts your body grew accustomed to processing...
Having switched to tea, consider brewing it for shorter times, as it, too, has caffeine. Tea brewed for one minute has .5 to .75 the caffeine of tea steeped for five minutes. Also, a stronger caffeine extraction comes from tea that 1) has smaller leaves, 2) is subjected to long fermentation processes, and 3) is from either the first or second flush of production (i.e. spring or summer harvest). And, of course, decaf tea is not caffeine free.
Soda has an average caffeine content of 45 mg. Here’s the breakdown on tea, brewed with 8 oz of water:
Black: 40 mg
Oolong: 30 mg
Green: 20-40 mg
White: 15 mg
Decaf: 2-4 mg
Herbal infusion: 0
Some meds contain caffeine (Excedrin), so keep this in mind. Although, again, a small amount of caffeine might help to alleviate the intensity of the headaches.
Also, assuming you remain one of those few people who do not care for chocolate, you needn’t worry about its caffeine content.
And drink more water.
Sending pain-free thoughts your way!
Posted by regina at February 23, 2005 02:18 PM
Yay Fookie!
I can't help wondering if my inability to wake up the last time I came out to visit, which in turn led to the purchase of an emergency coffee maker for me, had anything to do with your decision here. :)
Also... have you ever noticed that Piglet from Winnie The Pooh sort of looks like a refugee from the Communards? Its that pink bodysuit thing he wears. Something to think about...
Posted by Mr. Fookus at February 25, 2005 11:56 AM