Show Vitamins Depletion Caused by Sugar or Caffeine t Laura Smith i- i Contributor RELAX calm down un un- un n- n wind Two commonly consumed substances that are associated with tension nervousness and anxiety are caffeine and sugar said Andrew J. J Lesser MD M.D. of Ogdon Caffeine is a stimulant and depletes the body of B vitamins that are essential for maintaining good physical and mental health It Itis Itis Itis is present in significant amounts in coffee and tea and it is found in smaller amounts in some soft drinks Coffee general generally y contains milligrams of caffeine per cup while cola drinks contain approximately approximately approximately ap ap- ap- ap proximately 50 SO milligrams per 12 ounce can In small to moderate amounts caffeine can promote wakefulness and improve coordination However However However How How- ever in doses approaching or exceeding exceeding ex ex- exceeding milligrams it may produce symptoms which we associate associate associate as as- as stress-rapid stress heart beat nervousness irritability headache burning in the stomach and the sensation of feeling wired Stress tip To reduce stress and improve your health eat foods that supply your body with vitamins mine minerals s- s fiber and other essential nutrients Avoid foods and beverages which contain large amounts of sugar in any form Minimize your intake of beverages and other products which contain caffeine When consuming large amounts of caffeine such as four or five cups of coffee on a regular basis the decrease of daily intake should be gradual Abrupt withdrawal of caffeine from a diet may cause headaches irritability and other unpleasant symptoms Sugar is another substance which hampers the ability to relax It is present in large numbers of processed foods in iQ beverages in in- cookies candies ice cream jams jellies syrups pies catsup breakfast cereals soft drinks juice cocktails and canned fruits Whether its in the form of white sugar glucose fructose maltose com corn syrup or honey its it's still sugar When you eat foods that contain contain contain con con- tain large quantities of sugar or drink beverages that are sweetened with sugar or honey blood glucose level rises rapidly This sudden elevation of blood sugar causes restlessness which interferes with relaxation Rapid rises in the blood sugar t level also stimulate the pancreas a gland in the abdomen to release insulin a hormone which lowers blood sugar Ideally this release of insulin acts to return the level of sugar in the blood back to normal Lesser said there is another way sugar impedes relaxation When eating food high in sugar content in place of foods that are more nutritious you deprive your body of vitamins minerals and other nutrients needed to maintain good physical and mental health The only thing which sugar provides is isI ca calories I ones I. I |