Are caffeinated drinks depleting your skin’s vitality?

The skin is a detoxifying organ that aids in the removal of toxins. Hydration is a critical factor for cleansing and having healthy, resilient skin. If you’re not well hydrated it is more likely that your bloodstream is harboring toxins that can reduce oxygen levels delivered to the dermis; less oxygen means that the toxins can’t be flushed out of the skin properly, which can cause the skin to become inflamed and even to erupt in cracks/dryness as it tries to release those poisons.

Increased caffeine consumption is why some people are starting to age earlier in life. One reason caffeine can age the body is long-term, chronic dehydration, Caffeine can, over time, contribute to symptoms and conditions resulting from burnt out adrenals and a weakened liver, these can include hair thinning, hair loss, nutrient deficiencies, accelerated aging, dry skin, slow healing, weight gain, loss of libido, and more. Keep reading below to learn more about caffeine, how to support the body while recovering from caffeine addictions, and explore a few beneficial coffee alternatives. 

411 ON CAFFEINE:

- Caffeine is a toxin; a low-grade poison.

- Caffeine is a harsh diuretic, forcing hydration out of living cells

- Triggers adrenal response that can push toxins to the surface of the skin and be acidic inside the body. 

- You can never get properly hydrated on caffeine because this process is happening constantly. (we need to be very hydrated on a cellular level to cleanse)

- Loss of trace minerals and antioxidants
- The body ages more rapidly.

This is true for coffee, matcha, green tea, black tea, chocolate, energy drinks or any other source of caffeine. 

Caffeine dehydrates our organs (remember the skin is our body’s largest organ) and can hinder collagen formation, dehydrate the body and accelerate the aging process. Coffee, matcha tea, caffeinated teas, and chocolate are diuretics that force critically needed hydration out of the living cells in your body, essentially starving the cells of what they need. Caffeine is a toxin, a low-grade poison, that prompts your body to want to rid it. Unfortunately, as your body is trying to rid you of this toxin, it throws the toxin out along with important nutrients, trace minerals, phytochemical compounds, critically needed enzymes, and antioxidants. In your body’s attempt to push caffeine out, it has no choice but to push out other important nutrients too. This chronic dehydration and flushing of important nutrients can lead to someone aging well before their time. – Medical Medium

CAFFEINE WITHDRAWAL

The process of withdrawing from caffeine can be difficult (just like any addictive substance). Neurons in the brain become saturated with caffeine and adrenaline from the constant fight or flight response in the body and when that caffeine and adrenaline leave the neurons, a shock and emotional crash can occur. Having a supportive plan in place can set you up for success on your healing journey should you choose to break up with caffeine for good.

When stopping caffeine, restoring your system with deep hydration, electrolytes, trace minerals, and glucose could be beneficial.

Consuming thirty-two ounces of lemon water twice a day for two weeks, works wonders for hydration, which is critical during caffeine withdrawal. Lemon water is also living water, which is a powerful tool to flush out years of caffeine stored in the tissue, organs, cells and brain. — Medical Medium

Hydration:
Celery juice
Cucumber juice
Melons
Aloe
Coconut water
An abundance of fruits and raw veggies.

Electrolytes:
Celery juice
Coconut water
Melons

Replenish trace minerals:

leafy greens (spinach kale swiss chard collard greens lettuce arugula)
Spirulina
Barley grass juice powder
Sprouts 
Celery juice
Coconut water
Cucumbers 
Lemon/lime water

Replenish Glucose with a combination of:

Fruit:

Mango - A great option is to consume two mangos a day for one week, or more. It may be helpful when planning your withdrawal to have fresh or frozen mangoes available — Medical Medium

Banana

Cherries

Red apples

Melons 

Wild blueberries

Grapes

Starchy veggies:

Peas

Sweet potato

Potatoes

Yams

Squash 

Trace minerals:

(as mentioned above)

Supportive Herbal tea:
Lemon balm - calms and strengthens the central nervous system, aiding in the anxiety, depression, and nervousness that can come when getting off of caffeine, and going through withdrawal. The central nervous system becomes dependent on caffeine over time and lemon balm acts as a soother giving the nervous system a better chance at making a smoother transition away from caffeine.

COFFEE ALTERNATIVES

Chaga, reishi, & lion’s mane are incredibly medicinal mushrooms that each taste a bit like coffee & are deliciously satisfying when combined with natural sweeteners like raw honey, pure maple syrup, or pure alcohol free vanilla extract.

Roasted chicory root smells and tastes like coffee but has none of the harmful effects of caffeine and instead has several health promoting benefits such as helping to alkalize the stomach and aid in digestion and assimilation. Chicory root contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties which is highly beneficial for both the immune system and the nervous system. It is well known to help aid in purifying the liver, cleansing the blood, and reducing swelling in the body. 

Roasted Dandelion root, similarly to chicory root has a familiar coffee warmth and taste. When you get to the dandelion root, it encourages the organs to purge on the deepest level for an intensified purification and is a well known lymphatic supportive herb. Try roasted dandelion root tea with added cinnamon, or honey to amplify its earthy, sweet and robust aroma.

Herbal spiced teas (with ingredients like cinnamon and cardamom) and without the black tea can also be used in a latte-type drink.

CHAGA LATTE RECIPE:

Ingredients:
- Boiled water
- Chaga powder
- Non-dairy milk (I like to do a cashew or blend of coconut/cashew)
- Maple syrup or honey
- Pure alcohol free vanilla extract or powder (optional)
- Cinnamon

Directions:
Boil your water, and in the meantime add your chaga powder (follow directions for the one you have) to a mug with cinnamon, and coconut sugar if using. Pour in your boiled water and stir leaving room for milk. Add a drizzle of maple syrup to your non-dairy milk of choice in a separate cup (It tastes amazing this way) before pouring your maple milk into the chaga mixture in your mug. Option to warm and/or froth your non-dairy maple milk if you have a frothing tool/appliance.

Notes:
Skip the milk if you are fat free. My favorite to use is cashew or almond milk. Try blending half and half with coconut milk if you like things extra sweet. All ingredient measurements can be adjusted according to taste preference. 

Reconsidering your relationship with caffeine can be a critical part in your skin healing journey. Properly hydrated flow from within is a recipe for a hydrated glowing complexion. Revitalize dull skin with Sea Berry Balancing Facial Oil, 15% Vitamin C Booster, or Replenish Antioxidant Infusion Serum.

Listen to: Coffee, Matcha, Chocolate: Abusive Relationship - Medical Medium Podcast

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