Help! I Am Allergic To Caffeine...

Several years ago I was experiencing panic and anxiety attacks on a regular basis. As It turns out I am one of those odd individuals that cannot tolerate caffeine.

I am allergic to it!

I love my coffee and cola drinks but I am no longer able to ingest them without these extreme side effects.

The panic attacks began around 2004. I started tracking them and I realized they came on after I had drank coffee or a cola. The last time I had caffeine intentionally I drank 1/3 of a cola drink and almost immediately anxiety problems reared their frightening energy. I have not had caffeine since that day over 4 years ago.

When I finally learned my lesson I began seeking decaffeinated alternatives. I have been able to make the switch, although it was not easy in the beginning. Imagine trying to find something that tastes as good as vanilla cappuccinos! I searched around for good tasting teas and coffee alternatives and here are some of the drinks I have discovered. They taste great and they satisfy my desire for a warm beverage or a cold, sweet drink.

Imagine trying to get through a long workday without the help of a shot of java. I can. I have to if I want to stay panic free.

How do I start my day with no caffeine?

Image: M Burgess

Not A True Decaffeinated Beverage

According to Wikipedia many decaffeinated drinks still have around 1–2% of the original caffeine remaining in them, and research has found that certain decaffeinated coffee drinks can contain around 20% of the original caffeine. This is scary to someone like myself who should avoid caffeine for obvious reasons.

I can enjoy a cup of decaf now and then but I have to limit my intake on it. If I consume more than 2 cups of decaf I will have the same reaction as if I had sipped on a real cup of coffee. Not good! Having an anxiety attack and having my nerves crawling is not fun. It takes a good 4 to 6 hours for the caffeine to leave my system and for the panic attack to subside.

Decaffeinated Coffee

Rich decaffeinated coffees can be a great alternative to regular brews. In late evenings this may be a good choice for a hot beverage. There are many brands on the market that have low levels of caffeine and are considered decaf. Sanka is a good choice, but I wanted something to drink without a coffee bean. I found even a double decaf had some side effects.

Pero is a truly decaffeinated choice because it is made from Chicory, malted barley, and rye grains, not coffee beans.Pero is a great way to start your day if you are having issues with caffeine drinks like I do. It is a good way to reduce your caffeine intake. This caffeine-free beverage is served hot and made just like you would an instant coffee. Use two teaspoons of Pero powder and hot water in a coffee cup and stir.

With Pero you have a nice wake-me-up drink without caffeine. I like it with a shot of Vanilla Creamer. Mixed this way it is my caffeine-free vanilla cappuccino! You can drink it dark if you like. It is not bitter.

Red Raspberry

My mother has a friend that is an herbalist. This friend is from Romania. She tells us that raspberry tea is given to patients coming out of surgery in her home country for recuperating and healing. It has many healthy qualities to it. Raspberry tea is a fruity, smooth tea. I choose it as my drink in the late afternoons or early evening. The tangy flavor is just enough to not need any sweetener which I like. Reducing sugar intake is also a good way to ward off problems with anxiety.

Any tea can be brewed and used as an ice tea if you so choose. Just 6 packets of the tea is all you need for 2 quarts of iced tea. Boil or brew water through a coffee maker and let it steep in about 2 cups of hot water. Remove the bags and add enough water and ice to fill a 2 quart container.

If you would prefer to sweeten this tea add 1/2 to 3/4 cups of sugar to the hot raspberry tea mix and stir until the sugar is dissolved. You may also use stevia as a sweetener. You can then add it to your pitcher and dilute to fill the container.

Interesting facts about Red Raspberry Leaf may be found on Wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_raspberry_leaf

Fresh Red Raspberries - 36"W x 28"H - Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys

A warm, fruity blend is a great drink anytime. Raspberry can be a good alternative to soda drinks, too, if you would like to cut out that drink in your diet. Drink this tea when you get a craving for something a little sweet. The aroma is nice. Let it steep to a deep pink color and enjoy!

Great Bedtime Beverage

Chamomile tea has long been known for its calming effects. This tea is one I would choose before bedtime or anytime I need to chill out a bit. The effects of the tea help the nerves settle and it is another tea I would drink without a sweetener. The woody, citrusy taste is a great way to relax and drift into your sleep mode.

Chamomile would be a great addition to an herb garden. The flowers are fresh little daisies on long stems. The dark green foliage is very interesting. They are tiny leaves.Grow your own and dry the leaves yourself. Having a large plant will yield a lot of tea!

For the benefits and scientific information on Chamomile see this link on WIkipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamomile

Small Chamomile - Poster by Wendy Russell (9.5x13)

I don't care for much soda these days but when I want that bubbly beverage I seek out a caffeine-free diet cola for that craving. Coke has a version and Pepsi does, too, as does Mountain Dew. We can still enjoy our favorite soft drinks without the caffeine. Dr. Pepper in caffeine free make me very happy as you see, that was my cola of choice when I could still drink colas. That soda is the one I miss the most!

If I want to add a little more flavor to one of these fake colas I can drop in some cherry flavoring or a splash of vanilla.

Though I had to give up caffeine I still have some great selections for a hot or cold beverage. It is possible to find drinks that taste good and satisfy a flavor craving.

Thanks for dropping by ~ Can I get you something to drink?