Do we as SDAs consider coffee to be a narcotic?

**takes a sip**

Doesn't taste like one......

That's why I was curious when I read this:

In Counsels on Diet and Foods, on page 490 ----

"I am not guilty of drinking any tea except red clover top tea, and if I liked wine, tea and coffee I would not use these health-destroying narcotics for I prize health and I prize a healthful example in all these things. I want to be a pattern of temperance and of good works to others."

I don't touch the stuff EC. That's why I asked.

Who wrote that silly stuff anyway?

The controlling power of appetite will prove the ruin of thousands, when, if they had conquered on this point, they would have moral power to gain victory over every other temptation of Satan. But slaves to appetite will fail in perfecting Christian character. The continual transgression of man for six thousand years has brought sickness, pain, and death, as its fruits. - Health Reformer, August, 1875. (Temperance page 16)

Reasons to Avoid Coffee

Coffee is a narcotic beverage.
The caffeine in coffee belongs to the same alkaloid group as morphine, cocaine, and strychnine. The caffeine can combine with your stomach acid (hydrochloric) to form a potent toxin called Caffeine Hydrochloride. As this toxin absorbs into your portal circulation and hits your liver, bile is released in attempt to flush it from your system. This is why people feel an increase in “bowel regularity” when they drink coffee.

Decaffeinated coffee is no better for you than regular coffee. They both contain a large concentration of Trichloroethylene, a potent carcinogen primarily used as a degreasing agent in the metal industry and as a solvent in the dry cleaning industry. Deadly pesticides are regularly used on coffee plants in Columbia. Among them are several that have been banned in the USA: Aldrin, Dieldrin, Chlordane, and Heptachlor.

Some speculate that coffee is the most significant source of toxins in the American Diet, since coffee is also the primary source of water for Americans. A naturally occurring carcinogen called Nitrosamine is found in coffee. Chlorgenic Acid found in coffee has been linked to toxic side effects in the liver.

Heavy coffee use depletes the system of Thiamin (B-1). This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, nervousness, general malaise, general aches and pains and headaches.

Exhausted adrenal glands: Caffeine is a nervous system stimulant. It causes adrenal glands to secrete adrenaline, the hormone that your body depends on during emergencies to elevate heart rate, increase respiration and blood pressure for a rapid fight-or-flight response. When coffee is over-used, the adrenal glands can become exhausted. If caffeine sensitivity has diminished and more and more coffee is required to get the “buzz”, the adrenals are showing signs of exhaustion. Blood Sugar Swings: Caffeine forces the liver to release glycogen (sugar) into the blood stream. The pancreas responds to the sudden increase in blood sugar by releasing insulin, the hormone which causes excess carbohydrates to be stored as fat. Within the span of an hour or so, the result is a sharp drop in blood sugar. This creates a condition known as hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. That’s when another cup of coffee seems like a good idea and the cycle repeats itself.

Higher Cholesterol: RE-heated coffee releases 400% more Caffenol into the system. Caffenol has been linked to elevated cholesterol. Never use re-heated coffee. Acid Imbalance: Over 208 acids in coffee contribute to indigestion and a wide variety of health problems including arthritis, rheumatic problems, allergies, skin irritation, and general pain and inflammation throughout the body. Coffee breaks down into a by-product called uric acid. This acid is known to burden the kidneys, contributing to kidney stones and gout. Many people experience a burning sensation upon drinking coffee because of its effect of stimulating hyper secretions of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

Mineral Depletion: Regular use of coffee inhibits vitamins and minerals from being properly absorbed in the small intestine. Coffee causes unnecessary excretion of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and trace minerals into the urine. All these minerals are considered essential to good health. Women need to be concerned about osteoporosis as they reach their menopausal years. Studies show that women who drink coffee have an increased incidence of osteoporosis compared to non-coffee drinkers. Pregnancy Danger: Caffeine can cross the placental barrier during pregnancy. Miscarriage, infertility, and low birth weight have been linked to coffee use.


Prostate problems: Coffee can contribute to enlarged prostate and irritate the urethra in males. Frequent urination has been attributed to coffee use.
There are a number of health conditions for which doctors advise their patients to eliminate coffee and caffeine from their diets:
Acid indigestion Anxiety, irritability, nervousness
Colitis, diverticulitis, diarrhea, or other irritable bowel problems
Chronic fatigue syndrome, and other auto-immune disorders Diabetes, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Dizziness, Menniere’s syndrome and tinnitus
Gout and kidney stones
Heart disease and heart palpitations
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Insomnia
Liver disease, gall stones, blocked bile flow
Kidney and bladder disorders
Migraines and other vascular headaches
Osteoporosis
Skin irritations, rashes and dry skin
Ulcers, heartburn, and stomach problems such as hiatal hernia
Urinary tract infections

Written by: Stephen Stiteler, L.Ac., O.M.D.


Sounds like the writer of that SILLY STUFF over 125 years ago was right after all!

Well - I'm not sure that some acupuncturist who studies Oriental medicine is the best reference.

Does he have credentials? Just because he studies alternative types of healing doesn't mean he has no knowledge of the functions of the body, probably means he knows more than most.

simply sayin' pk that I am sure there are better references out there. :)

Huh? You don't think cocaine is a stimulant? It's a narcotic. Every narcotic I ever did stimulated me. Never the opposite.

I can agree, but will they tell you the truth about coffee?

The 'truth' will depend upon a persons preconceived belief and if they are open to an opposite viewpoint!

I don't necessarily disagree that people have preconceived belief's! But there are many that don't.

***Takes another sip***

Still doesn't taste like a narcotic to me..

Wait - I put flavouring in it....

What does a narcotic taste like?

In my experience if you actually taste it - its usually a lot more nasty than the deliciousness of coffee. But I have not tasted every narcotic.

But then you knew I was goofin around right?

Yes EC. It looked rather evident to me.
As you were.

Careful, there r some who will take u serious

[/color]



I have taken Codeine & Vicodan for cough. My recollection is that they taste bitter. I have not taken them too many times because they make me very dizzy and nauseated --> dry heaves.