Caffeine - to drink or not to drink

[Stella]

I ran across this article that makes it seem as if even "breathing" causes strokes.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-13294022

On the same token, caffeine is supposed to reduce women's risks to certain types of breast cancer?

http://inventorspot.com/articles/get..._breast_cancer

I'm confused. I, personally, have tried giving up caffeine when I was told that I might have an overactive thyroid but since then they did more tests and now I don't have an overactive thyroid. I am still restricting myself of coffee and now drink decaf but I am curious to know what is the best thing to do for MS.

[AMFADVENTURES]

All things in moderation??????????

[Marinadca]

If I gave up everything various people or articles told me were bad for my MS there would be no meat, gluten, lactose, peanut butter, caffeine, alcohol, and so on... there seems to be a study that tells me everything is bad.

I just try to follow the good nutrition guidelines for all people....the MS add some extra fun - but unless you plan to be a stage 7 vegan who eats no gluten and even looks at a beverage other than water - agree with AMF, everything in moderation

[Stella]

Makes sense guys. Everything in moderation. Sounds good to me. Because I don't know about you but whenever I try to give up something like meat for example, the more I want it!

[Bigrushfan]

Moderation is certainly the key. I can't recall reading anything overly damning about caffeine and MS since I was diagnosed and started paying attention to what I eat. In fact, it is quite the opposite for some who use caffeine to counter symptoms of fatigue. My take on caffeine consumption is more directed to my interest in running. Studies show that runners who consume caffeine before a work out are able to maintain pace longer than those that don't. Plus, if your main source of caffeine comes from coffee (as is the case for me) it has zero calories if you take it black. I'm sure there is a dark side to this, but for me the benefits far outweigh any negatives found in studies.

[Stella]

You know John, I used to drink a cup of black coffee before my runs the last few years, and it seemed to help my running first thing in the morning (not to mention being slimmer ). I also had read somewhere that it is good just before your workout. Perhaps that is just what I need and is missing from my workouts at the moment - That extra boost. Thanks for bringing that up John!

[banshee]

Here's a pretty good (and short) article that talks about caffeine and exercise: http://www.rice.edu/~jenky/sports/caffeine.html

I am not a physician, but from what I have read, caffeine during exercise only really makes a difference if you're going for more than 2 hours. And when you take the caffeine is critical. It should be a few hours before you begin your workout. Technically, caffeine helps delay glycogen depletion so you don't bonk as soon.

But haven't read anything that tells me if anyone really knows how caffeine works during exercise. Interested if you guys have seen anything.

Everybody is different, so try it in moderation. If it works, add it to your nutrition plan. If not, then ditch it.

[AMFADVENTURES]

Here's a pretty good (and short) article that talks about caffeine and exercise: http://www.rice.edu/~jenky/sports/caffeine.html

Good general sports physiology web site!! Thanks for that.

[Stella]

Yes, thank you Banshee. Enjoyed that!

[banshee]

Glad you liked it. Too bad they haven't updated the site in about 10 years! If I find something more recent, I'll post links.

[Stella]

Speaking of caffeine, look what I found:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/s...sclerosis.html

[banshee]

That study had to be sponsored by Starbucks!

"The scientists discovered that when the rodents consumed the equivalent of six to eight cups of coffee a day, they did not develop the condition"