Most of us find ourselves starting off with a cup of Joe, more like two or three, perhaps even a double. Then later after the mid-morning rush is over, begin sipping another pick-me-up, following mid-afternoon's cup or two, then closing with the last day's cup after dinner. And on top of the obvious caffeine consumption from coffee, we enjoy a few sodas, ice tea at lunch, and triple chocolate cheesecake for dessert. For many, the constant caffeine consumption leads throughout the entire day and may be why, at the end of the day, you might feel restless, irritable and have negative thoughts racing through your mind.

The origin of the coffee plant is perceived to be from the region of Kaffa found in Ethiopia, Africa. As history holds it, coffee began being consumed approximately around 800 B.C. There are various references, which make reports about a bitter beverage that created energy. By the 1500's it had develop enough popularity that it became a commodity. Its' genus name Coffea, and looks like a small evergreen with fragrant white flowers that when the flowers mature into deep red fruits, are ready to be roasted, brewed and then savored.

What does caffeine do to our body? It has been reported to create or be a contributing factor to dehydration. "Along with all that water being washed out of the body goes many water-soluble vitamins such as vitamin C and members of the B-complex group as well as trace elements, thus affecting systems and areas which those nutrients play a part in," quoted by Carol Wade, Nutritionalist and HACO member. Along with dehydration, one would experience fatigue, anxiety, increased blood pressure, heart disease, bone loss, breast pain, ulcers, heart burn, acid indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, weakened bladder muscles, alternating hormonal function, musculoskeletal pain, possible birth defects in pregnant women, and cancer associated with the kidneys, bladder, pancreas, breast, ovaries, and colon. In the coffee bean, it is not only the caffeine to be concerned about, there are more than 700 volatile substance including a broad array of acids, alcohol, and residues of cancer-causing pesticides.

Carol Wade reminds us that "Caffeine can cause insulin to be released and thereby effects blood sugar levels and becomes a factor in hypoglycemia. Insulin acts in the body to lower blood sugar levels. For the hypoglycemic the blood sugar is already too low and caffeine makes it go lower still."

Caffeine creates a false sense of energy, and too much caffeine can play havoc on our moods. The addiction is partly caused from the stimulating effect, but according to Time magazine's report, caffeine is a psychoactive drug. Psychoactive drugs, more commonly known as a "mood altering" drug, are heroin, cocaine, caffeine, marijuana, nicotine, and alcohol. These drugs release a biochemical which signals a neurotransmitter called dopamine. The dopamine relays information back and forth between cells giving a message of pleasure, which is key to why these substances become so easily addictive. The American consumption of caffeine for adults on a daily level is approximately 280 milligrams. A moderate and healthy caffeine consumption is considered to be well below 300 milligrams. Per cup, caffeine can range from 60 to 150 milligrams, this should be taken in account for how many cups one should drink per day.

Currently, caffeine is the number one legal drug in the world, and coincidentally parallels the increase of anti-depressants prescribed. Withdrawals can be intense causing headaches, fatigue, depression, and difficulty concentrating and symptoms can begin as early as 24 hours and is certain to be in effect within 48 hours. Hence the "weekend headache" for those of us who use coffee only during our work week. The theory goes, "what goes up must come down," though caffeine may give a boost, it can certainly leave us spiraling downward.

How to best reduce or quit caffeine consumption suggested by Carol Wade, Nutritionalist and HACO member:

1) Advance planning: