My friend's question concerning caffine

[Pineapple]

My friend is on an extended induction of atkins (about ready to move into OWL). She was wondering if she could have a Rock Star or so every once and awhile, to spike her metabolism.

I heard that caffine could cause carb cravings and spike blood sugar, will it stall as well? I'm thinking that she can have limited amounts of caffine, but I need everyone's advice first! Thanks

[sunflowergrl]

I don't think those 'energy' drink do any good. I think she would be better off giving up caffine and just taking a very good multi-vitamin. I think (in my opinion) most of that stuff is just glorified soda. Its like a placebo pill, you THINK its helping you, so you feel more energy. I used to eat a milky way bar because I thought it gave me energy! Too funny, how dumb was I?? The best way to 'spike' your metabolism is to exercise.

[not2late]

Originally Posted by sunflowergrl

The best way to 'spike' your metabolism is to exercise.

Very true. Regular exercise increases your metabolism. The more you exercise the more your metabolic rate will increase. Exercise will increase blood flow to your brain, so you feel more alert.

[Pineapple]

I've got a icky feeling she's going to do some anyways. Our exams are coming up, but I'll tell her what you guys said.

[ttdriver]

Green Tea extract works as a stimulant in some people, although its never affected me that way. I still take it though, because I totally believe its a healthy supplement.


Betty

[matawguro]

Caffeine is very much a "your mileage may vary" kind of thing. A recent study may give clues as to why studies on caffeine are so conflicting. It seems that some people are slow caffeine metabolizers while some are fast caffeine metabolizers.

CHICAGO -- Here's a real caffeine jolt -- heart attacks might be a risk for coffee drinkers with a common genetic trait that makes the stimulant linger in their bodies, a study suggests.Research on more than 4,000 people in Costa Rica found that about half had the trait and were considered ''slow caffeine metabolizers."

The other half had the opposite trait, which caused their bodies to rapidly break down or metabolize caffeine, and coffee-drinking in this group appeared to reduce heart attack risks.

While the study was the effect of caffeine on the risk of a heart attack, the genetic trait may affect the other effects of caffeine as well.

For me, I've pegged my tolerable caffeine consumption to a cup of coffee a day, or equivalent to an Atkin's Accel pill. Anything beyond that and I become hypoglycemic and/or have symptoms that mimic hypothyroidism.

My dad OTOH drinks at least 6 cups of strong coffee a day and it doesn't bother him.

[boonie stomper]

Congrat to you, Sunflowergrl, on making your mini goal.
If your friend tries a little rock star, she may be able to judge for herself whether it is OK for her. Then if there's no problems, mabe can try a little more. I'm caffeinated - so when the blood sugar spike hits, I can get offa my butt and exercise, which lowers it right back down. No problem! (I also sometimes combine it with ephedrine, epinephrine, or ma huang) Sue