What's the Big Deal about Caffeine?

by Tristi Pinkston | More from this Blogger

Of all the debates I've heard surrounding the Word of Wisdom, the most frequently repeated is, "So, what's so bad about caffeine?" I've heard people defend their right to drink their sodas, and I've heard people absolutely refuse to touch the stuff, even if dying of thirst. It's an interesting debate. It seems there are few fence-sitters.

So, just what is the big deal, anyway?

The Word of Wisdom does not specifically mention caffeine, and this is where some of the debate gets its furor. If it's not in the Word of Wisdom, it can't be bad, can it?

I don't think the individuals who make that statement have realized one very important thing - caffeine wasn't invented at the time the Word of Wisdom was received. Of course it wasn't mentioned specifically.

The Word of Wisdom was given to us to help us stay healthy and to stay in control of our faculties. Substances that injure our health or cause us to lose control fall under the auspices of the Word of Wisdom.

Caffeine has been linked to heart disease. Insomnia, bowel upset, ulcers, anemia, shortness of breath, tremors, adrenal weakness, depression, and increased cholesterol are just some of the other side effects.

In addition, caffeine has significant effects on a person's mood and behavior. People who have too much caffeine are hyper and don't always use good judgment. Caffeine withdrawal leads to irritability and mood swings.

I am prone to bad headaches and I've found the best way to control them is to take two Tylenol and have a Pepsi. It nixes the headache in the bud, but I'm ornery for a day or two afterward. I have less patience with my children. I am harsh and critical. I can't focus on my work. Consequently, I'm currently searching for another solution to my headache problem and will not be using my former remedy any longer. My husband sometimes uses caffeine to stay awake at work. I can always tell when he's had it. His temper is worse. He has less tolerance for the noise our children make. He's quicker to send them to time out for small infractions.

Caffeine may not be a hard drug, but it does have significant emotional and physical side effects. It clearly violates the spirit of the Word of Wisdom. When you are on caffeine, you are not seeing the world around you clearly, and you are damaging your body.

Related Blogs:

Gospel Questions: The Word of Wisdom

The Link Between Caffeine and Miscarriage

Preventing Kidney Stones

Learn more about Tristi Pinkston

I am a stay-at-home mom, author of eight published books, a freelance editor, and the mother of four incredible children. I enjoy scrapbooking, watching good movies, and taking naps.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger