I
have observed if I wish to keep cyst growth to a minimum, I have to AVOID
caffeine, de-caf, green tea, white tea, black tea, de-caf teas, coffee, de-caf,
cola, sodas, pop, and especially my own personal vice - chocolate. Decaf
coffee harms cystic kidneys. It really harms cystic livers by stimulating cyclic
AMP and creating new growth of liver cysts.This article mentions, “"The
stimulant is also contraindicated in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic
kidney disease, because it promotes cyst enlargement," Dr. Goldberger and
colleagues noted.”
Decaffeinated'
Coffee May Be Anything But
GAINESVILLE, Florida USA Oct. 12 -- Caffeine-averse patients who think they're
getting a free ride by drinking decaf at Starbucks, for instance, should know
that it may be laden with the stimulant, claims not withstanding. Allegedly
decaffeinated coffee served at various outlets contained enough caffeine in
just two cups to equal levels of the stimulant found in a Coke or Pepsi, reported
Bruce Goldberger, Ph.D., of the University of Florida here, and colleagues.
Those who consume multiple cups of purportedly caffeine-free java should be
aware that their cumulative daily consumption could easily add up to 85 mg of
caffeine, the dose found in an average cup of the real stuff, the authors warned
in the October issue of the Journal of Analytical Toxicity.
SAFE | CAUTION | AVOID |
---|---|---|
Bambu | Caf-lib earl grey herbal tea | Black Pekoe Tea |
Barley brew | Caf-lib the UnCoffeE | Chaparral |
Barley cup | Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime tea | Chocolate |
Caffix | Celestial Seasonings Almond Sunset tea | Coffee |
Caro | Celestial Seasonings Bengal Spice tea | Chinese Gun Powder Tea |
Carob Powder | Celestial Seasonings Caffeine Free tea | Dandelion |
Chamomile | Celestial Seasonings Honey Vanilla Chamomile | Darjeeling Tea |
Inka | Celestial Seasonings Lemon Zinger tea | Decaf chocolate |
Java Herb unCoffee | Celestial Seasonings Pumpkin Pie Spice | Decaf coffee |
Kara Kara | Celestial Seasonings Red Zinger Tea | Decaf tea |
Linden Flower Tea | Celestial Seasonings Sugar Plum Spice | Earl Grey Tea |
New Spelt Kaffee | Celestial Seasonings Roastaroma Tea | Green Tea |
Organic inst grain | Celestial Seasonings English Toffee Dessert Tea | Hawthorne berries |
Pero | Celestial Seasonings Orange Zinger tea | Licorice tea |
Prewetts Chicory | Celestial Seasonings check carefully | Maca |
Red Tea | Dandelion | MaCafe |
Roma | Mint Tea | Symingtons inst Dandelion |
Rooibos | Peppermint Tea | SoyCaFe |
Rose hips Hibiscus | Original Caf-Lib herbal tea | Tea |
Saffron | Postum | White Tea |
Spelt Grains | Rosemary Tea | |
Teeccino | Roastaroma | |
Tilleul | Spearmint Tea | |
Thyme tea | ||
Veronica Tea | ||
Yannoh | ||
Yorzoh | * if you have questions send an email |
Caffeine ingestion gives a double whammy by increasing blood pressure and cyst growth. Cyclic AMP is a protein messenger that tells flattened envelope cyst structures to fill with fluid, enlarge and multiply. There are several published medical articles that point to this discovery. To download an article by the Tanners about caffeine and PKD polycystic kidney disease, click here. After reading the Tanner article I decided to test this out on myself, my favorite Guinea Pig. Eating only a small bite of de-caffeinated chocolate would send my normally low blood pressure sky rocketing up to 140/90 from its normal low of 100/60. Ingesting wheat products also has this effect upon me. My blood pressure would remain elevated for 3 full days and I would test acidic. I have chocolate sensitive hypertension.
Researchers
talk about individuals with Polycystic Kidneys as having salt sensitive hypertension.
Mine really elevates in response to caffeine. Herbs, which I have found to cause
blood pressure spikes are: ginger, hawthorn, licorice, ginseng, fresh picked
off the plant green tea, raw dried cacao, ephedra, and ephedra like compounds
such as the cola nut. If I remain alkaline my blood pressure is well controlled
without any medication at 110/70. Email
I noticed one internet site spoke of increased intimacy enjoyment when eliminating caffeine.
WHAT DO YOU DRINK TO REPLACE
COFFEE OR TEA?
Most
can be ordered from your local health food store or click on the pictures for
Internet ordering. Some are available through Amazon.com
Most are alkaline producing.
Brewed
Yannoh from Lima foods has a vague likeness to
a cup of espresso. I add an extra scoop of Yannoh to a French Press, pour boiling
water over, stir the grounds, and press it. Drizzle a bit of tupelo honey if
you wish it sweet. For a cappuccino like drink, top with a dollop of almond
cream (recipe near the bottom page) and a sprinkle cinnamon. Cinnamon is said
to even out blood sugar swings and to aide in lowering cholesterol.
RECIPE for eliminating coffee is to mix caffeinated coffee with
de-caf 50 - 50, decreasing the daily amount of coffee until one is drinking
only de-caf. Mixing roasted grains with the de-caf coffee until one is drinking
only roasted grain beverage. Some juices that further diminish caffeine withdrawal
headaches are: parsley juice, carrot beet juice, and other green juices such
as wheat grass, kamut grass, spelt grass, or barley grass – all alkaline.
ALTERNATIVE DRINKS SWILLS & INFUSIONS
Yannoh
instant –made by gentle roasting of organic cereals, their temperature
never exceeding 98º, could be considered a living raw food beverage. a
delicious and healthful cereal coffee. Ingredients: barley, rye chicory,
acorns certified organically grown. A basic rule of macrobiotics is to
eat the food that grows around you. This is why the formula in New Zealand differs
from the one in Japan. Replaced ingredients commonly found in Japan by growers
in New Zealand are: brown rice replaced by naked barley, chickpeas by marrow
fat peas and adzuki beans by broad beans. This has resulted in a very fine coffee
substitute, a smooth and refreshing drink, with the various roasted elements
complementing each other with their minerals and flavors, blending and reinforcing
a coffee likeness. Yannoh is produced for the Belgian firm Lima food.
The Belgian firm founded by Gevaert in St. Martens Latem, Belgium was sold to
the French group Euronature. This was then sold again to Belgium and now located
in Maldegem, Belgium. It's a tasty coffee substitute made from organic rye,
acorns, chicory and chickpeas. Yannoh is a nice tasting caffeine-free alternative
to coffee. Place a few spoonfuls in a filter and add boiling water. Yannoh is
also available by mail order from the Clearspring catalogue. I paid 1.79 for
500g. Clearspring also offer an instant version, which costs 2.99 for 125g.
RECIPE Ohsawa
Coffee (Yannoh).
Take 3 tablespoons rice, 2 tablespoons wheat, 2
tablespoons adzuki, 1 tablespoon chickpeas and 1 tablespoon chicory. Roast separately
until well browned. Mix together and brown in 1 tablespoon oil. Cool and grind
into powder. Prepare beverage to desired strength. Use 1 tablespoon to 15 ounces
water. Boil 10 minutes, strain and serve.
BREWED
The
following can be brewed in a French press, a coffee filter machine (use filters
which are brown and have not been bleached) or infused with hot water.
order Teeccino- It is alkaline. Contains roasted carob, barley, and chicory root, grains, almonds figs, dates and beets. It contains 65 mg of potassium. Teeccino (pronounced tea-chee-no) is rich in inulin, a soluble fiber that enhances digestion and promotes regularity by increasing the quantity of beneficial digestive flora in the intestines and colon. Teeccino helps restore the body's natural alkaline balance which can be disturbed by the acidity of coffee. Teeccino comes in several flavors: almond amaretto, original espresso, vanilla nut and my personal favorite, java. I bought a small French press coffee machine that I take with me while traveling. It comes as grounds that can be mixed with coffee grounds until one is drinking only Teeccino.
To
quit coffee painlessly while avoiding headaches and brain fuzziness. If you
are suffering from stress, adrenal exhaustion, and fatigue read articles about
cortisol to understand how caffeine affects health, increases stress, and accelerates
aging. If you are on a weight loss program, all diets recommend stabilizing
your blood sugar by avoiding caffeine that increases your appetite and spikes
your insulin production. Teeccino is the best selling coffee substitute in USA.
Though we prefer the term herbal coffee (No one calls herbal tea a tea substitute,
now do they?), we anticipate the day when herbal coffee brings as many people
health and enjoyment as herbal tea does today.
Java herbal coffee
– my favorite Teeccino has bitter notes in chicory and barley. This is
said to taste the most coffee-like of all the various flavors. Teeccino java
has a stronger bite from bitter notes in chicory and barley. This flavor is
for regular coffee drinkers desiring a bracing cup without the complexity of
additional flavors. Ingredients: roasted carob, barley, chicory, almonds,
figs, dates, and natural coffee flavor.
ROASTED SPELT GRAINS – New Spelt Kaffee is made with all natural
organic spelt, roasted almonds pumpkin seeds. When cooled to taste, stir
and drink. Formulated to boost energy; Roasted for optimal health; Geared to
aid weight loss; increased stamina via spelt grain.
RECIPE SPELT
KAFFEE – 1 cup of washed and soaked spelt grain. Roast in
a cast iron skillet until brown all over. Transfer all but 2 tablespoons of
the kernels to a bowl, and continue roasting the remaining kernels until they
are very dark in color, but not burned. Remove the kernels and mix with the
lighter brown ones. To make 2 cups of spelt coffee, place 2 cups of water in
a 1-quart saucepan, and bring to a boil. Add 3 heaping tablespoons of the roasted
kernels, and boil for about 10 minutes, or until the water is brown in color.
Strain the brew, reserving the kernels, and serve. Add a few spelt coffee kernels
to the old kernels each day, until some kernels start to fall apart. Then discard
and roast a new batch.
Spelt (Dinkel) is the best
grain, warming, lubricating and high in nutritional value. It is better
tolerated by the body than any other grain. Spelt provides the consumer
with good flesh and good blood and confers a cheerful disposition. It
provides a happy mind and a joyful spirit. No matter how you eat spelt,
either bread or in other foods, it is good and easy to digest... If someone
is ill boil some spelt, mix it with egg and this will heal him like a fine ointment...
Spelt porridge, spelt bread and spelt coffee constitute the ideal breakfast..
Spelt is the food of the future.
–Hildegard von Bingen (composer,
scientist, writer) 1133 AD
RECIPE other
beverages that you can prepare for yourself as an alternative hot drink are
American Beech Tree Nuts and Chicory. Chicory is a blue flower with almost leafless
stalks that grows just about everywhere that there is a road. The petals are
blue and are squared off at the ends. Pull the white fleshy roots, roast until
dark brown and brittle, and grind. Prepare like coffee. Use 1 1/2 tablespoons
per cup of water.
RECIPE KARA
KARA – In the Philippines black, brown or red rice was roasted
darkly, then infused in water to make a coffee alternative. In Germany they
do the same with Dinkel or Farro (Italy) or L'epeutre (France) also called Spelt.
In the US they are now roasting soy nuts made into a hot beverage.
INSTANT ROASTED GRAINS
Whole Earth NoCaf
– roasted barley, barley malt, chicory, rye, figs.
Barleycup
– roasted barley, rye, chicory
Prewetts instant
chicory – soluble extract of roasted chicory plant.
Symingtons
Instant Dandelion – Roasted dandelion root – a diuretic, AVOID with kidney disease.
MaCafe
AVOID– Inca herb grown in the Peruvian Mountains –
avoid with transplant as it enhances the immune system. Avoid with polycystic
liver disease PLD. Maca might
make liver cysts grow by increasing progesterone, which is said to relieve hot
flashes.
Caf-Lib the UnCoffeE
– roasted barley, rye, chicory and beet.
Caffix
- malted barley, barley, chicory, figs, and, chicory, figs, and beetroots. Product
of Switzerland.
Roma order - roasted barley, chicory, and malt barley. This is another favorite.
TEAS
CELESTIAL SEASONINGS AVOID certain Celestial seasonings teas as they are a bit tricky.
Most Celestial seasonings are harmful to cystic organs in some ways. Pure chamomile
is fine. Rose hips and hibiscus teas are also fine provided they are not flavored
with licorice. Check ingredients carefully.
ORANGE
ZINGER AVOID
Ingredients: Hibiscus, rose hips, blackberry
leaves, hawthorn berries, orange peel, natural tangerine flavor with other natural
flavors, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
The ingredients of orange zinger
and lemon zinger include hawthorn berries. This makes my normally low blood
pressure spike to 140/90.
RED
ZINGER AVOID
Ingredients: Hibiscus, rose hips, lemon grass,
licorice root, natural flavors, and citric acid.
Licorice root another herb that raises blood pressure.
BENGAL
SPICE CAUTION
Ingredients: Cinnamon, roasted chicory root,
roasted carob, natural spice and vanilla flavors with other natural flavors,
dates, ginger root, cardamom, black pepper, cloves, and nutmeg Cinnamon
lowers cholesterol but in some sensitive individuals with reflux from enlarged
cystic organs this causes an increase in symptoms especially if drunk late at
night.
ROASTAROMA
SPICE CAUTION is one I particularly enjoy. It too contains cinnamon, allspice
and star anise all possible irritants to acid reflux.
Ingredients:
Roasted barley, roasted barley malt, roasted chicory root, roasted carob, cinnamon,
allspice, and star anise.
TRUE BLUEBERRY HERB TEA
Ingredients:
Hibiscus, rose hips, orange peel, natural blueberry flavor with other natural
flavors, blackberry leaves, blueberries and blueberry leaves True blueberry
seems fine without any herbs that might cause symptoms.
ENGLISH
TOFFEE DESSERT TEA CAUTION UNK
Ingredients: Roasted carob, roasted barley, roasted
chicory, natural English toffee flavor with other natural flavors, cinnamon,
luo han guo, and milk thistle.
This
contains luo han guo, a tropical fruit. I am not sure but is this longan? If
it is longan then this tea by Celestial seasonings is also fine. I looked at
its picture on the web and it resembles longan, but I am not sure. It also contains
gluten for those on gluten free diets. Milk thistle is a known liver herb useful
for liver cysts. Luo han guo -
Maximum
safe dosages for young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe
liver or kidney disease have not been established. OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins)
may have some anticoagulant properties when taken in high doses, and should
be used only under medical supervision by individuals on blood-thinner drugs.
When taking Coumadin (warfarin), heparin, Trental (pentoxifylline), or aspirin,
high doses of OPCs might cause a risk of excessive bleeding.
CAFFEINE
FREE HERB TEA AVOID contains licorice and hawthorn, two herbs that cause spikes
in blood pressure.
HONEY
VANILLA CHAMOMILE AVOID contains licorice.
ORIGINAL
CAF-lib HERBAL TEA TEA ingredients blackberry, roasted chicory root, natural
flavors, hawthorn berries, hibiscus. AVOID hawthorn spikes blood pressure. AVOID
if pregnant. Blackberry leaves in the first trimester may cause miscarriage.
ROOIBOS
TEA or red
tea is harvested during the summer (Southern Hemisphere). It is alkaline.
Most of the tea is picked manually. The tea is then bruised and cut using tobacco
cutting tool. At this stage, Rooibos is still green. Fermentation is essential
in order to enhance the flavor of the tea. Rooibos is fermented in mounds and
then spread out to dry in the sunlight. Fermentation turns the tea red. Rooibos’
nick name “red bush” does not apply to a live plant since it is
green until it is fermented. In the final process Rooibos is sterilized by steam,
dried in commercial dryers, sifted and packaged.
Rooibos tea contains no colors, additives or preservatives, making it a natural beverage. It contains no caffeine. According to studies conducted in South Africa and Japan Rooibos has been shown to aid in health problems such as insomnia, irritability, headaches, nervous tension, and hypertension.
Studies also show that this tea relieves anti- spasmodic agents, which can relieve stomach cramping and colic in infants.
In South Africa Rooibos has been used to treat allergies such as hay fever, asthma and eczema very effectively .
It is also used to treat irritated skin. Rooibos is brewed and placed directly on infected areas. Rooibos contains anti - oxidants which can help slow the aging process and boost the immune system.
Rooibos is a great thirst quencher and is an excellent beverage for active people, including children.
This tea contains no oxalic acid, making it a good beverage for people prone to kidney stones. Rooibos contains the minerals, copper, iron and potassium, calcium, fluoride, zinc, manganese, alpha- hydroxy ( for healthy skin ) and magnesium ( for the nervous system ) are also components of this tea. In South Africa pregnant women and nursing mothers drink Rooibos because it contains no caffeine.
RECIPE
South African fruit cooler
1 tsp. of Rooibos tea or one tea bag.
1/2 fresh orange
1 tsp. - tupelo honey- if needed
1 glass filled with ice
Boil water
Pour boiling water over Rooibos tea and steep 2- 5 min
Pour tea into a glass filled with ice,
squeeze 1/2 orange and stir.
VERONICA
TEA
(an alternative for black tea used in war time was this was scarce). This herb
is useful for cystic kidneys and livers.
MINT TEA Mint tea, peppermint, spearmint are lovely teas to drink that are very refreshing. In the South of the USA, Southerners drink mint juleps! AVOID However if one has reflux the mint family of teas increases acid reflux, commonly associated with enlarged cystic organs.
SAFFRON TEA order is really great for helping relieve symptoms from cystic livers. When I first tried it, I found it bitter. Now my system relaxes with each sip. This keeps blood vessels patent; lays down new vessels, lowers blood pressure, relieves pains from cystic organs, and really helps cystic livers - of great benefit. To download a medical research article about the positive effects of saffron, click here. This article done with animal studies and saffron extract . . Suggests that . . ."The results obtained in the present investigation suggest that the saffron extract and its active constituent, crocin, have an overall protective effect against kidney ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat model."
RECIPE TEA
1/4 teaspoon of saffron 1 cup of water simmer until it is reduced to a half a cup. Strain and sip. Here is a link to a few more saffron recipes.
THYME TEA is a very nice tea, especially lemon thyme. I enjoy a small cup following a meal. It was offered on the menu in Paris at Robuchon's bistro.
CHAMOMILE Chamomile tea is a pleasant tea when flavored with a touch of tupelo honey. It is very relaxing at the end of the day and is said to decrease inflammation surrounding kidneys. This is a perfect tea for cystic organs.
LINDEN
FLOWER Linden (tilleul). Linden
flower is said to promote perspiration and for this reason it is said to have
diaphoretic effect, helping the body to strengthen the immune system. I have
not found it to be dehydrating but rather an overall warming effecting and soothing
effect. Linden?s reputed antispasmodic action, particularly in the intestines,
has been confirmed in at least one human trial. This tea is considered safe
for children and there are no known reasons to avoid it during pregnancy or
while breast-feeding.
Even
the bark of the Linden tree is useful; homeopathic medicine uses it to treat
kidney and gout stones. Uric acid forms painful gout crystals deposited in the
joints, is elevated in PKD polycystic kidney disease. I do not know if it is
elevated in polycystic liver disease alone. I suspect that linden flower tea
is high in potassium. Linden tree bark charcoal is an excellent absorbent, which
is particularly useful in absorbing toxins. It also calms a stressed digestive
system allowing digestive enzymes to be produced and released. Indigestion and
nervous vomiting are also treated with this ingredient. Acid reflux is common
with PLD polycystic liver disease.
HOT DRINK ALTERNATIVES
Bambu avoid |
Barley brew |
Barley cup |
Caffix |
Caf-lib earl grey herbal tea avoid |
Caf-lib the UnCoffeE |
Caro |
Carob powder |
Celestial seasonings avoid |
Spelt Kaffee |
Chamomile useful |
Linden Flower Tea ( tilleul) useful |
Celestial seasonings honey
vanilla chamomile tea pumpkin pie spice avoid |
Celestial seasonings lemon
zinger, red zinger, & orange zinger sleepy time avoid |
Celestial seasonings almond
sunset Bengal spice caffeine free tea avoid |
Celestial seasonings true
blueberry |
Celestial seasonings Roastaroma
|
De-caf organic green tea avoid |
Rooibos useful |
Ginger |
Inka |
Java herbal coffee |
Kara Kara |
|
MaCafe |
Mint tea avoid |
Organic instant Grain gourmet |
Original caf-lib herbal tea avoid |
Pero |
Postum avoid |
Prewettts instant chicory |
Roma |
Rose hips hibiscus tea |
Rosemary tea avoid |
Soycafe
avoid |
Spelt grains roasted |
Symingtons instant dandelion avoid |
Teeccino |
Thyme |
Veronica |
Whole earth noCaf |
Yannoh |
If
you are thinking about de-caf flavored black tea or green tea, the de-caf method
uses ether to extract the caffeine. Ether is detoxified through the liver and
can be harmful. Sometimes a steam extraction is used which is not harmful but
the residual caffeine remaining coupled with decreased metabolism of caffeine
through both the liver and kidneys, can increase the circulating levels of even
a very small amount of caffeine. De-caf teas contain some caffeine. The effects
of caffeine can become multiplied with polycystic liver disease PKD and polycystic
liver disease PLD.
Herbal Teas: Linden (tilleul). Linden flower
is said to promote perspiration and for this reason it is said to have diaphoretic
effect, helping the body to strengthen the immune system. I have not found it
to be dehydrating but rather an overall warming effecting and soothing effect.
Linden?s reputed antispasmodic action, particularly in the intestines, has been
confirmed in at least one human trial. This tea is considered safe for children
and there are no known reasons to avoid it during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.
Even
the bark of the Linden tree is useful; homeopathic medicine uses it to treat
kidney and gout stones. Uric acid forms painful gout crystals deposited in the
joints, is elevated in PKD polycystic kidney disease. I do not know if it is
elevated in polycystic liver disease alone. I suspect that linden flower tea
is high in potassium. Linden tree bark charcoal is an excellent absorbent, which
is particularly useful in absorbing toxins. It also calms a stressed digestive
system allowing digestive enzymes to be produced and released. Indigestion and
nervous vomiting are also treated with this ingredient. Acid reflux is common
with PLD polycystic liver disease.
Chamomile
tea Rose hips and hibiscus tea
Veronica Tea (an
alternative for black tea used in war time was this was scarce) are useful drinks
for cystic kidneys and livers.
*
* * *
What about caffeine free chocolate?
I tried carob and find the taste not to my liking.
These
are several chocolate products that are said to be caffeine free but for me
they contain too much caffeine for my cystic liver to clear even this small
amount of caffeine. These products make my blood pressure rise and I get a migraine
about 3-4 days later.
I
just sampled a vegan carob cookie crunch from Down to Earth Bakery, our local
health food store, and loved it. But these chips were sweetened with rice syrup.
There is also a carob drink powder similar to hot chocolate. What I learned
at Whole Foods Market is they will allow you to taste before you buy! They opened
a three pack of apple juice twice to allow us to taste test the product before
buying. I am not sure if this is the policy at only the Chicago store, but maybe
you could try this at your local whole foods? Ask if there are any carob chips
that taste like chocolate chips?
YOO
HOO
available at Sam's and Costco, two warehouse stores. The following is from someone
who did a taste test with students and Yoohoo drink.
"I
have told you my opinion of Yoo-hoo?s taste and a professional rating service?s
opinion of Yoo-hoo, but to further verify my proof of its supreme quality, I
conducted an independent taste test on thirty blindfolded Pepperdine students.
First, each student was given a sample of Nesquik. After rinsing the palate,
the student then received a sample of Yoo-hoo. In strong numbers, the students
spoke out against Nesquik. The end results were 19 for Yoo-hoo and 11 for Nesquik.
Some comments after the taste test were: In reference to Nesquik, students were
quoted as saying, "It is grainy and it sits heavy." About Yoo-hoo,
several students remarked, "It is delicious and it goes down smooth."
Now,
besides the amazing taste of Yoo-hoo, there is added benefit when you stop to
look at its health aspects. Without sacrificing its great chocolate taste, Yoo-hoo
is able to contain EIGHT vitamins and minerals in each 8-oz. serving. It has
10% of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Calcium, Riboflavin, Phosphorous, and
Niacin. It also has 6% of Iron. Nesquik has Vitamin B...that is all. Yoo-hoo
is 99% Fat Free with only one-half gram of saturated fat and one gram of fat
total. Nestle puts 2 and a half grams of saturated fat and four grams of total
fat into Quick. Yoo-hoo has also limited its caloric content to only 130 calories,
while Nesquik has 793 in each 8-oz. serving. Yoo-hoo is 99% Caffeine Free and
100% Cholesterol Free."
Rich and smooth Ross
White Chocolates AVOID
According
to the web site: Caffeine free Ross white chocolate
is the best sugar free Belgian white chocolate bar on the market. This delicious
caffeine free white chocolate bar is for serious chocolate lovers. You don't
have to sacrifice flavor to be caffeine free and low carb(2.9g).
If you
are caffeine sensitive, the Ross white flavored bar is caffeine free. Order
white chocolate bars that contain only 2.9g of carbohydrates. Caffeine is found
naturally in the cocoa bean. Any product made with cocoa will have caffeine.
Ross white chocolate bars do not contain cocoa mass, thus caffeine free. As
comparison, one ounce of milk chocolate contains up to 15 milligrams of caffeine
and one ounce of dark chocolate contains up to 35 milligrams of caffeine. This
low carb white chocolate bar is also for anyone counting their carbohydrates
for a protein diet or a low carb diet like Dr. Atkins diet. Because Ross white
chocolate is sugarless, sweetened with Maliitol, Ross caffeine free white chocolate
is diabetic friendly (always consult your physician first).
Since Ross
white chocolate is sugar free, this caffeine free low carb chocolate bar is
great for kids and are tooth friendly.
I
stay away from caffeine free chocolate. Apparently this small amount is enough
to trigger a migraine and raise my blood pressure with my cystic liver or maybe
there is something else in chocolate that causes this to happen?
*
* * *
What
do you drink as an alternative to caffeinated soft drinks, pop, and colas? A
delightful refreshing cold drink with some fizz is called Schorle in Germany.
It is a mix of fresh fruit juice with natural fizzy mineral water such as Perrier.
I take one part apple juice with 3 parts Perrier water or one part full cranberry
juice with mineral water or one part grape juice with mineral water. An all
juice lemonade (none fizzy) is made by juicing two apples, 1/4 lemon without
the peel and a 1/4 beet. Pour juice over crushed ice. .
*
* * *
What
about green tea? Unfortunately for us with cystic organs,
especially cystic livers, green tea is out. While it contains a great deal of
anti oxidants, it also contains caffeine which causes cyclic AMP to rise which
causes liver cysts and other cystic organs to increase their cyst size and numbers.
This is true of even de-caf organic green tea. According to the Bowes and Church
book, regular tea has between 25-35 mg of caffeine per 6 oz. cup. De-caf has
much less. With cystic organs, cystic livers, and cystic kidneys caffeine is
not cleared readily through the body. Even this small amount builds up and triggers
cyclic AMP. The Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation PKD, has recommended that
individuals restrict their intake of caffeine. With liver cysts, this avoidance
is even more important to maintain. Biochemical evidence shows methylxanthines
(e.g. caffeine) inhibits the phosphodieserase enzyme that breaks down cAMP.
cAMP stimulates fluid secretion and proliferation of cyst cells. Within the
cells of liver cysts, these contain 10 - 100 times the amount of cAMP as do
kidney cysts. Download
a medical abstract on caffeine by Dr. Grantham.
This
is so much higher than kidney cysts or pancreatic cysts. The other difficulty
with cystic livers is the liver starts slowing down in its metabolism of caffeine.
The chemical used to test phase 2 liver metabolism is caffeine. My test results
clearly showed diminished caffeine metabolism and estrogen metabolism. This
test is available through Great Smokies Lab.
What
this means in practical terms is that what might be a low dose for other individuals,
we with enlarged cystic livers do not clear the caffeine from our systems. A
tiny dose builds up. It is not eliminated from the body and it causes liver
cysts to grow, expand, and increase in numbers and size. With large cystic livers,
restriction of caffeine along with minimizing exposure to hormones helps prevent
liver cyst expansion.
Dr.
Guay-Woodford had reported with ARPKD (mostly seen in children) that these individuals
present with many liver manifestations of their cystic disease. In other parts
of the USA, people drink soda or pop. In the South of the USA where she practices,
the traditional beverage is sweetened tea. This drink is often given to children,
often once they are weaned. Among the first dietary change to implement is avoidance
of sweet tea and dairy. With this and other dietary changes ARPKD children have
an easier time with their cystic organs. It was thoughtfully explained that
dairy and sweetened tea contained many solutes that were very hard on cystic
organs, causing them to decline earlier. She is now the chairperson of the scientific
advisory board for polycystic kidney disease. She is from Canada and practiced
previously with Dr. Ogburn from Manitoba. He is continuing to research food
and diet for cystic organ diseases.
*
* * *
Barley
and star anise contain salicylates; is this harmful for cystic organs? No this is not harmful for cystic organs.
However aspirin and NSAIDs are anti-inflammatories containing acetylsalicylic
acid. These over the counter medications and Tylenol have been shown to cause
kidney functioning to decline in individuals with normal kidney functioning.
There was a study done in Australia (lots of good medical studies coming from
Australia) that showed the effect to be cumulative over the lifetime of an individual.
It is for this reason that we are cautioned not to take aspirin, NSAIDs, or
Tylenol.
If
you have ever taken aspirin and can tolerate it, you are not salicylate sensitive.
Stringent elimination diets were tried with attention deficit disorder and found
to be successful sometimes. The salicylates present in fruits and vegetables
are sodium salicylate. Oil of Wintergreen contains methyl-salicylate, one of
the most potent and toxic of all salicylates. Bayer aspirin 300 mg contains
acetylsalicylic acid. Some individuals are allergic to salicylates with as low
a dose as 15.3 mg. Apples have salicylates and pears don't. Broccoli has salicylates
and cabbage doesn't. Should you be an individual who is allergic to salicylates,
The Failsafe diet, which eliminates all salicylates, is described in the book
Fed Up
by Sue Dengate. Salicylates are not to be avoided by everyone, only a special
select few who have a reaction, oftentimes an allergic reaction to salicylates
and other food additives.
The
flavor of foods is not determined by their salicylate content, but by a large
number of aromatic chemicals, which like salicylates contain a benzene ring.
Some are called phenols. Recent food analyses have shown much lower concentrations
of salicylates than appears in this list. On
the fibromyalgia web site they list barley grass and star anise in very concentrated
tinctures and extracts as something to avoid as it will block the effectiveness
of guaifenesin. They also say that salicylates taken in food (quantities) are
fine.
One herb, however, called willow bark is to be
avoided due to containing aspirin like compounds. Willow bark is the herb from
which aspirin was previously derived.
You
mention for caffeine withdrawal wheat grass juice might help diminish headaches.
For those on a potassium restricted diet, the orange slice might be too high
in potassium.
A orange slice contains about 28
mg of potassium. I enjoy wheat grass while traveling. Here stateside there is
a juice bar called Jamba Juice that sells one ounce of wheat grass for $1.75.
They serve it on a tray with a small slice from a fresh orange. I take the shot
of wheat grass and throw it back, like a tequila, then bite into the orange
slice, much like biting into a lime. Is it a coincidence that Jamba's fruit
juice bar is right next to Starbucks' coffee shop? Many have said they have
found wheat grass helpful to eliminate the caffeine habit. I find wheat grass
useful to cut my chocolate cravings and sweet tooth while traveling. I had a
chance to sample freeze dried wheat grass juice powder that was reconstituted.
It tasted similar and was thought to have the same effect. There is also a spelt
grass powder, barley grass, and more. They sell capsules as well.
I read that you do not use soy milk, what do you use as a milk alternative I make my own almond milk or coconut milk. I will soon try a recipe for brown rice milk. The commercial varieties contain added vitamin A palmitate and vitamin D2, as does dairy. These two supplements have been implicated in some diseases, especially heart disease. They are added because these milks are all heated and the fat-soluble vitamins are destroyed by high temperatures. I enjoy almond milk.
RECIPE ALMOND
MILK
Ingredients:
2
cups of raw almonds soaked 10 - 12 hours in filtered water
3 cups of filtered
water ( or tap water which has been allowed to sit out for awhile to dissipate
the chlorine)
To make the milk: In a high speed blender, combine the almonds
and water and blend until creamy. Line a large sieve with a double thickness
cheesecloth. I use unbleached muslin, single thickness. Place this over a bowl
and let drain, then grab the corners of the cloth, hold together securely, and
squeeze to extract all of the milk, like wringing out a tea bag. Transfer the
milk to a container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Machine
for making almond milk. I found a machine for making almond
milk. I use a blender and unbleached muslin to strain the almond water mixture.
Mad with the above recipe, this produces delicious almond milk that could even
be used to make an all almond ice cream. This automatic maker might heat the
milk. It requires that you pre-soak the almonds overnight in water. I am not
endorsing this machine as I have never used this machine. I saw it once at a
trade show. The web site says it makes both almond and cereal milks. The price
is $99 if ordered in the USA. There are other countries for shipping. If you
scroll toward the bottom it has a link for making almond, rice, grain milks.
Almond milk has been used since at least the middle ages, and provides a tasty, nutritious alternative for those who prefer non-dairy milks. I avoid soy because of extensive liver cysts. Using the SoyQuick Automatic Soy milk Maker, one can produce fresh almond milk in just a few minutes for just a fraction of the cost of store-bought varieties. Plus, use the precious almond pulp that is left over for cooking and baking, or even as a luxurious facial or body scrub. Make Fresh Milk and Save! Purchasing commercially produced almond milk can be quite expensive, eating up a large portion of your grocery budget. With SoyQuick Automatic almond milk Maker, you can have fresh almond milk for less than a dollar per quart! The cost of your almonds + water! Preparation and Programmable Options Used soaked or un-soaked almonds with the SoyQuick Automatic Soy milk Maker. Hard nuts, like almonds, are better if soaked for approximately 4 hours and rinsed; this makes the milk easier to digest. You can use both blanched and un-blanched almonds along with almond pieces, slivered almonds or even mix and match with your other favorite nuts. Un-blanched almonds produce a darker, nuttier milk, whereas blanched almonds produce a whiter, creamier milk. The total amount used is approximately 1 cup; this will fill the filter cup about 2/3 full. Some people prefer uncooked almond milk also known as raw milk. The SoyQuick Automatic milk Maker is a machine useful for making almond milk or rice milk. It gives you the choice - simply push the start button to produce cooked milk, or use the motor button to simply grind the nuts, producing a delicious unheated raw almond milk. Self prepared milks taste much better than the commercial variety.
CAFFEINE - Caffeine's
effect on PKD and cyst growth through stimulating C-amp
BP CAFFEINE - Chronic Caffeine
consumption exacerbates hypertension in PKD rats
BP CAFFEINE - Caffeine consumption abstract
BP CAFFEINE - Habitual
caffeine intake and risk of hypertension in women
BP CAFFEINE - folate intake
and risk of hypertension in women
BP CAFFEINE - Caffeine
and kidney stones
Last updated Mon January 5, 2009 8:11 PM