Caffeine is a risk factor for the promotion of cyst enlargement in patients with ADPKD. Prior to this announcement in the medical literature few have observed to keep cyst growth to a minimum, we 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, including hot chocolate. Decaf coffee harms cystic kidneys. It really harms cystic livers by stimulating cyclic AMP and creating growth and expansion 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. "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. "

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.

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 with any suggestions or questions. Several small clinical trials with potassium citrate (a strong alkalizer) seem to suggest that alkalinity is useful for lowering blood pressure.

I noticed one internet site spoke of increased intimacy enjoyment when eliminating caffeine.

WHAT DO YOU DRINK TO REPLACE COFFEE OR TEA?

Many of us drink roasted grain beverages. They come in several forms. An instant that mixes with hot water or roasted grains that can be put through a coffee maker. Teeccino comes in a grain form. So does Yannoh. I prefer the taste of Roma or Instant Yannoh.

  order

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.

  When trying these beverages for the first time, think of your first virginal sip as a new food, a new taste. Enjoy it for itself at that very moment, without expectations. When I first started tasting alternatives, I thought of them, as coffee and this did not allow me to relish them for themselves, just as they were. Now I much prefer Yannoh to any other drink.

ALTERNATIVE DRINKS SWILLS & INFUSIONS

order

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 offers an instant version, which costs 2.99 for 125g.

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.

order

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.

INSTANT ROASTED GRAINS Organic instant grain gourmet - organic roasted rye, organic barley malt, organic barley, and organic chicory. This comes both instant and brewed.