Avoid All
Stimulants

`The normal biological response to a sense of danger is stimulation of the adrenal glands to release increased levels of hormones, particularly the catecholamines – epinephrine (adrenalin) and nor epinephrine. [These are] cardiovascular stimulants that increase heart rate, constrict blood vessels, stimulate the brain, and affect every other body system to prepare it for “fight” or “flight.” The problem comes in when there is really no danger but our body reacts as if there were [as when reading a stimulating book, watching a stimulating movie, or in response to stress, caffeine, nicotine and sugar intake]. Then, if greater physical demands and activity do not provide an outlet for the increased adrenal activity, it may be turned inward and play havoc with our physiology and organs, as well as with our emotions and our mind.` (Elson M. Haas, M.D., Staying Healthy With Nutrition, pp.284, 738)

The following statement regarding stimulating drinks is of particular interest.

`Tea, coffee, and similar beverages are brain and nerve excitants or stimulants. They do not contain an atom of food or nourishment. They cannot build up, they only "stir up." They are like a whip to a tired horse, there is a false show of energy, but the weary animal, under the leash may fall exhausted. Caffeine stimulation forces the system to borrow from tomorrow's reserves for present use. This is like borrowing money to pay a debt. One may feel a sense of present relief but one day the principal must be returned with interest.' (Dr. A. W. Truman, Article - That Coffee Break May Break You, The Quiet Hour Echoes - Volume 11-66)

While stimulants may give us a temporary “lift,” that lift is always followed by a corresponding “fall.” This fall is usually "remedied" by taking or seeking yet another stimulant - and thus a vicious cycle is set up – one that will usually lead to more serious problems with time.

Clearly, therefore, the need of the sick body is not for stimulation but for rest and, as such, those who are struggling with illness should make every effort to expose themselves to restful surroundings and stress-free circumstances while avoiding all that would tend to stimulate the adrenals.

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