Coffee be not evil, Esoteric! It is fantastic. In fact, sometimes I wonder if it should be labelled a dessert instead of a drink.
So it makes you a little light-headed at times, too, Radical Dreamer? Hmm. Its good to know its not just me who gets like that.
I agree with you about not getting dependent on coffee. Since I've been working full time I've got access to a coffee machine and my coffee intake has gone up, but I'm trying to watch it. The last thing I want is to get caffeine headaches. Thanks for your help!
Actually, Christian Ronin, I think that you've got the right end of the stick in being concerned about your health. If it is worrying you... perhaps try decaf or an alternative. Hot Chocolates and Chai Lattes both taste good and are a great substitute for buying a coffee at a cafe. In the office, you could try herbal teas, hot chocolate or decaf. I like the fruity herbal teas; if you really stir and crush the teabags with a spoon you can make them really strong and tasty.
I don't think you'd be alone in worrying so much about what you eat or drink. If it really is eating away at you, I would suggest finding someone to talk to about it: a friend or some sort of counsellor, just so that they can reassure you or offer some tips to help you out.
I find coffee helps me to get things done, too. That is the unfortunate positive side.
I didn't realise you were a coffee addict, LQ! Its a bit worrisome that you get caffeine withdrawl headaches, though. If you wanted to cut down the coffee you could always just reduce your intake a little; if you have instant you could use less coffee in the glass, etc. *Sigh* I know what you mean about using coffee for all nighters. I sometimes wonder if being reliant on coffee for those sorts of things could be some form of substance abuse. It keeps you going... but if you're anything like me, you really crash afterwards.
Jittery hands, amped pulse, nervousness... yeah, those symptoms are pretty similar to what I get. Hmm. Yikes! I wouldn't want to be like that doing an all nighter in a dark basement!
I've been told coffee is a diuretic (must double-check how to spell that word) so it makes you lose water. To counteract that, I've heard it suggested to drink a cup of water for every cup of coffee. Maybe you could try that? It would certainly help with the dehydration. Yeah the coffee stains worry me, too. When I drink a lot of coffee I can see them go that way, too. However if make sure my toothbrush is in good condition and cut down the coffee intake they get back to normal.
Well, coffee is certainly better than smoking. And it is so warm, tasty and motivational, even. I'm not saying that you want to or have to give up coffee, but if you ever do, it could be easier to try substitution. A hot chocolate instead of a coffee, or something. If I find myself getting too addicted to coffee thats what I'm planning to do. Ugh, yeah, espresso is really scary. Filter and black coffee, too. I really feel the jitters when I try that stuff. There's not so much exposure of Fair Trade issues here in NZ
So you get a weird heartrate thing from coffee too, Dyzzispell? Its interesting that the flavoured coffees make it worse. I find mochaccino does the same as regular coffee to me... but to be honest it depends where I get my coffee from. Dunkin Donuts make me get really, really jittery. I get the same symptoms as you're describing.
Teavana. Hmm. I'm not a big tea fan. I've also heard that Tea contains quite a lot of caffeine, too. (Something like 40% compared to coffee's 50% if I remember correctly). Not sure about green or herbal teas, though. The latest I can drink coffee is about 4 o clock. Otherwise I'm too mentally alert to sleep at a decent hour.
That's probably a good idea, SamuraiDragon. I don't think the odd coffee here and there (once every week or two) is particularly bad. But when people get to the state they can't function without it then I start to get a little concerned. Plus, its not like you
have to like coffee, or drink it at all. At least you're aware of the issues in order to make an informed decision about coffee consumption.
I remember that episode of Strong Bad's emails, too, Shiroi! XD Loved it. Interesting that you don't seem to get such symptoms.
I like the smell of coffee too, Evangeline-san. I think its good that you haven't really touched it. But if you do one day, at least you're aware of the effects it might have.
Hey, another person who doesn't like coke! I don't really like it, either.
Haha. I'm glad it helps you, Azier. Coffe + Creature Art = Very productive but slightly paranoid Creature Art.
You like it black, Ikimasu? Hmmm... another person who gets the shaky hands from it.
What method are you using to try to cut down, Bigsleep? Are you going cold turkey? I will drink black coffee, but I haven't really acquired the taste for it yet.
Thanks for all the help, guys! Its very interesting to read about everyone's coffee experiences and opinions. Although I'm not franticly concerned about my intake I will certainly monitor it, and try to keep my water intake high, too.
Well since people take the time to answer I try to take time to reply. ^^; But I appreciate that a lot, CR.
Some days I drink three though, but that's once a week. 
