Coke - It's The Real Thing (or is it?)
Once upon a time – back in my late high school and early college
years – I couldn’t go one single day without a Coca-Cola® Classic. If I didn’t drink a
Coke®,
we (me and anybody around me) had major problems. I would consider it an
addiction. I finally decided to cut my addiction with Coke® and
it was a horrible 2 weeks. I had headaches and I physically felt sick all over
(I can’t imagine trying to come off an addiction to drugs, alcohol or nicotine,
so big kudos to those of you who have been there/done that)! I gradually started
substituting Sweet Tea for Coke®, and the only thing this accomplished
was getting rid of the carbonation from my diet. I was still taking in about
the same amount of caffeine and sugar. It wasn’t until I moved to Atlantic City
for a few months, that I dropped my caffeine “habit” completely. 
Over the years, I have added caffeine back to my diet,
though not on a daily basis. I love Sweet Tea and I was hooked on Monster®
energy drinks (especially the zero calorie one). Once I found out I was
pregnant, I stopped drinking caffeine…again. I didn’t drink any caffeine throughout
my entire first trimester for fear of birth defects and/or miscarriage (you
know all the rumors you hear) and didn’t start adding it back into my diet
again until later in my second trimester.
I have not craved a Coke® for years but during this
pregnancy, it’s the drink I have been craving most. I am limiting myself to one
a day (if that) but I know I could drink 10 a day if I would allow myself.
After doing some research and talking to my doctor about the facts and fiction
of consuming caffeine while pregnant, I felt a lot better about enjoying my
Coke®.
Caffeine is one of the most loved stimulates for us
Americans! Because it is a stimulant, it increases blood pressure and heart
rate and also increases the frequency of urination (which can cause dehydration).
Caffeine is found in more than just Coke®, tea or coffee but it’s also found in
chocolate and some over-the-counter medicines that relieve headaches, so be
aware of what you’re consuming.
For me, one concern with drinking caffeine while pregnant
was the common statement, “caffeine causes miscarriages”. In 2008, two studies were done on the effects
of caffeine related to miscarriage and the studies showed significantly different
outcomes. One study was released by the American
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and found that women who consume 200mg
(or more) of caffeine daily are twice as likely to have a miscarriage as those
who do not consume any caffeine. In
another study, released by Epidemiology,
there was no increased risk in women who drank a minimum amount of coffee
(caffeine) daily (between 200-350mg per day). Because of conflicting conclusions
from numerous studies, the March of Dimes
states that until more conclusive studies are done, pregnant women should limit
caffeine intake to less than 200mg per day (this equals about one 12oz cup of
coffee).
Of course, pregnant or not, we should all be aware of how
much caffeine we consume on a daily basis. Caffeine fits the definition of an
addictive substance, with withdrawal symptoms (which I’ve personally
witnessed), an increase in tolerance over time and physical cravings. So, like
anything else, just consume in moderation and (like me) enjoy your Coke®!!!
Think you’re drinking too much caffeine? Try the Food Renegade Caffeine-Free 30 Day
Challenge
Are you a Caffeine Addict? Take the Caffeine Quiz and
find out…
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