Saints Alive Posted February 14, 2013 Posted February 14, 2013 Here is a useful tool if you want to see exactly how much of a particular caffeinated beverage it will take to kill you.http://www.energyfiend.com/death-by-caffeine
Sethbag Posted February 14, 2013 Posted February 14, 2013 That is what I am referring to. But I am also confident that if you raise your children caffeine free, you will likely see a big difference. At the very least, they will be better health wise, especially mentally (focusing on tasks and patience etc.), then they would otherwise be. It's just something I've noticed and there seems to be a correlation.I would probably be right in assuming that most Mormons consume their caffeine in the form of sugary soda. I think there is at least as much, if not more deleterious effect on the body from daily consumption of this flavored sugar water, than from the caffeine it contains. I will not argue with the idea that there will probably be an advantage to raising kids not drinking lots of flavored sugar water per day. The calories add up fast, and they are worthless, empty calories. Not to mention the effect on blood sugar and insulin levels and the metabolism and so forth.
JDave Posted February 14, 2013 Posted February 14, 2013 There is admonition against energy drinks in LDS doctrine (an Ensign article). IIRC there is still admonition against caffeine in the BoM Institute Manual somewhere.You've got to be careful with phrasing things that way. It makes it sound like the church is actively teaching the members to never consume caffeine or energy drinks. And that article sounded a lot more like a doctor trying to share wisdom -- not a church leader trying to share doctrine.I am grateful that the Church shares wisdom with us and encourages us to be wise about our decisions. Soft drinks in general, caffeinated or not, should not be consumed in the reckless manner many people do -- as if they were searching for a replacement for water. 1
thesometimesaint Posted February 14, 2013 Posted February 14, 2013 TSS have you noticed as have I how no other topic (thread) grows so quickly...it is a topic I will not even discuss with my grown children. Everyone takes quick offense.Personally I don't care for the taste of the energy drinks. I tried a Red Bull once; Uggh That was enough to convince me.
BCSpace Posted February 14, 2013 Posted February 14, 2013 You've got to be careful with phrasing things that way. It makes it sound like the church is actively teaching the members to never consume caffeine or energy drinks. And that article sounded a lot more like a doctor trying to share wisdom -- not a church leader trying to share doctrine.The doctrine then would be "It is our opinion..." if such were the context.
BCSpace Posted February 14, 2013 Posted February 14, 2013 That is what I am referring to. But I am also confident that if you raise your children caffeine free, you will likely see a big difference. At the very least, they will be better health wise, especially mentally (focusing on tasks and patience etc.), then they would otherwise be. It's just something I've noticed and there seems to be a correlation.I would probably be right in assuming that most Mormons consume their caffeine in the form of sugary soda. I think there is at least as much, if not more deleterious effect on the body from daily consumption of this flavored sugar water, than from the caffeine it contains. I will not argue with the idea that there will probably be an advantage to raising kids not drinking lots of flavored sugar water per day. The calories add up fast, and they are worthless, empty calories. Not to mention the effect on blood sugar and insulin levels and the metabolism and so forth.We focus on that as well. We don't drink very much pop at all or have much sugary cereal etc.
Bill “Papa” Lee Posted February 14, 2013 Posted February 14, 2013 Personally I don't care for the taste of the energy drinks. I tried a Red Bull once; Uggh That was enough to convince me.I have never tasted one...no reason why, never felt the need.
JDave Posted February 14, 2013 Posted February 14, 2013 (edited) The doctrine then would be "It is our opinion..." if such were the context.No need for me to derail further. Just needed to make sure that unitiated readers understood that rather odd use of the term doctrine. Edited February 14, 2013 by JDave
Saints Alive Posted February 14, 2013 Posted February 14, 2013 They're pretty bad.I enjoy the taste of most of them, to each his own.
Moon Quaker Posted February 14, 2013 Posted February 14, 2013 Amp Energy's line of energy drinks tastes pretty good. Rather than the "standard" energy drink taste, they're more like traditional sodas (they've got grape, cherry, lemonade and mixed berry.)
Saints Alive Posted February 14, 2013 Posted February 14, 2013 Amp Energy's line of energy drinks tastes pretty good. Rather than the "standard" energy drink taste, they're more like traditional sodas (they've got grape, cherry, lemonade and mixed berry.)that one is my favorite, the cherry one specifically.
Calm Posted February 14, 2013 Posted February 14, 2013 (edited) I would probably be right in assuming that most Mormons consume their caffeine in the form of sugary soda. I think there is at least as much, if not more deleterious effect on the body from daily consumption of this flavored sugar water, than from the caffeine it contains. I will not argue with the idea that there will probably be an advantage to raising kids not drinking lots of flavored sugar water per day. The calories add up fast, and they are worthless, empty calories. Not to mention the effect on blood sugar and insulin levels and the metabolism and so forth.One can of pop a day is an extra 15 lbs of weight a year IIRC.If one is looking for quick energy and doesn't care about what happens several hours later or any long term effects, it makes sense to combine it with liquid sugar.If one is looking for greater ability to concentrate and wakefulness, taking a No Doze or something similar would probably be better (which is why I used to take No Doze on driving trips rather than depend on soft drinks), especially if one wanted to lessen the crash that comes later if one is still having to drive and doesn't have a bed handy to sleep through it. Edited February 14, 2013 by calmoriah
Calm Posted February 14, 2013 Posted February 14, 2013 (edited) No need for me to derail further. Just needed to make sure that unitiated readers understood that rather odd use of the term doctrine.BC has (or at least has expressed in the past) a rather unique (in my experience) view of what is doctrine, IIRC. Edited February 14, 2013 by calmoriah
JDave Posted February 14, 2013 Posted February 14, 2013 BC has (or at least has expressed in the past) a rather unique (in my experience) view of what is doctrine, IIRC.You do recall correctly. A doctor writing an article that is printed in the Ensign doesn't, to most people, equate to the Church declaring doctrine.If some LDS member were to die tomorrow due to excessive consumption of caffeinated soda, and the media were to hound the LDS Church for a comment on the matter, the LDS Church response would probably look something like:"We have no official position on people drinking caffeinated soft drinks. We do regularly exhort our members to be wise in their choices of what to eat and drink, and to take good care of their bodies."
CV75 Posted February 14, 2013 Posted February 14, 2013 Would it be violating the Word of Wisdom to have one of these high caffeine energy drinks (if you didn't get enough sleep, and had to drive)?I think I remember being told that the WOW doesn't really have anything to do with caffeine, only coffee or tea (and alcohol, of course), but I'm not sure.Is that true?I think each person has to decide for himself when he finds himself in a "gray area" of the Word of Wisdom due to unique circumstances and conditions. As for me, I would take great caution in using these drinks. Personally, I've never tasted one, though I considered it for white water rafting, marathoning, long hikes, etc. But I never thought it was a good idea for all the reasons stated in this thread (the crash, side effects, etc.) as well as the lack of sport in it. I suppose there's an element of the spirit of the law in that attitude. I would counsel others likewise, but again it is between them and the Spirit and whoever they decide to discuss it with.Yes, the Word of Wisdom "hot drinks" mean tea and coffee. Aside from D&C 89 and other scriptures, the Lord will often guide people individually according to their faith and obedience as to what they should or should not consume. In these cases it would be wise not to impose such personal instruction on others.
Bernard Gui Posted February 14, 2013 Posted February 14, 2013 Lips that have touched Coca Cola will never touch mine. 1
Calm Posted February 14, 2013 Posted February 14, 2013 Lips that have touched Coca Cola will never touch mine.Right, Pepsi all the way. 1
rpn Posted February 14, 2013 Posted February 14, 2013 Caffeine is not forbidden by the WofW. But the whole concept of body as a temple suggests there is danger in intentionally ingesting substance intending to change the body.So one has to carefully consider that danger.I'd suggest that consuming caffeine for the purpose of continuing to drive ought to be limited to a short period only, and maybe only when you are trying to reach your child's bedside before they die or some equally compelling reason), because we are supposed to pull over and sleep when our body needs rest, and caffeine can give us a very skewed view of our ability to drive safely. OTOH, if an ox is truly in the mire, then getting them out justifies breaking laws that should otherwise be respected.
cinepro Posted February 15, 2013 Posted February 15, 2013 BC has (or at least has expressed in the past) a rather unique (in my experience) view of what is doctrine, IIRC.Did anyone actually post the Ensign article?The Energy Drink EpidemicI suspect the Church didn't want to issue an edict, but knew that most members would probably be able to read between the lines. Caffeine Abuse and the Word of WisdomNow what does this mean for us as Latter-day Saints? While we are counseled against taking addictive substances or harmful drugs, the Word of Wisdom does not specifically prohibit caffeine. However, I believe that if we follow the spirit of the Word of Wisdom, we will be very careful about what we consume, particularly any substance that can have a negative impact on our bodies. This is true regarding any drug, substance, or even food that may be damaging to one’s health. This includes caffeine. Think of all the problems that excessive caffeine use causes that could be avoided by following this counsel. Had my patient Mrs. Jones avoided caffeine or at least used it in moderation, she likely would have fared much better.Of course, not everyone who drinks caffeine will have a negative health consequence. However, both the quality and the quantity of life can be affected by the misuse of caffeine. Fortunately, the Word of Wisdom provides a guide to help strengthen and protect both our bodies and our minds and keep them healthy so that we can function at our greatest potential and be available for the Lord’s service.
Rock_N_Roll Posted February 15, 2013 Posted February 15, 2013 Caffeine is absolutely not against the WoW. If anyone wants to install some kind of personal family code of what can and cannot be consumed within their personal family, more power to them, but please do not try to make those of us who do consume an occasional Pepsi (an maybe even an occasional *RockStar*) out to be some kind of sinners. By the way has anyone tried *RockStar Relax*? Has the opposite effect of an energy drink.Maybe some missed this article at: http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/mormonism-news--getting-it-right-august-29"Finally, another small correction: Despite what was reported, the Church revelation spelling out health practices (Doctrine and Covenants 89) does not mention the use of caffeine. The Church’s health guidelines prohibit alcoholic drinks, smoking or chewing of tobacco, and “hot drinks” — taught by Church leaders to refer specifically to tea and coffee."PS. We keep a stash of Coke/Pepsi in the Clerks Office for those long Fast Sunday's.... 1
blackstrap Posted February 15, 2013 Posted February 15, 2013 How about we come at this from the opposite side. The " do" list in the WoW contains the statement " wheat for man " among others. In other words it suggests that wheat and other grains are good for man . Well,a close relative is one of millions who have an allergy to wheat, more specifically the glutton.Shall I list all the food items that have wheat or wheat products in them that cannot be consumed by these folks without bad side effects? Yet the WoW says wheat is good. So, do they obey the WoW or not? Perhaps that is why it is called the Word of WISDOM in that we are to be wise in it's application. 2
Rock_N_Roll Posted February 15, 2013 Posted February 15, 2013 (edited) Perhaps that is why it is called the Word of WISDOM in that we are to be wise in it's application.Exactly! Because of a health problem, Red meat, some shellfish, broccoli, and asparagus are all very bad for my health. That doesn't mean they are against the WoW, but if I eat them, they are very bad for me. I believe the sugar in soda is worse for your health than the caffeine, anyway.Recent studies have shown that coffee can be good for your health. Part of the reason is the caffeine in the java. http://www.menshealt...nefits-caffeine“last year, scientists at Brooklyn College found that men who drank 4 cups of caffeinated coffee daily had a 53 percent lower risk of dying of heart disease than those who never took a sip.”Yet, I have never had a cup of coffee. Why? Because it IS against the WoW. I obey the Word of Wisdom because it is required for a temple recommend, and I believe it is what Christ would have me do. But I certainly don’t feel any need to add my own rules or restrictions to what is already in the text – or re-interpreted by modern revelation. Edited February 16, 2013 by Rock_N_Roll 1
ERayR Posted February 15, 2013 Posted February 15, 2013 Exactly! Because of a health problem, Red meat, some shellfish, broccoli, and asparagus are all very bad for my health. That doesn't mean they are against the WoW, but if I eat them, they are very bad for me. I believe the sugar in soda is worse for your health than the caffeine, anyway.Recent studies have shown that coffee can be good for your health. Part of the reason is the caffeine in the java. http://www.menshealt...nefits-caffeine“last year, scientists at Brooklyn College found that men who drank 4 cups of caffeinated coffee daily had a 53 percent lower risk of dying of heart disease than those who never took a sip.”Yet, I have never had a cup of coffee. Why? Because it IS against the WoW. I obey the Word of Wisdom because it is required for a temple recommend, and I believe it is what Christ would have me do. But I certainly don’t feel any need to add my own rules or restrictions to what is already in the text – or re-interpreted by modern revelation.Why drink coffee to get the caffeine?
Tacenda Posted February 15, 2013 Posted February 15, 2013 I love the smell of coffee, but not the smell of coffee breath. But believe my Dr. Pepper habit to be just as harmful. I believe Green Tea should be put in the catagory of herbal tea because of the health benefits. Of course I'm not a chemist, and maybe there is something harmful in it. Anyone know? I actually called the church office building once, several years ago, to ask if green tea was ok. The gentlemen that answered my question said it shouldn't be a problem if it was needed for health. He mentioned knowing a few doctors who were LDS that drank it for health. But he may have got it mixed up with herbal tea. I still have trouble drinking tea. So I'll stick to the crap I'm drinking I guess.
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