About two weeks ago, I did something I never thought I would do.  I gave up not only caffeine, but soda all together.  The jury is still out on this decision.

The inital reason for this move was to see if it would help with some of my stomach issues because soda does typically include at least one acid (phophoric acid).  I also wanted to see if the lack of caffeine would help with my insomnia.

Previously, the removal of caffeine from my system had been my downfall.  For those of us that have experienced one before, a caffeine headache is one of the killer headaches you can get.  Because it is a withdrawl symptom, the only thing that really seems to help is caffeine, normally from soda.  This time I made use of Excedrin Migraine to help as it has caffeine in it.  This helped greatly in dealing with caffeine headaches. 

 Since 99.999% of what I drink is soda and typically Dr Pepper, I had to find something else to drink.  I remember my coworker once asked me how my water I drink because it helps with his stomach issues.  I paused for a long time trying to figure out not how much water I drink, but when was the last time I drank water.  So I replaced soda for water at first.  It didn’t last long.

I needed something else to drink.  My first thought was kool-aid.  I love kool-aid, but the store only had fruit punch flavor in the quick mix stuff.  I settled for Tang.  Good stuff but too much citric acid in my opinion.  Then it was Tang with a little Orange Anabolic Halo mixed in with it, but since I am not working out right now I didn’t want to make a habit of that drink mix.

Currently, I have swapped Tang for Gatorade.  I still drink water, but need soemthing with flavor.

The only time it gets hard is when I am not eating somewhere.  Someplaces have bottled water and even lemonade (I love strawberry and raspberry lemonade) which works for me.  Tap water on the other, doesn’t.  I don’t keep my discrimination of tap water just to Mexico.  I prefer not to drink the water anywhere.  

So, has the switch been of any benefit?  I am not sure if it has helped with my stomach to be honest.  I have been stressed later and that eats up my stomach.  I have been able to sleep with having to take sleep aids on most nights, but wake up all the time to use the bathroom because of all the water I drink.  I have also noticed I am starting to gain some weight (almost 5lbs in the last couple weeks), but this is a good thing for me.

The only issue and it may not been caused by the switch, but by something else.  I wake up feeling thirsty and with a slight headache.  Almost like having a slight hangover.  If it doesn’t pass soon, I may have to visit the Dr about it.