Caffeine

[AciD]

We all read about the benefits of caffeine at DH.com – mainly the lowering of insulin sensitivity.However - caffeine causes cortisol spikes (lowers when ingested on daily basis, but still present)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2257922/Is this something to be worried about? Did Kiefer mention this anywhere?Thanks!

[nickl413]

From the book:Caffeine: Caffeine has received a bad rap over the years forvarious reasons, but the scientific literature shows it’sunjustified. Caffeine’s blamed for cortisol release, but theresearch is inconclusive and only shows that in stressfulsituations—like test-taking—caffeine can cause a rise incortisol levels. But, for most people, just the thought oftaking a test raises cortisol levels. Caffeine’s also recentlybeen blamed for causing insulin release; this is conclusivelyfalse. Only when caffeine is ingested with carbs will itincrease the amount of insulin released. Caffeine ingestedalone or with fat and protein fails to raise insulin levels.Because it’s a stimulant, caffeine fights off periods ofsluggishness, especially those experienced duringReorientation, but you should strongly consider usingcaffeine on your fat and protein days because of its potentbody fat burning ability.

[AciD]

Allright, but isn't a training this “stressful situation”?

[nickl413]

In the CBL book there is a somewhat complex description on how cortisol can break down fat tissue if conditions are right.  Such as when insulin levels are naturally low (in the morning.)  I guess the gist of it is cortisol is catabolic to fat tissue in the absence of insulin.

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