Quote Originally Posted by beccaB View Post
The experts recommend giving up or reducing caffeine and alchohol to eliminate inflammatory issues, but then I would go to the dark side even more!
If you just switch from coffee to green tea, the combination of much less caffeine plus lots and lots of anti-inflammatories will let you get the health benefits without the caffeine withdrawal. I made this switch a few years ago on my doctor's advice, when I had a hand injury. I honestly didn't notice faster healing, but I did feel so much healthier and cleaner in about every other way. My oral flora were visibly healthier - suggesting my intestinal flora probably were as well.

Alcohol is a tough one for me, too - and I have to make a special effort because I'm at high risk for both breast cancer and high blood pressure - but as far as the psychological effects, alcohol has an ENORMOUS rebound effect. Even though I crave alcohol to relax me, it makes my anxiety much, much, much worse. Give it a try ...