Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

1

I am about to try the 30-day paleo diet suggested by Robb Wolf in his book, "The Paleo Solution". I have been very ill for some time now. Pain is my main issue (neurologic, muscular, and joint pain), but I have a wide variety of symptoms, including severe fatigue and digestive problems. I was recently diagnosed with a condition called Central Sensitivity Syndrome, which is an umbrella term for all health conditions caused by central nervous system hypersensitivity. I fit the mold for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Question #1: Are coffee and caffeine-containing teas allowed in the paleo diet?

Question #2: Given my health problems, would it be considered beneficial from a paleo perspective to omit these caffeine-containing drinks until my health improves (or longer)?

Thank you for your input!

flag	asked Sep 6 2011 at 17:11 Natalie 11●1●2

I could have written your post, my symptoms are so close to yours-- Though I've not yet received any "diagnosis" as of yet. I did 2+ months of Paleo with small amounts of caffeine, but have been off of it for the last 2 weeks. I don't know that it's impacted my pain so much, but it's had a huge impact on my disposition. I've been drinking herbal tea. – themommybug Sep 6 2011 at 18:06

Bread-Eating Beelzebub · Answer 1 · 2011-09-06 17:18:54Z UTC

Many if not most people here drink coffee or tea because we work modern jobs that suck our souls away and caffeine is a good distraction, however it is worth eliminating them and seeing what happens, particularly if you have an autoimmune issue. Robb Wolf discusses this a lot in his Paleo Solution book and I've personally met many people who have seen benefits. If you click on the tags here you can find some stories, like the caffeine tag.

sage_ · Answer 2 · 2011-09-07 00:53:39Z UTC

7

they are allowed in mine

answered Sep 7 2011 at 0:53

sage_
10.4k●1●5●22

1

mine as well - i alternate green tea with coffee every other day, instead of coffee everyday, now. – jesuisjuba - paleorepublic.com Sep 7 2011 at 13:04

Sally · Answer 3 · 2011-09-06 20:34:32Z UTC

I know you didn't ask about other things that could help, but your health problems sound a lot like what I was dealing with before being diagnosed gluten intolerant. I think (and I'm sure a lot of people agree) that eliminating gluten is one of the most beneficial parts of the paleo diet for a lot of people. Coffee doesn't affect me either way, but gluten makes me tired, grumpy, achy, and does terrible things to my guy. Just another thing to consider.

Kris · Answer 4 · 2012-04-04 13:57:23Z UTC

Hi, I just want to encourage you in your endeavor to feel better. In 2011, my symptoms were very similar to what you are describing above. I too had so much pain that I was taking 16 - 20 ibuprofin per day. The doctors said I had some type of inflamatory disease and that as long as I could control the pain with motrin I should be "fine". Long story short, I began to do my own research and the common link between all the articles I read was three things... sugar, dairy, and caffine. On August 8, 2011 I gave those things up (it took me longer to give up the caffine... Had to go to half and half coffee and then tea..) The result? Well I am pain free! I am down 70 pounds! I feel amazing! I now take 0 ibuprofin. I just started the Paleo program 3 days ago. It is pretty stringent, but I am committed to it for 30 days. I just can't believe how good I feel all the time.

Good Luck! I hope you feel better very soon.

Nemesis · Answer 5 · 2011-09-06 17:51:19Z UTC

If you can manage to cut out caffeine then by all means do so. Anything that innervates your nervous system might also be the trigger for your symptoms. I only drink an espresso in the mornings, no tea (other than herbal mint occasionally) or soda. The espresso is only because I enjoy the taste and it's part of my daily routine, not for the slight buzz it gives me. I cut out coffee altogether and went cold turkey for several weeks, only drinking decaf green tea in the morning. Tea is so weak to my taste buds though, and I went back to my coffee.

Arjuna · Answer 6 · 2012-11-27 20:50:32Z UTC

0

substitute to organo gold. check out organo gold. its healthy http://mycapturepage.com/cp23.php?id=470

answered Nov 27 at 20:50

Arjuna

ERIN MCKERNAN · Answer 7 · 2013-01-10 17:15:30Z UTC

0

You should try chiropractic to help with your chronic illness and CNS sensitivity! It could help tremendously!

answered Jan 10 at 17:15

ERIN MCKERNAN
1

Are coffee and caffeine-containing teas allowed in the paleo diet?

7 Answers