Yes, there is s massive connection. You see, our autonomic nervous system has two divisions – sympathetic and parasympathetic. To put it simply, the sympathetic nervous system or SNS prepares the body for a ‘fight or flight’ response during any potential danger whereas the parasympathetic nervous system or PNS restores the body to a calm and composed state. PNS is the state of ‘rest and digest’ – desirable functions for the body.
Caffeine activates the SNS and increases blood pressure significantly. In a fight or flight state, blood moves to the peripheries (to enable us to fight or run) and away from the Neocortex, which is the brain of awareness and choice. What makes us human, diminishes for some time.
I am not suggesting give it up entirely. Enjoy your favourite hot beverage once in a while or even once a day, but do not make it a habit and certainly not rely on it as your go to pick me up if you want to be kind. And the world today can do with more kindness.
To your Peak Health
Warun Mehta
