There's a saying that goes this way: "In the old days, we used to sit down and talk about our problems over coffee and a cigarette. Now, those are our problems!" We don't have to tell you that cigarettes are bad for you, but what about coffee and the abundant amounts of caffeine it contains? This is a question that takes on more importance today because, while alcohol consumption is way down in America, coffee consumption has skyrocketed. It's clear that millions of people are trading the "down-buzz" of alcohol for the "up-buzz" of coffee. In general, that can only be seen as a positive change. As they used to say in

Europe some 400 years ago, coffee is the drug which "stimulates but does not intoxicate." The truth is, coffee has never been hotter. (No pun intended). Coffee shops are sprouting around the country faster than weeds in a fertilizer store. Coffee flavors and concoctions are offered in a dizzying array of choices -- there are dozens of flavors, variations, and bean varieties. As America's love affair with coffee blossoms, we must start asking ourselves just how all that caffeine is affecting our health. Caffeine is by far our most popular drug -- and makes no mistake about it -- it's just that -- a drug.

Caffeine wakes you up, makes you feel more alert. It lifts fatigue. In moderation, a little caffeine from coffee, tea, colas, or chocolate is harmless for most people. A couple of cups of coffee, a couple of cans of cola, or a chocolate bar every day should supply you with all the caffeine you crave.

An Anti-Depressant

Most experts agree that coffee fights depression. In fact, some social scientists credit the discovery of coffee with the rejuvenation of the entire European culture from 1500 through 1700. After explorers brought back the coffee bean from the New World, coffee shops sprung up all over Europe and were centers for intellectual discussion on some of the most exciting topics of the day. The argument can be made that all the excitement was fueled by good old coffee. Today, experts agree than many depressed people "self medicate" themselves with coffee every day without knowing it. We are not saying that coffee is a cure for depression, or that it can eliminate sever clinical depression, but for the every day blues of life, coffee is a valuable tool.

A Headache Helper

In addition to being a mood lifter, caffeine may be an aid in easing some forms of headaches. That's because caffeine tends to constrict the veins in your head. It's precisely the opposite which causes many headaches - contracted blood vessels. A cup of coffee can relieve this contraction, and thus make your headache go away. If you use sugar in your coffee, that can help too. Many headaches are caused by a combination of low blood sugar level and contracted veins in the head. Coffee with sugar is a double whammy which counters that situation.

An Asthma Reliever

People who suffer from asthma often get a certain amount of relief from drinking hot caffeine-laden liquids during an attack. The steam will help open constricted bronchial tubes. The coffee will give you a boost of energy to deal with the stress of an asthma attack. Ask any long-time asthma sufferer, and they'll tell you a cup of coffee almost always makes things better.

Too Much of Good Thing

Like any other drug, however, coffee is often over used and can be downright dangerous for people with existing medical conditions aggravated by the presence of caffeine.

You know you've had too much caffeine when your hands start to shake, you feel jittery, your head aches, and your stomach is upset. Like any other drug, when you get too much, it's time to cut back, and the withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable. Withdrawal symptoms for caffeine may include severe headaches and extreme irritability. Have patience, take some acetaminophen for the achy head, and know that the symptoms will go away within a week. For people with certain pre-existing medical conditions, caffeine intake can make the condition worse, and may cause life threatening symptoms.

People who suffer from diabetes, recurring headaches, heartburn, bronchitis, insomnia, and impotence should avoid caffeine products. If you are dehydrated, do not drink cold tea or other caffeine fluids, because caffeine is a diuretic and will push liquid out of your body instead of putting it into your system. People who suffer from or who are prone to osteoporosis should lower their caffeine intake to two cups of coffee a day. Caffeine can slightly affect the absorption of calcium into your body.

If you wake up every morning feeling fatigued and turn to your coffee cup for relief, do so in moderation. Drink one or two cups in the morning to get you going, but avoid drinking caffeine throughout the day. The effects can backfire and leave you feeling more tired than ever. The only sure cure for fatigue is a good night's sleep. Lest you think caffeine is all bad and a sin to drink, remember that one medical condition is actually helped by drinking a cup of coffee or tea. And moderate use of caffeine products works for most people. Ask your physician if you have any questions about caffeine and you.