Why do you recommend folks with CFS avoid caffeine?

Why do NO DOZE , JET-ALERT and STAY AWAKE Pills which each contain 200MG of Caffeine give me a lift and help me function when in your book FROM FATIGUE TO FANTASTIC you recommend that we avoid coffee and other products which contain caffeine ?? Without these pills my brain fog and energy level's are so bad it is hard to function at all . Some days it doesn't help much , but on most days these pills help me function to get through the day?? I have been suffering from CFS for at least 5 years and it has become debilitating for about the last year ! I think I have Fibromyalgia also as I have a lot of joint and muscle pain. I am a 79 year old white male. Thank you for your help.

Answer

This is another good example of how everyone is different. I don't recommend that people with CFS avoid all caffeine, but simply not to overdo it, as it can aggravate the symptoms of low blood sugar associated with decreased adrenal function. I am okay with people having 1 to 2 cups of coffee a day, for example. If you find overall that you feel much better taking the higher amounts of caffeine, it may be something your body needs while treating the underlying causes of the fatigue. So at the end of the day, it is important for people to check and see what leaves them feeling best, as each of us is different.

L&B,
Dr. T