Caffeine, Children, and Addiction

Addictive substances are characterized by their stimulation of the neurotransmitter dopamine at various sites throughout the brain. Caffeine is known to stimulate dopaminergic pathways and therefore has significant addictive potential. Many individuals experience withdrawals from caffeine that include severe headaches. Caffeine Use Disorder is now a recognized clinical diagnosis in the DSM-5. By exposing children to addictive substances during critical periods of brain development, dysfunctional brain circuitry can develop, placing the child at higher risk for developing other addictions that are substance-related or behavioral (i.e. internet gaming, gambling). It appears that the profit-driven food and beverage industry is stimulating the creation of addicts at younger and younger ages in the US, leading to a tremendous healthcare burden. For many people the substance-seeking behavior leads to illicit drugs and/or alcohol, others become addicted to highly palatable foods, and many cross-addict through various substance-related and behavioral addictions. It is possible that chronic caffeine exposure during childhood and adolescence is a significant contributor to the growing problem of addiction in our country. 

Purpose, Diet, Career, Coherence, Integrity, Desire, Discipline

“The core of your life is your purpose. Everything in your life, from your diet to your career, must be aligned with your purpose if you are to act with coherence and integrity in the world. If you know your purpose, your deepest desire, then the secret of success is to discipline your life so that you support your deepest purpose and minimize distractions and detours.”

~ David Deida

Why Dietitians Should be Required to Have Master's Degree

Being a Registered Dietitian is one thing. Having a Master's Degree in Nutrition is another. One without the other creates a major deficiency but having both creates a strong dietitian. Many RD's (now we are using the term RDN- Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) do not have an advanced degree and I can't help but feel like it does the field a disservice. Going to graduate school gives people the tools to interpret research findings and to write scholarly papers.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has been exploring the possibility of making all Dietetic Internships coordinated programs which require the intern to get a Master's Degree. I seriously hope this plan gets implemented. Too many RD's without Master's Degree bring the bar down for those of us who did a dietetic internship as well as a graduate school program.