If you are feeling overworked, fatigued, or depleted and have muscle strain/tightness, hot flashes, and or slow healing of injuries it is time to take a hard look at your caffeine consumption.  Besides being a diuretic (which depletes water soluble vitamins and minerals leading to fatigue), caffeine blocks a receptor (adenosine) which prevents adenosine from relaxing muscles leading to muscle tightness/injuries.  Finally, consider that the frequent urination from the diuretic effect of caffeine can lead to kidney weakness according to Traditional Chinese Medicine which can weaken the back and knees.  If you are having low back and knee problems, it is worth taking a break from caffeine and observing how any of these problems respond.  It’s not just coffee and tea that are contributing to your caffeine consumption–be sure to check ingredient lists on any energy product you consume.  Want some help?  Schedule a nutrition consult today!