I'm trying to quit caffeine, but don't even know if that's possible. I'm also nervous about all the withdrawal symptoms I've heard about, like headaches and irritability. Do you think I can do it?

You have a great shot at it if the desire is there. First of all, the world's number one soft drink happens to be the nation's largest importer of "spent coca leaves," as part of the secret formula. If they were totally spent, why import 'em? I've always wondered if that might be part of the craving for some caffeinated drinks ...

Anyway, the first thing is that you must be very careful to avoid swings in your blood sugar, which cause chemical cravings to increase tremendously. Try to snack instead of a few big meals. Avoid sugar at all costs! Use fresh nuts, seeds, cheese, veggies (complex carbohydrates), but avoid refined flour of all sorts. Real whole grain breads and pastas (hard to find) are OK, if you chew them well and eat them slowly.

There are tons of vitamins that help, but a quickie regimen would be a good multi (Halth Food- store capsule-type), much extra vitamin C, one-two grams (1 gram=1000mg) three times per day or more (it's a major anti-toxin, anti-stress nutrient, but a lot is needed), and chromium, 200mcg/day (GTF or picolinate).

The first few days will be the worst, as very real withdrawal symptoms can haunt you. (Amazing how dependent we can become on a drug ... almost scary.) A mild (over-the- counter) analgesic may even be required.

For the energy drain that is not uncommon, consider a good ginseng supplement. Your adrenal glands have been tortured by the caffeine drug, and will need support when you remove their "fix."

Another good addendum would be extra amounts of the B-vitamin pantothenic acid, which in high doses (250-500 milligrams/day), can augment adrenal function. Some people claim good results with adrenal "glandular," an adrenal extract that contains no hormonal fraction. I have not tried it myself, but I have had results with thyroid glandular for other things, so it may help.