If you're thinking about getting off caffeine in time for the SATs, think again. It takes just two and a half cups of coffee to become dependent or addicted to caffeine. If you've been a long-time coffee drinker, quitting at this point can do you more harm than good. If you've been staying up all night, for many nights, with a pot of coffee, the best thing you can do is to replace the nutrients you've lost, and reduce the stress on your body created by the acidity of coffee and other caffeinated beverages. The oxidative stress means your body's immune system is chronically weakened in an attempt to repair your body's systems.
Exam stress shows up in many students as an acne outbreak, cold sores or colds.
Because stress lowers your immune system, it's more important than ever to eat and drink healthily. Try out brown rice cooked in veggie or chicken broth to maximize your energy, immune system and thinking power. Don't let SAT stress get in the way of your diet, or regular eating habits. Have lots of dried fruits, peanuts and steamed veggies within plain view and reaching distance to curb the impulse to reach for sugary or fat-laden snacks. If you must have something sweet, try fruit yogurt.