Hi Diane, I'm really sorry to hear you are suffering so much. Have you excluded wheat and gluten from your diet? These two are big culprits in causing big problems with many people, particularly those who have mercury issues. Sugar as we know is very bad, but so is wheat and gluten.

Diet coke is a very bad choice. It contains aspartame, which could be referred to as a 'sweet poison' http://www.sweetpoison.com/. This is very toxic and is probably even wore than having sugar and you need to find out more about this and find out what it can do to a person. VERY BAD, please stay off diet coke. I have seen what it's done to someone else I know and I swear this has taken a big toll on her health. She too is on birth control pills to help her menstrual cycles and I do not know which of those things has been worse for her. Some people however, may not have too much choice with having to do something if their menstrual cycle is causing such terrible problems.

However, if you need a lift? Steer clear of aspartame (which is in diet drinks). Even caffeine is preferable! I would take caffeine anyday over aspartame. But of course in the end, they all defeat the purpose long term, as caffeine gives a short term lift, but obviously can strain the adrenal glands.

I really wish I could suggest something to you. Fruit is the only natural type sugar I would ingest, as well as carob, honey, and things like that and high carb vegetables. These are natural sugars and are slower acting. They can cause problems if you have bad candida though.

There are herbal teas that are very good.