For a limited time, you can save up to 33% when you purchase a starter kit.
Check Availability
What NASA Spiders Can Teach Us About Caffeine—and Ourselves
How NASA’s Spiders and a Cup of MUD\WTR Could Change the Way You Think About Energy
In the 1990s, NASA embarked on an experiment that sounds like something out of a sci-fi screenplay: they gave spiders various drugs—including caffeine—and studied the effects on their webs. The results were nothing short of fascinating. Among all the substances tested, caffeine led to the most chaotic, disorganized webs, highlighting its potent effects on the nervous system.
We’re not spiders. But we do share a nervous system, and caffeine’s impact on us might be more pronounced than we care to admit. The drug works by blocking adenosine, the neurotransmitter that tells us when we’re tired. At the same time, it cranks up adrenaline, pushing our bodies into a low-level “fight or flight” mode. For millions of people, this is the foundation of their day: wake up, caffeinate, repeat. But how is it shaping the “webs” we build in our lives—our ideas, relationships, and health?
What the Scientists Found
NASA’s experiment built upon the work of Swiss pharmacologist Peter N. Witt, who had studied how substances like LSD and caffeine impacted spiders’ ability to spin webs. The findings were striking. On caffeine, the spiders’ webs became wildly disorganized, their intricate patterns devolving into chaos. Marijuana resulted in smaller, incomplete webs, with the spiders taking extended breaks between building. Amphetamines caused erratic, oversized webs with little structure, and sedatives like chloral hydrate left spiders too lethargic to finish their work.
The results were clear: even substances we consider mild or harmless can drastically alter behavior and productivity. For spiders, their webs are a direct expression of their neurological state—a visual cue of how substances disrupt focus and coordination. For humans, the effects might not show up in web patterns, but they’re felt in our thoughts, emotions, and overall well-being.
Your new morning ritual starts here
For a limited time, you can save up to 33% when you purchase a starter kit.
CHECK AVAILABILITY
A Cultural Addiction
Caffeine is woven into the fabric of our culture. From ancient tea ceremonies to the rise of coffeehouses during the Enlightenment, it’s long been a fuel for productivity and creativity. But somewhere along the way, moderation got lost. Today, the average American consumes about 200 milligrams of caffeine daily—roughly the equivalent of two energy drinks or a tall Starbucks Pike Place. Many go far beyond that.
Yet, like the spiders spinning chaotic webs, we might be pushing ourselves into states of overdrive that actually limit our creativity and focus. Caffeine can deliver a temporary jolt of energy, sure, but at what cost? Anxiety, poor sleep, gut issues, and even burnout are often the invisible price tag.
A Better Way to Energize
This isn’t about demonizing coffee or caffeine—it’s about rethinking how we use it. At MUD\WTR, we believe in evolving our relationship with energy. Our founder, Shane Heath, was once hooked on high doses of caffeine, believing it fueled his creativity and drive. But over time, he noticed the cracks: jittery energy, restless sleep, and a mind that felt chaotic rather than clear.
Seeking something better, Shane turned to functional mushrooms and adaptogens, ingredients known for their natural ability to support energy, focus, and resilience. The result? A line of low- and no-caffeine blends designed to power your day without sacrificing your peace. Our flagship product, MUD\WTR Original, delivers a fraction of the caffeine found in coffee, paired with Lion’s Mane for focus, Cordyceps for natural energy, and Chaga and Reishi for immune support.
Yet, like the spiders spinning chaotic webs, we might be pushing ourselves into states of overdrive that actually limit our creativity and focus. Caffeine can deliver a temporary jolt of energy, sure, but at what cost? Anxiety, poor sleep, gut issues, and even burnout are often the invisible price tag.
What the Spiders Taught Us
The NASA study might seem quirky or even irrelevant at first glance, but it reveals a deeper truth about the substances we rely on: their effects can be profound, often in ways we don’t fully understand. Just as caffeine scrambled the spiders’ ability to weave orderly webs, it might be doing the same to our thoughts, emotions, and physical well-being.
Instead of blindly following the “but first, coffee” mantra, maybe it’s time to pause and question our rituals. Are they helping us build the lives we want? Or are they keeping us spinning in circles?
Seeking something better, Shane turned to functional mushrooms and adaptogens, ingredients known for their natural ability to support energy, focus, and resilience. The result? A line of low- and no-caffeine blends designed to power your day without sacrificing your peace. Our flagship product, MUD\WTR Original, delivers a fraction of the caffeine found in coffee, paired with Lion’s Mane for focus, Cordyceps for natural energy, and Chaga and Reishi for immune support.
Yet, like the spiders spinning chaotic webs, we might be pushing ourselves into states of overdrive that actually limit our creativity and focus. Caffeine can deliver a temporary jolt of energy, sure, but at what cost? Anxiety, poor sleep, gut issues, and even burnout are often the invisible price tag.
Your New Morning Ritual Starts Here
MUD\WTR is more than a coffee alternative—it’s a movement toward mindfulness in how we energize, focus, and live. Our blends are made with 100% organic ingredients, functional mushrooms grown in the US, and no sneaky additives or fillers. Whether you’re sipping on our low-caffeine Matcha blend, unwinding with our evening Rest formula, or savoring the chocolaty richness of our new Hot Cacao, each cup is designed to help you feel awake and alive—without the crash.
Take a cue from the NASA spiders: sometimes, less is more.
Explore MUD\WTR and make the shift today.
Instead of blindly following the “but first, coffee” mantra, maybe it’s time to pause and question our rituals. Are they helping us build the lives we want? Or are they keeping us spinning in circles?
Seeking something better, Shane turned to functional mushrooms and adaptogens, ingredients known for their natural ability to support energy, focus, and resilience. The result? A line of low- and no-caffeine blends designed to power your day without sacrificing your peace. Our flagship product, MUD\WTR Original, delivers a fraction of the caffeine found in coffee, paired with Lion’s Mane for focus, Cordyceps for natural energy, and Chaga and Reishi for immune support.
Yet, like the spiders spinning chaotic webs, we might be pushing ourselves into states of overdrive that actually limit our creativity and focus. Caffeine can deliver a temporary jolt of energy, sure, but at what cost? Anxiety, poor sleep, gut issues, and even burnout are often the invisible price tag.
If you aren’t taking Alpha BRAIN®, you are operating at a disadvantage.
Find out why.
How MUD\WTR® Works
MUD\WTR is a coffee alternative crafted with organic ingredients to provide natural energy, focus, and immune support without the jitters or crashes of caffeine.
Each blend combines adaptogenic mushrooms like Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Chaga, and Reishi with functional herbs and spices. With just a fraction of the caffeine found in coffee, MUD\WTR supports creativity and clarity while promoting calm and balance. It’s your morning ritual, evolved—fueling your day without taxing your mind or body.
Energy without Jitters
Low caffeine, naturally occurring L-theanine, and Cordyceps deliver steady energy and focus—no jitters, no crashes.
Focus
Sharpen your focus with Lion’s Mane, microdosed caffeine from black tea, and naturally occurring L-theanine for balanced energy and mental clarity without the crash.
Gut Health and Immunity
Packed with antioxidants and prebiotic fiber, our blends are designed to nourish your gut—your body’s command center for immunity.
Koa Smith
Athlete, Entrepreneur
"Not having as much caffeine pumping through your veins is a good thing. MUD\WTR sets me up with a nice grounding calm energy."
If you aren’t taking Alpha BRAIN®, you are operating at a disadvantage.
Find out why.
Your new morning ritual starts here
For a limited time, you can save up to 33% when you purchase a starter kit.
CHECK AVAILABILITY
Your new morning ritual starts here
For a limited time, you can save up to 33% when you purchase a starter kit.
CHECK AVAILABILITY
Secure Transaction