Lots of people look forward to their morning cup of coffee. Besides water, coffee is the most popular beverage in America. But if you feel jittery, get an upset stomach, or experience any other uncomfortable symptoms after consuming caffeine, there may be some reasons to consider cutting it back.
Anxiety
Caffeine can have adverse effects on your mental health, as it gives you boosts of energy by telling your body to increase its production of cortisol, the stress hormone. So, overconsumption can actually magnify any stress you feel. Caffeine can also increase your heart rate, adding to any anxious feelings.
Sleep
Caffeine works by blocking the receptors in our brain that make us feel tired. During the day, our brains produce adenosine, the hormone responsible for sleep; as it builds up, the more tired we get. When those receptors are blocked, we stay alert, awake, and vigilant. Overconsumption of caffeine can disrupt our natural circadian rhythm, the pattern our brain follows to keep us rested, resulting in difficulty falling and staying asleep.
Headaches and Migraines
People who consistently experience headaches may want to limit caffeine intake, as research shows that consuming three caffeinated drinks or more per day can lead to migraines. While too much coffee may trigger headaches, so can quitting cold turkey. Removing caffeine all at once can result in withdrawal symptoms, so it’s best to slowly reduce your intake over time.
Digestive Problems
Your caffeinated beverage of choice may affect digestive health, especially if you are already prone to stomach issues. Because coffee acts as a diuretic, it causes your body to lose water. This can lead to dehydration, constipation, or diarrhea. Caffeine also causes your stomach to release acid, resulting in heartburn and indigestion.
Final Thoughts
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it may be time to reduce your caffeine intake – or eliminate it altogether. As always, we recommend speaking with your doctor about any ailments you may have.
Have you successfully cut out caffeine? Share your experience with us in the comments below!