You may be addicted to this and you don’t even know it. What is ‘this’? Caffeine. For some of us a hot brew of coffee is the best way to start our day. It keeps us alert. It keeps us going and it sure tastes good. But there’s an element in your favourite cup of black coffee that you probably are overlooking; caffeine.
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant found in a wide variety of foods. Coffee, tea leaves, Kola nuts and even Cocoa to name a few. It also increases the circulation of chemicals such as cortisol and adrenaline in the body. In small doses, caffeine can make you feel refreshed and focused. In excess, caffeine can cause anxiety, insomnia, restlessness and even increase your risk of heart disease. It can take up to 10 hours to completely clear caffeine from your bloodstream.
After reading this you’re probably thinking maybe you’ll like to pause your caffeine intake. If only for is while, you’ve decided to wean yourself off caffeine. That’s all well and good but it’s easier said than done. You’re in for a long detox journey, and we believe it’s best we keep you in the know of what to expect.
Here are some symptoms to expect after you give up caffeine.
1. No-caffeine fatigue
You’ll feel tired without your regular caffeine boost. This may cause a sense of tiredness or full-blown exhaustion.
2. Headache
This is not a constant symptom. However, light-headedness and headaches are to be expected.
3. Irritability
A withdrawal symptoms of caffeine is irritability. Your threshold for accepting stress or tension becomes thin. Almost any situation can make you blow a fuse.
4. Anxiety
A lack of caffeine can lead to states of anxiety if you’re abstaining from caffeine-beverages. Stress situation easily upset you and make you disconcerted or confused.
5. Poor concentration
The above withdrawal symptoms culminate in a poor sense of concentration. You’ll find it hard to keep your brain attuned to achieving set tasks.
Caffeine withdrawals manifest 24 hours after the last caffeine intake and can last two to nine days to pass.
The solution:
Cut back slowly:Â Quitting cold turkey can shock the body and make withdrawal symptoms worse. Take it slow and easy. Wean yourself off caffeine gradually. This will reduce the chances of experiencing severe unpleasant side effects. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and switching to zero-caffeine beverages such as teas, coffees, smoothies and juices.
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