What is Coffee Withdrawals and How to Solve it?

As with any stimulant or energy drink, when people rely on coffee for daily energy, stopping to drink it can lead to unfortunate withdrawal symptoms.

First, let us go over the general idea of coffee withdrawal. Plenty of us drink coffee every day, and some of us drink a lot of it. For reference, the FDA has cited 400 milligrams of caffeine a day (about two to three 12-ounce cups of coffee) as an amount not generally associated with negative effects for most adults.

When somebody drinks coffee or caffeinated beverages daily or multiple times a day, the body gets used to that regular caffeine intake. That's why a cup that would leave an occasional coffee drinker buzzing may barely register for someone who has several a day. Caffeine is a stimulant, which is why cutting back suddenly can come with real withdrawal symptoms.

Coffee Withdrawal

Now, when coffee drinkers start to cut back or cut coffee out completely, the body needs time to adjust to its new routine and the lack of caffeine. This adjustment period is where withdrawals come into play.

And because caffeine is a stimulant, going without it when your body is used to it can leave you feeling more tired than usual.

According to the Mayo Clinic, suddenly cutting caffeine may cause withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, tiredness, crankiness and having trouble focusing. It notes these symptoms are most often mild and get better after a few days.

How to avoid caffeine withdrawal

If you are feeling the need to cut down on your caffeine consumption, it helps to understand what is happening in the body. Since your body is used to its daily caffeine, quitting "cold turkey" is when withdrawal symptoms are most likely to show up. The Mayo Clinic suggests cutting back little by little, for example by drinking a smaller cup of coffee each day.

Everyone is different, so go at a pace that feels manageable for you. If you are still craving the coffee taste, you can also switch to decaffeinated options for a lower caffeine dose. 

If withdrawal symptoms like headaches are bothering you, or you're cutting back on caffeine for a health reason, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the best approach for you.

And remember: going easy on caffeine doesn't have to mean giving up your coffee ritual. A warm mug of decaf in the morning can still feel like your usual routine.

 

Try our decaffeinated instant coffee for less caffeine intake and delicious taste. Get it here.

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This article is for general information only and isn't medical or nutritional advice. If you have questions about caffeine, your diet or a health condition, talk to your doctor.