Caffeine is a stimulant, but some people with sensitivity to this molecule may respond with discomfort such as irritability, nervousness, palpitations or stomach discomfort. On the other hand, an excessive dose of caffeine (more than 400 mg, about four cups daily) It can cause headaches, insomnia, nervousness, and even muscle tremors.

If coffee doesn’t agree with you or you’ve gotten used to drinking too much, You should reduce or eliminate it. But if you do it right off the bat, your body will react with a withdrawal syndrome.

How does caffeine act in the body?

In the brain there are so-called adenosine receptors that contribute to well-being and ensure relaxation. The production of dopamine and norepinephrine are reduced during periods of calm and, consequently, so is the heart rate and the body rests.

Coffee helps us get out of this calm. When we have coffee in the morning, Caffeine is deposited in adenosine receptors, It blocks them and prevents relaxation. Caffeine wakes you up and agitates you. But the body reacts by producing more adenosine, to counteract its effect. By reducing the dose of caffeine, the amount of adenosine will be high and certain discomfort will occur.

Replace coffee with this grapefruit and ginger shot. In the video you have the recipe.

Physical consequences of coffee withdrawal

The duration of coffee withdrawal side effects varies from person to person. It may take from a few days to several weeks for the body in regaining balance.

1. Headache

Caffeine has a vasoconstrictive effectwhich can help against headaches. If this effect disappears when you stop drinking coffee, the risk of headaches increases again.

2. Exhaustion and loss of energy

When the stimulating effect of caffeine wears off, the body first has to get used to normal energy reserves again. However, at first, feelings of exhaustion and lack of energy are practically inevitable.

3. Insomnia

Until the balance of neurotransmitters in the body is restored, insomnia and problems falling asleep may develop. At this point it will be good implement a bedtime routine to disconnect and sleep better at night.

4. Lethargy and drowsiness

In fact, instead of insomnia, a kind of lethargy can also occur, a form of impaired consciousness that is associated with drowsiness and an increased irritation threshold. Lethargic people are apathetic and it is difficult to get their attention. Exercise and sports can help to avoid drowsiness.

5. Irritability and lack of concentration

Caffeine promotes concentration and helps maintain clear focus, for example when working, studying or driving a car. Without the effect of caffeinethat stimulating factor is missing, so irritability and lack of concentration are more likely.

6. Circulatory problems

The reason for circulatory problems with coffee withdrawal is similar to that of headaches: the body’s vessels widen, so that blood pressure can drop. Getting up quickly can cause blood to rush to your legs, causing dizziness.

7. Constipation

Coffee stimulates digestion, which is why many coffee drinkers have to go to the bathroom after their first cup of the day. If this intestinal activating effect is no longer available, constipation may occur more easily. A diet rich in fiber and plenty of water and herbal teas will help.

How to overcome withdrawal

Keep the following tips in mind to overcome withdrawal syndrome:

• It is better to start your abstinence on a Friday, so you don’t have to torment yourself without caffeine and possibly plagued with headaches all week.
• Prepare for total abstinence with a progressive dose reduction: If you drink 5 or 6 coffees, on Thursday drink 3 and on Friday, 3. In any case, avoid caffeine at night. T
• If you are trying to wean yourself off of caffeine, you should know that there are over-the-counter pain relievers and «flu» medications that contain it. It is also found in tea, both black and green.
• If you don’t want to do without your beloved morning ritual, you can Replace coffee with another hot drink. How about a delicious mint infusion, for example?
• Get ready for possible food cravings, which can also be an unpleasant side effect of caffeine withdrawal. It’s a good idea to stock up on a generous amount of fruits and healthy snacks. After a few days, this desire will also tend to regulate.