Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms that May Occur During a Coffee Detox

If you have decided to give up coffee or other caffeinated drinks then there is a good chance you may experience caffeine withdrawals symptoms. Coffee detox can be a bit uncomfortable, but it doesn't last forever.

Why Do Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms Occur?

Caffeine is a drug that stimulates the central nervous system; this makes people feel more alert and awake. Like alcohol and other drugs it is also highly addictive if abused. The body adapts to having caffeine in the system so when it is removed the body rebels. Caffeine withdrawal symptoms will have a psychological as well as physical component. Some people find it extremely difficult to quit coffee even when it begins to adversely affect their health. Many caffeine products also contain other stimulant ingredients such as Theobromine.

Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms

• Individuals can find it difficult to concentrate without caffeine acting as a stimulant on the central nervous system. This symptom will resolve as the mind adapts to the absence of caffeine.

• Many individuals who go through coffee detox will experience mild to severe headaches. These can be quite unpleasant and normally begin about twelve hours after quitting caffeine. These can come and go over the first few days coffee detox and should then just disappear.

• Caffeine withdrawal symptoms may involve a feeling of irritability or depression. These moods should settle down after about a week.

• Some people who are going through coffee detox will develop flu like symptoms. There may be some nausea and vomiting and people can also experience body pains.

• Individuals may complain of a general feeling of loss of energy for a few days until their body adapts.

How to make it Through Coffee Withdrawals

The thing to realize with these symptoms is that they won't last forever; in fact they should disappear completely after about a week. Those who make it through detox are always glad they made the effort and life without caffeine can mean improved health and vitality. The best advice is to approach you caffeine quit with determination and realize that the symptoms will not last forever. Some people find that reducing their caffeine intake over a few weeks makes the process easier but others prefer a clean break.

Those who are determined to quit coffee will also need to realize that there are many other products that contain caffeine. Using these other caffeine products can lengthen the duration of withdrawal symptoms.

Sources

NHS UK - article on Coffee MedicineNet - article on coffee withdrawals