But in the long run, you may reap many positive health benefits of quitting caffeine.
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1.
Less Anxiety
Consider caffeine intake if you often feel jittery, nervous, oranxious.
Giselleflissak/ Getty Images
Better Sleep
You may already know not to havecaffeine too close to bedtime.
This can easily become a cycle of sleeping poorly and relying on caffeine during the day.
Fewer Headaches
Caffeine can relieve aheadache, which is why many headache remedies contain caffeine.
However, regular consumption of caffeine is associated withmigrainesand chronic daily headaches.
If you have migraine headaches, long-term consumption of caffeine can lead to:
4.
These risks don’t appear to apply to those with lower blood pressure.
Improved Dental Health
Caffeine can affect dental health in several ways.
Some potential dental health issues from caffeinated beverages are:
6.
Balanced Hormones in Women
Research suggests that caffeine can influenceestrogenlevels inpremenopausal women.
Estrogen levels play a role inosteoporosis,endometriosis, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer.
However, more research is needed to determine whether caffeine plays a role in these conditions.
Additionally,postmenopausalcaffeine use is associated with increasedvasomotor symptoms(hot flashes and night sweats).
Less Breast Soreness
Breast tendernessis often due to hormonal fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle.
Although it’s not a health concern, it can be uncomfortable and distracting.
you’re able to minimize breast soreness by reducing caffeine, salt, and smoking.
More Effective Nutrient Absorption
Caffeine can make it more difficult for the body to absorbcalcium.
Better Digestion
Quitting caffeine may improve digestion in some people.
As a stimulant, it increases gut motility, which can cause loose stools or diarrhea.
Fewer Trips to the Bathroom
Morning coffee sends many people off to the bathroom due to loose stools.
Caffeine is a psychostimulant withaddictiveproperties.
Remember not to go to cold turkey to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Decrease by half a cup every few days until you reach your desired limit.
Gradually reduce your caffeine intake, rather than quitting cold turkey, to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Who Should Consider Avoiding Caffeine?
Experts recommendlimiting caffeine intaketo less than 200 milligrams (2 cups of coffee) during pregnancy.
Overall health and medications may influence whether avoiding caffeine entirely is best.
Certain Medications
Caffeine can change the way your body absorbs and breaks down certain medications.
Summary
Most people tolerate moderate amounts of caffeine, but it’s not for everyone.
Children and adults with certain health conditions should avoid caffeine.
It’s also habit-forming and can affect some medications.
If you’re ready to try quitting, it’s best not to stop abruptly.
Slowly cutting down can help you avoid headaches, irritability, and other symptoms of caffeine withdrawal.
The benefits of quitting caffeine are less anxiety, better sleep, and fewer headaches.
And it can free you up from dependence on caffeine.
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Harvard Health Publishing.Rethinking your morning coffee.
