Effects of Coffee on Headaches
When dealing with the nuisance of headaches, coffee may be one of the remedies suggested to lessen their pain and frequency. Caffeine has been known for centuries for its properties to act as a pain killer by decreasing the action of certain substances on your nerve endings. Coffee itself sometimes appears to be the culprit when it comes to headaches, so it might seem odd that drinking it could provide relief. While the debate of coffee’s benefits and drawbacks is ongoing, here is what experts have to say about its effects on headaches.
Benefits of Coffee
Research conducted by the Harvard Medical School and the American Academy of Neurology suggests that drinking two to three cups of coffee daily can reduce the risk of headaches. Coffee’s key ingredient, caffeine, has been found to block certain biological pathways and stimulates the production of pain relieving chemicals in the body such as endorphins and serotonin. Additionally, caffeine can help open the blood vessels which improves the circulation of blood to the head and neck and diminishes the perceived pain in a headache.
Downside of Coffee
While caffeine as a painkiller might have its advantages, too much of it can also increase the risk of headaches. People often experience headaches when they low on caffeine. This is because they may become reliant on large doses of the substance and when their bodies become deprived of it, the rebound headache takes place. A tolerance to caffeine can develop, likely leading to an overuse of it and more headaches.
Coffee Alternatives
Compared with over the counter medications for treating headaches, coffee is seen as a a more cost-effective and natural relief. However, it is not the only option. A study published in 2015 in the journal Cephalgia showed that even moderate doses of ibuprofen were more likely to help headaches than drinking coffee. Other alternatives include ginger and chamomile, which have anti-inflammatory properties and work to reduce pain while calming the body in the process.
Personal Experience
From personal experience, moderate doses of coffee have worked wonders in diminishing my headache pain. As an avid drinker of coffee, I noticed that after a few cups, all my headache symptoms disappeared as if I had never experienced them. But I also noticed that, if I increased the amount of coffee I drank or prolonged the time it took me to drink, I experienced a recurring headache the next day. Perhaps due to the overuse of caffeine and the rebound effect.
Properly Balancing Caffeine Intake
It is clear that the effects of coffee on headaches depend very much on the individual and how much of the beverage is consumed. Drinking some coffee to soothe headaches can be beneficial in the short-term. However, managing how much and how often it is consumed is important to prevent excessive caffeine intake and dependency to it.
Qualified Health Practitioner Support
Even though coffee can provide relief against headaches, it is not recommended to rely solely on this or any other technique to treat headaches. It is recommended to follow the guidance of a qualified health practitioner to possibly identify the underlying cause of the headache and develop a long-term plan.
Duration of Coffee Effect
Drinking coffee as a remedy against headaches is by no means a permanent solution. Many experts suggest that the effects of coffee last no more than four hours and after that time it is possible to experience another headache.
Environmental Factors
Apart from the consumption of coffee, it is important to consider other environmental factors that may trigger headaches. Studies suggest that the consumption of generally unhealthy foods and those loaded with fats, salts and preservatives can trigger the risk of migraine headaches. Additionally, environmental pollutants, noise and lack of sleep can be causes of chronic headaches.
Conclusion
For those looking for a natural way to reduce their headache symptoms, coffee may be a useful remedy for the short-term as long as it is consumed responsibly to prevent negative repercussions in the long-term. As with any medical condition, it is always beneficial to consult a qualified health practitioner to develop the right approach.
