Does Not Drinking Coffee Cause Headaches?
Today, coffee is widely popular and widely endorsed, but does not drinking coffee cause headaches? Many believe that coffee is a natural headache remedy, especially for those dealing with migraines. Coffee contains caffeine, which helps to reduce inflammation and can provide relief from headaches. But does not drinking coffee actually cause headaches, or can abstaining from coffee lead to headaches?
A study conducted by the University of Michigan found that those who abstain from caffeine for an extended period of time may experience headaches. Participants of their study who were not used to drinking caffeine were asked to go without for a period of two weeks, and those who managed to keep from consuming any of the stimulant reported increased headaches when compared to those who continued drinking coffee or tea as normal.
According to Dr. Benjamin Honigman, MD, a headache specialist, this phenomenon is due to the stimulative property of caffeine on blood vessels in the brain. Caffeine consumption forces these vessels to constrict, blocking communication pathways associated with headaches and their severity. Dr. Honigman explains, “When a person becomes accustomed to a regular daily dose of caffeine, their body develops a tolerance to the constriction of blood vessels associated with caffeine consumption, and then the body can no longer constrict the vessels. When that person then abstains from caffeine, these vessels lose their constriction, thus affecting a person’s ability to keep headaches at bay.”
Other studies back this up. Research conducted by Harvard Medical School found a direct correlation between caffeine abstinence and an increase in headache-related pain. Researchers discovered that abstaining from caffeine could increase sensitivity to headaches. On the same note, consuming moderate amounts of caffeine each day help to decrease the severity of headaches.
Lifestyle choices factor heavily into the equation too. Even if one regularly consumes caffeine, they may experience headaches should they not practice good self-care. Factors such as stress, lack of sleep, and an irregular eating schedule make it much more difficult for one to maintain regular levels of caffeine consumption. Regularly indulging in these activities can lead to headaches due to changes in hormones, lack of hydration, inflammation, and constricted blood vessels.
Caffeine Alternatives to Combat Headaches
If you believe that not drinking coffee is causing you headaches, there are a variety of caffeine alternatives available. Coffee isn’t the only way to get your daily dose of caffeine. Oftentimes, other caffeinated drinks like tea, energy drinks, and energy bars contain enough caffeine to help reduce your headache-level intensity. Caffeinated gum and patches are also available, making consumption of your daily dose of caffeine easy and accessible.
If you’re looking for something caffeine-free, some alternative medicines have been found to combat headaches. Natural therapies such as acupuncture, essential oils, and even natural herbs like ginger and feverfew have all been used as headache remedies. Studies have also found that regular physical activity, such as running or even yoga, can help to reduce the intensity of headaches and pain caused by them.
Caffeine Withdrawal Headaches
Those who regularly consume caffeine can especially benefit from abstaining for a certain period of time. While not drinking coffee can result in headaches, doing so for a certain period can also help to relieve headaches and decrease their severity. This is due to something called caffeine withdrawal headaches.
When a person is accustomed to consuming caffeine in regular intervals throughout the day, their body Incorporates it as part of its daily cycle. When caffeine is suddenly removed from the body’s daily routine, the body no longer gets its usual dose of stimulant, causing headaches and irritation. Symptoms of caffeine withdrawal include nausea, irritability, fatigue, and of course, headaches.
However, the good news is that these symptoms, specifically the headaches, usually don’t last very long. Depending on how much caffeine one usually consumes, these symptoms usually subside between two to nine days. Once headaches subside, the body can begin to learn functioning with the decrease in caffeine, thus allowing for a decrease in the frequency and intensity of headaches.
How to Reduce Headaches
Overall, it is important to recognize that while not drinking caffeine can result in headache symptoms, so might drinking too much caffeine. The key to reducing the severity of headaches is to find a balance between the two. Dr. Steven Van Loon, MD, board-certified specialist for the National Headache Foundation, recommends that people with a history of migraines should consume the least amount of caffeine possible, doing no more than 200mg per day. That amount is approximately two cups of coffee, one energy drink, or two caffeinated teas. Those without a history of migraines can consume up to 400mg per day without fear of it causing an increase in headache severity.
When it comes to maintaining consumption at that level, the most important component is to do so regularly. Caffeine should be consumed at regular intervals throughout the day to allow your body to become accustomed to the consumption and not go through withdrawal symptoms. This will help to decrease the frequency and severity of headaches in the long run.
Caffeine Sensitivity and Headaches
However, it is important to note that some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. Those who are “slow metabolizers” of caffeine may experience headaches with even moderate levels of caffeine consumption. When this is the case, abstaining from caffeine and using alternatives instead, is the safest and most beneficial option.
Managing Caffeine Intake
Overall, reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches requires regular caffeine management. Taking it in moderation, coupled with proper self-care habits, can go a long way in reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches, without having to worry about giving up coffee altogether. Keeping your caffeine intake even and sustainable throughout the day is the key to decreasing headaches and avoiding potential withdrawal headaches.
Timing Caffeine Intake
It is also important to consider timing when it comes to caffeine intake. While it is important to consume caffeine regularly throughout the day, those who deal with migraines should not consume caffeine too late in the day. Caffeine takes around twenty minutes to kick into the system and can remain in the body up to six hours. So consuming caffeine close to bedtime can interfere with sleep, making it harder to receive proper rest and increasing the intensity of the following days’ headaches. If you plan on imbibing, be sure to do so earlier in the day, preferably before 4PM.
Stimulant Headaches
Stimulant headaches can become an issue as well, when too much caffeine has been consumed. Stimulants such as caffeine can induce headaches and increase the intensity of already existing headaches due to their vasoconstrictor effect, hardening blood vessels which can lead to pain in the head. To avoid stimulant headaches, be sure to properly monitor your caffeine intake and keep track of your daily cup count.
Conclusion
In conclusion, abstaining from coffee can cause headaches due to withdrawal effects. However, deficiencies of caffeine can also result in a higher level of headache severity. Understanding the body’s needs for caffeine, and how to properly manage it, is key to avoiding headaches from both too much and not enough coffee. Regularly monitoring caffeine intake, and being mindful of timing, is important to keep headaches at bay and ensure indulging minds can enjoy their morning cup of coffee without fear of a potential headache in the afternoon.
