Medical Concerns
Drinking coffee or any caffeinated beverage with a concussion can be a dangerous proposition. It is recommended that individuals with a head injury should stay away from caffeine altogether, according to the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). These medical experts state that caffeine can increase the pressure in the brain, which can worsen the symptoms of a concussion and delay their recovery. In addition, for those people with a concussion who also experience sleep problems, drinking more caffeine can further disrupt their nighttime sleeping patterns.
Furthermore, research on the effects of caffeine intake on concussions has found that even low doses of caffeine can worsen symptoms. A study published in 2009 by researchers from the University of Toronto found that even one or two caffeinated beverages could affect cognitive performance of those individuals who have already suffered a concussion.
When someone has suffered a head injury, it is important that they are well rested in order to facilitate the recovery process. This means avoiding any activities or substances that cause them to stay up late into the night. Caffeine is a documented diuretic and can also lead to dehydration due to its diuretic properties.
Sleep Effects
Not getting enough sleep can further impair the ability of a person with a concussion to heal. Lack of sleep is considered one of the main culprits of delayed recovery from a concussion and can even contribute to post-concussive syndromes.
In addition, drinking a caffeinated beverage at night could also cause an individual with a concussion to stay up later than usual and miss out on important periods of rest. This lack of sleep further affects their recovery process and can lead to worse symptoms, such as headaches, impaired concentration, fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
Caffeine also has other effects on sleep, such as decreasing the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and reducing the amount of deep sleep experienced by the individual. Deep sleep is especially important for those recovering from a concussion, as it is during this stage of the sleep cycle that the body repairs itself and heals damage.
Research has also found that drinking lots of caffeinated beverages can lead to insomnia, which causes a person to have difficulty falling and staying asleep. Individuals with insomnia report feeling tired and sleepy throughout the day and this can further when someone has a concussion as they need as much rest as possible.
Dehydration
Caffeine is a diuretic, and drinking too much can result in dehydration. Even mild dehydration can cause headaches and other symptoms in those with a head injury, so it is important to stay hydrated and avoid caffeine consumption.
If a person has suffered a concussion and they are drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages, they should increase their water intake to help compensate for the effects of caffeine. Consuming foods and drinks high in electrolytes, such as sports drinks and coconut water, can also help prevent dehydration and ensure the individual with a concussion stays well hydrated.
Symptoms Worsening
For any individual who has a concussion, it is important to take it easy and avoid activities or substances that could worsen their symptoms. Caffeine consumption can worsen the symptoms of a concussion and delay the recovery process. It can also lead to dehydration and interfere with the sleep patterns of those battling a head injury.
If you have suffered a concussion, it is best to avoid drinking coffee altogether. Drinking even small amounts of coffee can worsen the symptoms of a head injury and delay the recovery process. If you’re looking for a caffeine kick, it’s best to avoid coffee altogether, and instead reach for decaffeinated options or better yet, just enjoy water if you have a concussion.
Replacement Options
For those individuals who are seeking alternatives to drinking coffee and other caffeinated beverages while recovering from a concussion, there are options available. Some of these include decaffeinated coffee and herbal teas such as chamomile or mint tea. Herbal teas can help with sleep, soothe headaches and even reduce anxiety.
In addition, there are certain medicinal herbs that can be used to replace caffeine in the diet. One such herb is guarana, which has been used for centuries by indigenous tribes in the Amazon for its energizing and stimulating effects. It contains about twice the amount of caffeine found in coffee and can be a great replacement for those recovering from a concussion.
Other herbal materials used to replace caffeine are kola nut, yerba mate, green tea and black tea. Each of these herbal substances can provide a stimulating and energizing effect, without the negative side effects associated with caffeine.
Law of Reciprocal Exclusion
When considering the impact of caffeine on concussion recovery, it is important to remember that what goes in must go out. This is known as the law of reciprocal exclusion. This means that anything consumed in excess will eventually have to be expelled from the body. Caffeine is a stimulant and can act as a substitute for rest and recovery, which is not a good idea for those individuals with a concussion.
It is important to remember to rely on rest and other healthy activities for mitigating concussion symptoms and for ensuring a full recovery. This means avoiding substances such as caffeine, which can act as a substitute for sleep and other healthy behaviours. In addition, it is also important not to overdo activities or put too much strain on the body, as this could further aggravate symptoms and delay recovery.
Tolerance Levels
It is also important to remember that different people have different tolerance levels for caffeine. Some people may be able to drink coffee without experiencing any adverse effects, while others may find that even a small cup of coffee can cause them to become jittery, anxious and irritable. For those individuals with a concussion, it is important to pay attention to these sensations and stop drinking coffee and other caffeinated beverages if they experience any of these side effects.
It is also important to consider dosage levels when consuming caffeine with a concussion. It is generally recommended to avoid more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day, as this could lead to dehydration, headaches and other symptoms. As with any substance, it is important to use caffeine in moderation when recovering from a concussion.
Nutrient Depletion
It is also important to understand that caffeine can deplete certain nutrients from the body, such as calcium, magnesium and iron. These are important for any individual recovering from a head injury, and consuming too much caffeine can lead to deficiencies of these vitamins and minerals. For those recovering from a concussion, it is important to make sure they are getting enough of the essential vitamins and minerals in their diet, as these are essential for a full recovery from the injury.
In addition, caffeine has been linked to increased blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous for individuals with diabetes or those recovering from a concussion. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the effects that caffeine can have on the body before drinking caffeinated beverages.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, it is generally not advised to drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages when recovering from a concussion. Caffeine can worsen the symptoms of a concussion and delay recovery. It can also lead to dehydration and interfere with the sleep patterns of those with a head injury. While there are some replacement options available for those seeking to replace caffeine in their diet, it is best to consult with a doctor before doing so.
