According to estimates by the National Coffee Association of U.S, around 64% of American adults drink coffee each day. These figures go to show that coffee has become an important part of modern day life. So, what would happen if someone suddenly stopped drinking coffee? The short-term effects on the person’s body are likely to be noticeable if the individual was used to having coffee on a regular basis.
When someone stops consuming coffee, she or he may experience headaches and fatigue due to the lack of the stimulant. That is because coffee is a mild diuretic. When coffee is removed from the body’s regular supply, the brain experiences dehydration. As a result, it tries to conserve water by constricting the blood vessels, leading to headaches. Dehydration also causes fatigue.
Caffeine also acts as an appetite suppressant, which is why regular coffee drinkers usually do not feel like eating or drinking much after they stop consuming coffee. That explains why the person may experience sudden changes in their appetite. In some cases, the person may even feel hungrier than before despite having a smaller intake.
In addition to the physical effects, some people may find themselves feeling more anxious after quitting coffee. According to a study by The University of Kentucky, some people may be more sensitive to caffeine than others. In particular, those who abstain from it completely may experience anxiety and irritability due to the sudden withdrawal.
On the other hand, some people may experience improved sleep quality after quitting coffee. Since caffeine acts as a stimulant, stopping it can make it easier to fall asleep, and stay asleep longer. This may lead to a more restful sleep with fewer interruptions, due to the absence of the stimulant in their system.
While most of the effects of quitting coffee are felt shortly after quitting it, some of the long-term effects can be beneficial. Quitting coffee can lead to a reduced risk of stroke and coronary artery disease, a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, and a reduced risk of certain types of cancer. This is in addition to the fact that quitting coffee can help reduce dependence on the stimulant, leading to a more relaxed state of mind.
Sensitivity to Coffee
Research shows that people can have different levels of sensitivity to caffeine. This means that the person’s own individual level of tolerance to the stimulant can play a significant role in the effects of quitting coffee, both the short and long-term. Those who are more sensitive to caffeine may find that the effects of quitting coffee are much more pronounced.
For example, a person who is very sensitive to caffeine may suffer from a migraine or a severe headache as a result of quitting coffee. This person may also experience depression, anxiety, or irritability as a result of the withdrawal. On the other hand, those who are not as sensitive to caffeine may experience fewer of these withdrawal symptoms.
Moreover, the effects of quitting coffee can also depend on how much the person was drinking before. For instance, those who drank large amounts of coffee on a daily basis may find themselves feeling highly irritable and exhausted until their brain has had time to adjust to the sudden absence of the stimulant.
Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms
Caffeine withdrawal symptoms vary in intensity and duration, depending on individual tolerance. Generally, a person can experience headaches, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, decreased alertness, and difficulty concentrating when they stop drinking coffee. Some people may also experience nausea and dizziness. These symptoms tend to be more severe if the person was drinking large amounts of coffee each day, such as multiple cups.
In the case of those who were used to drinking coffee regularly, the symptoms of quitting coffee can last anywhere between two and nine days. During this time, it is advisable to stay hydrated, take breaks throughout the day, and get plenty of rest.
Reducing Coffee Intake Gradually
To avoid the negative effects of quitting coffee completely, some people prefer to reduce their daily intake gradually, instead of stopping altogether. This means cutting back from four or five cups to three or two, and then slowly reducing the amount of coffee consumed.
By reducing coffee intake gradually, the brain has time to adjust more gradually to lower levels of caffeine, and the individual does not have to experience caffeine withdrawal symptoms. This method can be especially recommended for those with a high sensitivity to coffee and its effects.
Alternative Beverages
For those who want to cut down on their coffee intake without giving it up altogether, there are several alternative beverages they can try. These include tea, cocoa, and herbal infusions. These beverages still contain some caffeine, but usually in much lower amounts than coffee. They can therefore provide the same level of alertness and focus, without the need to consume large amounts of coffee.
Moreover, herbal infusions such as chamomile and hibiscus can also provide a calming effect to those looking to reduce their caffeine intake. These beverages provide beneficial plant compounds known as polyphenols, which can also help reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health.
Effects on Cognitive Performance
Recent research has shown that quitting coffee can have an effect on a person’s cognitive performance. A study conducted by The University of Arizona found that those who quit drinking coffee performed worse on tests of alertness, speed and accuracy. The study concluded that the sudden withdrawal of coffee affected the participant’s ability to concentrate and stay alert.
However, the same study also showed that quitting coffee does not have any long-term effects on cognitive performance. This means that, although there may be a decrease in alertness and cognitive performance shortly after quitting coffee, there should be a return to normal levels of performance over time.
Coffee and Health
Quitting coffee has several potential health benefits. Caffeine consumption can increase the risk of certain cardiovascular diseases, and quitting it can lead to a decrease in these risks. Quitting coffee can also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer.
Moreover, caffeine can increase blood pressure levels, and quitting it can lead to lower blood pressure. This can have a beneficial effect on the individual’s cardiovascular health, and reduce the risk of stroke. In addition, it can help reduce acid reflux, and improve digestive health.
Lifestyle and Habits
An important factor in quitting coffee is lifestyle and habits. Many people use coffee as an aid to focus and stay alert, and it can be difficult to break the habit. That is why it is important to try to find healthier alternatives to coffee and incorporate them into the person’s routine. Some of these alternatives include taking breaks throughout the day, exercising, eating healthy meals, and getting enough rest.
In addition, some people find it helpful to keep a journal and track their progress as they go through the process of quitting coffee. This way, they can monitor their feelings, energy levels, and overall well-being and observe any changes in those. This can help the individual to stay motivated and stick to their plan.
Mental Benefits of Quitting Coffee
In addition to the physical and health benefits, quitting coffee can also have positive effects on a person’s mental state. Regular consumption of caffeine can lead to a feeling of dependency, which can be psychologically damaging. Quitting coffee can therefore improve the person’s sense of freedom and autonomy.
Moreover, caffeine can affect a person’s mood and mental wellbeing, and quitting it can lead to a more relaxed state of mind. Quitting coffee can also lead to reduced stress levels and improved mental clarity.
Conclusion
Overall, quitting coffee is not without its consequences. However, the effects of quitting coffee can be mitigated by reducing the intake gradually and by incorporating healthier alternatives into the person’s lifestyle. The long-term benefits of quitting coffee can outweigh the short-term effects, which can lead to improvements in both physical and mental health.
