Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world and comes with a whole host of benefits beyond its flavour. For the average person, it is a nice, energizing boost – but for those who are predisposed to anxious feelings, it can be the beginning of a palpitation episode. That feeling of your heart thumping or tightening in your chest is not fun, but why does this happen when we drink coffee?
Early scientific investigation into this phenomenon elaborates that the culprit is caffeine. Caffeine, which is found in coffee as well as other plants, is defined as a psychoactive substance that stimulates the central nervous system. When we drink coffee, the caffeine stimulates the nervous system in a way that can cause palpitations. Studies have found that the rate at which caffeine can trigger the sensation of palpitations is roughly 19%. So for those who are sensitive to caffeine, it is crucial to pay attention to their consumption.
In addition, psychological factors can also affect how coffee affects our mental and physical states. Analysing different anxieties can help experts and individuals to discover why we palpitate when we drink coffee. For example, if we have experienced palpitations before, it is more likely that we will be hyper-aware of them when we eventually drink coffee. Even though we may not suffer from a clinical condition, the fear of palpitations can cause us to become anxious, increasing the likelihood of having the sensation with the consumption of caffeine.
Finally, the time of day and the caffeine content in coffee can also have an effect on palpitations. Drinking coffee earlier in the day is usually a safer option, as our body is more accustomed to the effects of caffeine. Additionally, experts suggest consuming smaller doses of caffeine if possible, as higher amounts of it lead to a greater chance of palpitations. For those of us observing a regular caffeine intake throughout the day, it is important to be mindful of not exceeding our personal limits.
How to Avoid Palpitations
The easiest way to avoid palpitations or other negative effects from drinking coffee is choosing a lower-caffeine option. Decaffeinated coffee contains only minuscule amounts of caffeine and is an excellent option if you want to enjoy a cup of coffee without worrying about it triggering any heart-related sensations. Additionally, herbal coffees, such as dandelion, chicory, rye, barley, and acorn coffees, are excellent alternatives as they are caffeine-free but can still offer a unique, earthy flavour.
In terms of drinking coffee in general, pacing yourself can help to avoid palpitations. Understanding our body’s own limit is the key here, and most importantly, listening to our body’s warnings. Though enjoying a cup of coffee does not always mean we get hit by an episode of palpitations, it is important to stay in tune with our bodies and try to understand what can be triggers for us.
In general, we should also consider our lifestyle when attempting to keep our hearts healthy. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and allowing ourselves moments of relaxation are all vital for maintaining a calm and healthy heart. Additionally, from time to time we should take some time to meditate and be in tune with our heartbeats, as this can help us to better recognize any palpitations we experience when drinking coffee. By being mindful of our lifestyle, we can much better recognize and manage symptoms of palpitations.
Managing Anxiety
Many people have fear in relation to palpitations as they can signal wider issues such as a heart attack or overstimulated nervous system. Though palpitations are a natural occurrence and simply a warning from our body to pay attention to our mental and physical state, we should pay attention and take notes of when and how often we experience them.
Usually, palpitations come and go in a very short time and do not cause any further damage. However, when we experience more than one palpitations episode per day, it may be necessary to seek help from a medical professional. Talking to a doctor or therapist can help to reduce fear and discover the best strategies to keep our heart healthy and monitored.
Additional treatments such as yoga, mindfulness, and acupuncture have been proven to have positive effects in terms of managing and reducing palpitations. Yoga, as well as other physical activities, helps to reduce stress and increase the flow of oxygen throughout our body, resulting in improved overall cardiovascular health. Similarly, mindfulness has been shown to reduce levels of stress and anxiety, leading to a healthier nervous system.
In addition, acupuncture works in a very similar way, as it aims to deactivate stress points and unblock certain neurological pathways found throughout our body. This allows for improved blood circulation, which should help to considerably reduce palpitations. As stated before, each person exhibits different reactions to coffee, so lifestyle changes such as these can go a long way.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it is important to remember that palpitations are just a warning from our bodies. Though it can be quite scary and uncomfortable, the sensation usually passes after a short while and does not present cause for alarm. To best avoid palpitations triggered by coffee, it is crucial to pay attention to our caffeine consumption and overall lifestyle. Additionally, understanding possible psychological cause of these episodes is essential in determining if further medical help is needed.
Managing Caffeine Intake
As evident by its effects, caffeine should always be approached with caution. By being mindful of your caffeine intake, you can manage your nervous system and the amount of rapid heartbeat episodes you may experience. As previously mentioned, picking a lower-caffeine option or an herbal coffee is the safest bet, as this will help you to enjoy your coffee without worrying about any uncomfortable physical or mental feeling.
Additionally, making sure to drink coffee earlier in the day will help to avoid any strong reactions. Avoiding late-night coffee can also help our bodies to adequately process the caffeine before going to sleep. Another helpful recommendation is to pace your coffee intake throughout the day, as this will help your body to adjust accordingly, avoiding any unexpected effects.
Finally, if you do find yourself experiencing palpitations all too often, it may be worth investing in a heart monitor. With this device, you can track the beats per minute of your heart and, with time, better understand what triggers palpitations in your particular case.
Dealing with Side Effects
Though caffeine can have considerable effects on our bodies, it is also important to understand that not every person is affected in the same manner. Some people may find coffee to be very energizing without suffering any negative effects, and for others, it can be a source of worry.
If you are worried about the effects of coffee, it may be useful to keep a journal. Writing down when and how often you drink coffee, as well as the circumstances that you may find yourself in, can help you to better identify any unwanted side effects. We are all different, and as such we should pay attention to our own reaction to coffee.
Moreover, keeping your consumption of coffee in moderation can help tremendously in terms of managing your energy levels, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding anxiety. Additionally, information regarding the amount of caffeine in different types of coffee can be found online, helping you to better evaluate your consumption and plan your coffee intake accordingly.
Safe Consumption
Overall, everyone should be mindful of their palpitations and take charge of their own health. Understanding our reactions to coffee can help us to limit our intake of caffeine and avoid any unpleasant side effects. Coffee, if enjoyed in moderation, can be a safe and enjoyable experience, and knowing what to expect can help to make the whole experience much better.
If you are worried about palpitations, it is important to see a doctor and to keep track of any physical or mental reactions to coffee. It is also worth considering a lifestyle change if you find yourself coping with palpitations on a regular basis. Above all, moderation is key, and going over our personal limits can lead to undesirable physical and mental effects.
