Introduction
Have you ever wondered why drinking coffee can give you a headache? Many of us reach for a cup of coffee when experiencing the first signs of a headache, and yet the same beverage can also be the root of the problem. This article aims to explore why drinking coffee can cause headaches, as well as considering potential solutions.
Coffee and Brain Chemistry
Coffee contains caffeine, which is a stimulant drug that affects the chemical balance of our brains. Caffeine acts as an antagonist to adenosine receptors, meaning it essentially blocks the neurological response stimulated by adenosine in the brain. Adenosine’s primary function is to induce sleepiness, by controlling the neurochem chemicals and pathways in the body. The blocking of adenosine by caffeine means that the brain can be overstimulated, sometimes leading to an increase in internal pressure.
Migraine Triggers
Health experts believe that coffee can be a migraine trigger in some people. Migraines can be accompanied by a number of symptoms including headaches, but can also be caused by metabolic changes when caffeine levels are high in the brain. Especially in people who have a genetic predisposition to migraines, it is important to note that some studies have linked the use of caffeine with migraine headaches. That is to say, drinking coffee can initiate a migraine in people who are vulnerable to it.
Caffeine Withdrawals
In addition to this, caffeine withdrawal also contributes to headaches. This is because when we consume coffee, our bodies become used to having that boost of energy, and when we cease to drink it, our bodies return to the original state. The sudden lack of caffeine can lead to feeling lethargic, accompanied by a headache.
Dehydration and Headache
Another reason why drinking coffee can lead to headaches is dehydration. Coffee is a diuretic, meaning that it encourages the body to get rid of water, and in doing so, it can cause dehydration. This in turn can cause headaches, as dehydration is a common cause of headaches. It is especially of concern to individuals who have predispositions to headaches or migraine.
Coffee Tolerance
It is important to note that an excessive amount of caffeine can become a ‘normal’ for the body, resulting in a greater need for caffeine. When we drink more coffee, our bodies develop a tolerance to caffeine, and this means that headaches can be a response to the lack of it.
Solutions
However, it is possible for coffee drinkers to keep headaches at bay. The most effective way to do this is to monitor how much caffeine we consume. Limiting our intake of coffee each day can help to control how much caffeine accumulates in our bodies, and in turn reduce the risk of headaches. Coffee drinkers should also be careful to keep hydrated if they are consuming coffee, as this balances out dehydration.
Effects of Excessive Coffee Consumption
Of course, it is important to remember that coffee should be consumed in moderation. Excessive coffee consumption can lead to serious health concerns, such as insomnia, high blood pressure, anxiety, and heartburn, as well as headaches.
Conditioning Brain to Coffee Consumption
A way to limit headaches when drinking coffee is to condition our brains to the consumption. This can be done by gradually increasing the amount of coffee consumed over time, as this allows for the body to accommodate and adapt to the consumption in a more efficient way.
Coffee Alternatives
For those who experience headaches due to coffee consumption, there are a number of coffee alternatives. These include decaffeinated varieties of coffee, as well as herbal teas and other caffeine free beverages. For people who are prone to migraines, there are also certain adaptogens which can be consumed. These are natural herbs which are believed to balance and reduce stress, mood and sleep factors which can be the cause of migraines in some people.
Tracking and Adjusting Lifestyle
When experiencing headaches due to drinking coffee, it is important to track our lifestyle and analyse where the cause may lie. This includes noting symptoms of migraine, such as food triggers, stress, sleep deprivation and dehydration. This way, it is much easier to adjust our lifestyle accordingly and minimise the risk of drinking coffee which could be causing headaches.
Tracking and Adjusting Caffeine Intake
When experiencing headaches due to drinking coffee, it is essential to track the amount and kinds of caffeine that are being consumed. Reducing the consumption of coffee and other caffeinated beverages and substituting these with a variety of decaf options can often be a helpful way to limit the risk of headaches. Additionally, it is important to be conscious as to when we are consuming caffeine, and to not do so too close to bedtime.
Mindfulness and Impact on Headaches
Finally, it is important to stay mindful and to assess how the consumption of coffee is impacting our headaches. This can be done by noting how often headaches occur, as well as tracking the amount of coffee consumed, and adjusting accordingly. Keeping a food and caffeine diary can prove to be useful in terms of staying mindful and avoiding headaches due to excessive coffee consumption.
