Caffeine Consumption & Headache
Coffee is the most common source of caffeine for most of the population. Caffeine is a stimulant which can provide relief from fatigue and improve alertness, but can also be the source of numerous physical and psychological ailments, including headaches when used in excessive quantities. High caffeine consumption has been linked to headaches often described as tension headaches, since they have similarities to the symptoms of tension-type headaches such as pain behind the eyes, forehead pain, pain in the neck and shoulders, and frequent muscle tension headaches.
What Causes Caffeine-Induced Headache?
Several factors can be contributing to caffeine-induced headaches, such as dehydration and withdrawal of caffeine. Dehydration is caused when caffeine is ingested without any fluids, resulting in reduced fluid levels in the body. Low levels of fluids can lead to a headache as the brain becomes stressed and requires a greater effort to perform its normal functions due to the lack of oxygen carried in the fluids. Caffeine withdrawal can also cause a headache as the body is adjusting to the absence or reduction in caffeine consumption.
How much caffeine is too much?
How much caffeine is consumed to trigger a headache is beneficial to determine. The American Migraine Foundation recommends an average of 200mg of caffeine per day, which is equivalent to two cups of coffee. When consuming more than 200mg of caffeine a day, individuals can increase their risk for headaches and other related physical and psychological effects.
Are there lifestyle remedies for headaches caused from caffeine?
There are certain lifestyle remedies that help to mitigate the effects of a caffeine withdrawal headache. First, increase the consumption of water to rehydrate the body and reduce the dehydration symptoms. Another remedy is to consume smaller amounts of caffeine throughout the day, rather than two or three large doses such as morning and afternoon coffees. This aids in avoiding the peaks and troughs in a person’s caffeine intake and helps regulate the levels that the body is used to. Lastly, exercising regularly and engaging in relaxation techniques such as yoga, music and art therapy, may help to reduce tension within the body, leading to less headaches caused by caffeine.
Other medical treatments for Chronic Caffeine-Induced Headache
For more severe cases of caffeine-induced headaches, it is important to visit the doctor for a comprehensive consultation and diagnosis. Medical treatments may include medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce the pain temporarily and anti-anxiety medications to reduce the stress levels associated with the headaches.
Conclusion
Caffeine is a common stimulant found in everyday products such as coffee, tea and energy drinks, however the excessive consumption of these products can lead to the development of headaches similar to those described as tension-type headaches. Knowing how much caffeine to consume on a daily basis can avoid these types of headaches and ensure the body is appropriately hydrated. Furthermore, lifestyle remedies and medical treatments are available to help manage the symptoms of a caffeine-induced headache.
