Post by Icarus on Aug 8, 2008 17:45:19 GMT -5
Caffeine Withdrawal
After making the decision to cut down on your caffeine intake, be sure to do it slowly and not use the "cold turkey" method. This can help to easy the caffeine withdrawal symptoms that you may feel.
Millions of people worldwide use caffeine every morning to give themselves that extra boost they need to start their day. In fact, caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world, even more than alcohol. The problem is, too much caffeine can not only leave you feeling buzzed; it can cloud your mind when it starts to wear off and may cause permanent physical damage by increasing your heart rate. While the healthiest option is to stop using caffeine altogether, cutting off your supply can cause a host of withdrawal symptoms.
Caffeine is a stimulant, it wakes you up and helps keep your mind sharp. This means that if your body is used to caffeine and stops getting its daily dose, you’ll likely be tired and find it difficult to concentrate. Many people who abruptly stop caffeine find themselves barely able to stay awake and even harder to stay on track. They often make more mistakes at work. Caffeine withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon 12 hours after stopping your intake. They are at their worst after 24-48 hours, and can last for up to a week.
While loss of concentration and focus is common and expected, there are some other physical symptoms you should be aware of as well. At least 50% of people going through caffeine withdrawal experience headaches; they usually feature a dull generalized pain rather than anything sharp and focused. People in withdrawal may also experience muscle soreness or stiffness, chills, and hot spells. It is important to recognize these symptoms as being from caffeine withdrawal; otherwise you may fear you have the flu or a more serious illness.
Caffeine withdrawal symptoms can be emotional as well as physical. We’re used to feeling a certain way when we stop feeling that way, it can take a toll. Lack of caffeine can leave you feeling irritable, restless, depressed or anxious. People who abruptly stop caffeine may not be able to take work and go home early. They often lash out at their friends, family and coworkers with little or no reason.
Everyone’s response to caffeine withdrawal is different. It depends on your own personal physiology as well as how much caffeine you were consuming per day. Symptoms can range from annoying to debilitating. If your symptoms are mild, you may be able to quit cold turkey. For those with a severe addiction, suddenly stopping caffeine intake may be unbearable. The best way to avoid these withdrawal symptoms is to slowly cut down on caffeine instead of quitting cold turkey.
While pain killers may take care of some of the problems, there is no magic pill or any other cure for withdrawal symptoms besides time. If your symptoms are minor, you may be able to quit all at once, but it your symptoms are severe, you should decrease slowly for your own safety. While it may be tough to take, quitting or cutting back on caffeine is a great choice to make for living a healthier life.
www.reallifesolutions.net/personal/caffeine_withdrawal.htm
After making the decision to cut down on your caffeine intake, be sure to do it slowly and not use the "cold turkey" method. This can help to easy the caffeine withdrawal symptoms that you may feel.
Millions of people worldwide use caffeine every morning to give themselves that extra boost they need to start their day. In fact, caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world, even more than alcohol. The problem is, too much caffeine can not only leave you feeling buzzed; it can cloud your mind when it starts to wear off and may cause permanent physical damage by increasing your heart rate. While the healthiest option is to stop using caffeine altogether, cutting off your supply can cause a host of withdrawal symptoms.
Caffeine is a stimulant, it wakes you up and helps keep your mind sharp. This means that if your body is used to caffeine and stops getting its daily dose, you’ll likely be tired and find it difficult to concentrate. Many people who abruptly stop caffeine find themselves barely able to stay awake and even harder to stay on track. They often make more mistakes at work. Caffeine withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon 12 hours after stopping your intake. They are at their worst after 24-48 hours, and can last for up to a week.
While loss of concentration and focus is common and expected, there are some other physical symptoms you should be aware of as well. At least 50% of people going through caffeine withdrawal experience headaches; they usually feature a dull generalized pain rather than anything sharp and focused. People in withdrawal may also experience muscle soreness or stiffness, chills, and hot spells. It is important to recognize these symptoms as being from caffeine withdrawal; otherwise you may fear you have the flu or a more serious illness.
Caffeine withdrawal symptoms can be emotional as well as physical. We’re used to feeling a certain way when we stop feeling that way, it can take a toll. Lack of caffeine can leave you feeling irritable, restless, depressed or anxious. People who abruptly stop caffeine may not be able to take work and go home early. They often lash out at their friends, family and coworkers with little or no reason.
Everyone’s response to caffeine withdrawal is different. It depends on your own personal physiology as well as how much caffeine you were consuming per day. Symptoms can range from annoying to debilitating. If your symptoms are mild, you may be able to quit cold turkey. For those with a severe addiction, suddenly stopping caffeine intake may be unbearable. The best way to avoid these withdrawal symptoms is to slowly cut down on caffeine instead of quitting cold turkey.
While pain killers may take care of some of the problems, there is no magic pill or any other cure for withdrawal symptoms besides time. If your symptoms are minor, you may be able to quit all at once, but it your symptoms are severe, you should decrease slowly for your own safety. While it may be tough to take, quitting or cutting back on caffeine is a great choice to make for living a healthier life.
www.reallifesolutions.net/personal/caffeine_withdrawal.htm