Caffeine has the ability to stimulate the nervous system, resulting in increased endurance and mild mood elevation. People consume caffeine widely, often in beverages such as coffee and energy drinks. Detoxing from caffeine consumption may result in frustrating symptoms that range from mild to debilitating. The National Institutes of Health considers 250 mg an average dose of caffeine.
Headaches
Caffeine reduces blood flow in the brain by blocking an anti-inflammatory chemical adenosine. When you reduce or stop caffeine intake, blood flow returns to normal. This increased blood flow may cause caffeine detox headaches, which range from mild to severe. When detoxing from caffeine, reducing your daily intake into smaller increments over the course of a two-week period can reduce withdrawal-induced headaches.
Fatigue
Caffeine stimulates the adrenal glands. These glands produce the hormone adrenaline, which assists the body in coping with stress. When you reduce caffeine consumption, fatigue may result. The adrenals may go into a period of underproduction because they have come to depend on the stimulation caffeine produces. Energy and endurance levels may decline, making it difficult to maintain the same amount of stamina as before.
Depression
Because caffeine stimulates the nervous system to produce chemicals that boost mood, the absence of caffeine may lead to melancholy. It may take the body anywhere from two weeks to two months to adjust to normal biochemical levels. During this time, you may experience a lack of interest in daily activities and notice a lowered mood state. Quitting caffeine over a specified period of time, as opposed to stopping cold turkey, may help decrease these symptoms.
Tips
Water assists the body in assimilating toxins. When detoxing from caffeine, an increase in water intake may alleviate symptoms temporarily. Caffeine also requires the body to use more B vitamins than normal, so supplementing with a B complex vitamin may help restore or balance B vitamin levels. Saunas and steam rooms assist the body's natural detox process by releasing toxins through sweat.
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