Caffeine can become a regular part of many people's diets because it is an ingredient in coffee, other beverages and even some foods. When consumed periodically, caffeine poses no risk. However, if you consume it several times per day and need to cease your consumption, it can be very difficult. By following some practical tips you can kick the caffeine habit.
Do Your Homework
It can be very difficult to stop a certain behavior. However, once you understand why this behavior is unhealthy for you, it may become easier to make lifestyle changes. Start by gaining an understanding of how much caffeine you are actually consuming from foods and beverages. Beverages with caffeine are consumed most often. Mayo Clinic states that consumption of caffeine between 200 and 300 mg per day is not considered detrimental for healthy adults. An 8-oz. cup of regular coffee has about 100 to 200 mg of caffeine while a 12-oz. soft drink has between 20 and 30 mg of caffeine. If you drink several of these drinks each day, you are easily consuming more than the recommended amount. Mayo Clinic adds that regularly consuming 500 mg of more of caffeine could lead to irritability, dehydration, headaches and other symptoms.
Don't Go Cold Turkey
Although the ultimate goal is to cease your consumption of caffeine, it is important to gradually decrease your caffeine consumption. If you are a regular consumer of caffeine and you stop consuming it abruptly, it can cause withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, nausea and anxiety.
Trick Your Brain
Coffee and soft drinks are some of the most commonly consumed food items that contain caffeine. If you are trying to stop consuming caffeine, trick your brain into thinking that you still are. For example, if you drink coffee every morning, start drinking decaffeinated coffee. For many people, it is actually less about the caffeine and more about the habit of drinking coffee every day. Similarly, trade your regular soft drink for a caffeine-free version to try and maintain your usual routine.
Watch Out for Hidden Ingredients
Beverages that contain caffeine are easy to identify. However, foods that contain chocolate also contain caffeine. Additionally, pain medications such as those that treat migraines also contain caffeine. Read the labels for these medications so that you can make adjustments and identify an alternative medication.
