Caffeine is a stimulant drug that can make you feel more alert and energetic. Too much caffeine, however, can cause insomnia, jitters, heart palpitations, nausea, dehydration and anxiety. To neutralize the caffeine, flush your system with water and eat non-acidic foods. Moderate doses of caffeine -- from 200 to 300 mg, or about two to four cups of brewed coffee a day -- are not harmful for most people, according to the Mayo Clinic. But if you load up on caffeinated sodas, drink lots of coffee, eat large amounts of chocolate or take diet pills, you may experience unwelcome side effects from caffeine.
Step 1
Flush your system with fresh water. It will take several hours for the caffeine to clear out of your system depending on how much caffeine you have ingested. Drink one 8 oz. glass of water each hour over the next eight hours, according to the Mayo Clinic. Opt for filtered or bottled water.
Step 2
Drink herbal tea. If you have had too much caffeine, do not drink coffee and soda, instead can calm your nerves by drinking a cup of herbal tea, suggests the Mayo Clinic.
Step 3
Eat a healthy meal. Caffeine will not leave your system faster if you eat, but it will help curb the nausea that caffeine can cause. Stick to whole grains, protein, vegetables and fruit. Do not eat a high-sugar meal or this will add to the nausea and anxiety.
Step 4
Cut back gradually. Stopping caffeine "cold turkey" causes side effects, such as headaches and irritability. If you are accustomed to several caffeinated drinks per day, cut back a little each day.
Step 5
Snack on fruit. Coffee can be quite acidic, but you can help to neutralize the acids by eating highly alkaline foods. Try snacking on watermelon, cantaloupe, raisins, dried dates, figs, mango, melons, papaya or apples. Each of these foods will help balance the acid in your system.
Tips and Warnings
- A 6-oz. cup of coffee contains approximately 100 mg of caffeine -- tea and soda have about 40 mg each, and a bar of milk chocolate has about 10 mg, according to CNN.
Things You'll Need
- Filtered water
- Herbal tea
- Fresh fruit
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