Many people rely on coffee to help wake up in the morning or for a boost of energy during the day. The caffeine in coffee stimulates your nervous system, helping to you feel more alert and focused. If you consume coffee in excess, however, you can become dependent upon caffeine and experience withdrawal symptoms if you skip your usual cup of coffee.
Coffee and Caffeine
The caffeine content of coffee drinks depends on the brand of coffee you are consuming. On average, however, an 8 oz. cup of coffee will contain between 95 g and 200 g caffeine. Even decaffeinated coffees can contain between 2 and 12 g caffeine, according to the MayoClinic.com.
Caffeine Addiction and Withdrawal
When you consume caffeine, it acts directly on your central nervous system and stimulates your brain to become more active. You may feel energized and associate caffeine's effects with an overall sense of wakefulness and improved concentration. If you develop a habit of consuming coffee on a regular basis, you will develop a physical dependence on caffeine. If you cut back on coffee or skip your daily dose, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as headache, fatigue, anxiety, and irritability.
Limiting Caffeine Consumption
MayoClinic.com suggests that most adults should limit their caffeine intake to between 200 and 300 mg a day, the amount contained in approximately two to four cups of coffee. This moderate amount will not harm most people. Caffeine intake higher than 500 or 600 mg, however, can cause adverse health effects such as insomnia and increased heartbeat. If you are consuming this amount of caffeine per day, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches if you cut back or stop using caffeine.
Expert Insights
If you want to avoid headaches associated with coffee and caffeine dependence, start alternating between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee or tea drinks as part of your morning routine. MayoClinic.com notes that many decaffeinated coffee or tea products have similar flavors to those containing caffeine, and substituting regular selections for decaffeinated options can help you limit the negative side effects of caffeine consumption.
References
- CNN Health; Beware The Perils Of Caffeine Withdrawal; Judy Fortin; April 2009
- American Pain Foundation; Headaches and Caffeine: The Cause and Effect Relationship; Navid Farahmand, et al.; February 2009
- MayoClinic.com: Caffeine: How Much Is Too Much?; March 2011
- MayoClinic.com: Caffeine Content For Coffee, Tea, Soda And More; October 2009
Member Comments