The Advantages Of Quitting Caffeine

When you hear the word caffeine, the first thing that comes to mind may be coffee or tea. Caffeine, however, is found in many foods that you eat. Cookies, cakes -- even some breakfast cereals -- may contain caffeine. The more caffeine you take in, the more likely you are to notice negative physical and psychological effects. Quitting caffeine may not be easy, but the advantages may be worthwhile depending on how you react to this drug.

Sleep

Caffeine consumption and poor sleep habits have a direct link. Caffeine stimulates the brain, making it difficult to fall asleep. For this reason, it is best to stop any type of caffeine intake at least three to four hours before going to bed. CoxHealth explains that too much caffeine in the earlier part of the day may also interfere with your ability to fall asleep. Quit caffeine and get a better night’s rest.

Healthy Blood Pressure

Whether or not caffeine causes high blood pressure, or hypertension, still warrants further research. What researchers know for sure is that caffeine consumption causes a temporary rise in normal blood pressure. If you have a diagnosis of hypertension, quitting caffeine is not only advantageous, it may be a lifesaver. Health Services at Columbia University explains that caffeine produces a significant rise in blood pressure for those with a history of hypertension. The higher your blood pressure, the higher the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Stress Reduction

If you are feeling stressed, quitting caffeine may be the remedy. Caffeine is a stimulant that affects your nervous system, resulting in increased energy and alert responses. Since these affects are not permanent, Cuesta College explains that feelings of fatigue and depression may take their place when the caffeine high wears off. If you begin to rely on caffeine to maintain energy and focus, you are more inclined to develop a caffeine addiction. Mood swings and an increase in stress levels usually results. Kicking the caffeine habit can break this vicious cycle of undue stress.

Pregnancy

If you are a caffeine junkie and recently discovered that you are pregnant, quitting caffeine may be advantageous to your baby. The Harvard School of Public Health explains that caffeine consumption may affect your baby, increasing the risk of miscarriage. Your baby slowly metabolizes any caffeine that crosses the placenta after ingestion. Since the risks associated with this metabolization are unknown, your best bet may be to keep caffeine consumption to a minimum or quit it completely.

How to Quit

Quitting caffeine abruptly, may produce withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, depression, headache, and drowsiness. The California Maritime Academy explains that slowly reducing your caffeine intake reduces your likelihood of developing such symptoms. If you are a coffee drinker, slowly introducing decaffeinated coffee into your diet or substituting non-caffeinated foods for caffeinated, can help. Keeping a daily log of what you eat and drink will help you keep track of your caffeine intake.