Coffee is proven to be mighty healthy for humans, so long as we drink it – as the experts say – “in moderation.” And what is moderation when it comes to reaping coffee’s health benefits without possibly experiencing its downside? Three to four cups a day.
Drink more than that amount of coffee each day and, depending on your tolerance for caffeine, you could experience jitters, insomnia, a racing heartbeat, upset stomach, headache, irregular heartbeat, and upset stomach/nausea.
But if you drink more than four or so cups of java a day, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you cut back (coffee sometimes doesn’t like to go from being your great to “just friends”).
So if you’ve decided to reduce your coffee consumption to no more than the recommended-for-best-benefit amount (going from say, six cups to four), take a look below to learn how to cut back without experiencing the worst withdrawal symptoms.
Go slow.
Most withdrawal affects occur because a coffee drinker decides to cut back quickly, or completely! Going “cold turkey” when it comes to drinking coffee is a jolt to your body’s system and it Will. Not. Be. Happy!
It’s best to cut back slowly on the amount of coffee you drink. If you drink six cups a day one of them is in the afternoon, drink five in the morning and none in the afternoon. Drink five cups a day? Drink four-and-a-half cups for a few days and then move down to four, and so on.
Find something else to drink.
Many people end up drinking cups and cups of coffee because they are looking for something to “do.” The motions of grabbing the cup/mug, lifting it to your lips and sipping have become a habit and habits are best broken by taking on another habit. If that’s the case, continue to drink, but drink a glass of water, orange juice, decaf coffee or decaf/herbal tea.
If you get headaches, take something for them.
Many people get headaches during caffeine withdrawal. And they can last for days. If this is the case for you, take the pain reliever of your choice to alleviate your headache symptoms.
Drink more water. A lot more water!
Water will help purge your body of caffeine. Water also can help you stay on your toes (losing caffeine/not getting caffeine may make you drowsy until your body adjusts).
Get more exercise and eat healthier.
Exercise is proven to keep us more alert. Exercising while drinking less coffee will help you beat the fatigue/sleepiness that may ensue as you cut back.
Eating healthy food also fights fatigue. Just make sure the food is not laden with fats and sugar.
Get more sleep.
Go to bed at the same time every evening. Turn the television and smartphones/tablets off at least an hour before bedtime and make sure your sleeping room is dark and the temperature neither too hot nor too cold.
Whether you drink one cup of coffee a day or the recommended three to four, drink the best coffee: Ubean Coffee. Find the Ubean independent distributor nearest you.