Caffeine unfortunately seems to be an accepted form of addiction. It is used as a central nervous system stimulant, to keep the brain alert. However, if you are addicted to any substance, you are not truly and completely in control of yourself.
The hard truth is that in sensitive individuals, caffeine can produce psychological symptoms. What's more, caffeine withdrawal causes enough physical symptoms for it to be classed as a psychiatric disorder. To avoid serious and undesirable symptoms from caffeine toxicity, it is wise to cut it out or cut back!
The problem:
The more caffeine you consume, the more exhausted your adrenal glands become, trapping you in a vicious cycle. Your dependancy on this outsourced stimulant makes your body 'forget' how to use its own natural supply of dopamine and adrenalin.
The culprits:
Stimulants are addictive culprits. In coffee there are three, namely: caffeine, theobrommine and theophylline. (Even decaffeinated coffee does contain stimulants.) When people don't have their usual dose of caffeine, they can experience many uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. As little as one cup of coffee can cause an addiction and 'caffeine toxicity'.
Caffeine toxicity:
Anxiety; sleep disruptions; restlessness; irritability; passing a lot of urine; stomach complaints; heart palpitations; food cravings; allergies; 'brain-fog'; indecision; feeling cold all the time; and bloatedness are some of the most common symptoms of adrenal exhaustion attributed to caffeine toxicity.
Know your rights:
By law, the ingredient caffeine must be included on the product label. However, there is no law stipulating that manufacturers have to tell you about caffeine that occurs naturally in products, for example chocolate.
Caffeine products:
Caffeine is found in the beans of the coffee plant; the leaves of the tea plant; the kola nut and guarana berries. It has made its way into so many processed products we buy like Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, milk chocolate, Red Bull, coffee-flavored milk, yoghurt, and ice cream; chocolate-flavored edibles including candies; syrups, icings, and even chocolate-covered fruits.
Cutting back:
Consider taking the process of detox slowly, allowing yourself plenty of rest so that your body can cope with the withdrawal symptoms. If you are serious about cutting back stimulants from you diet, use these simple tips:
- Begin by using decaffeinated coffee and tea, and slowly cut that out as well.
- Stay away from brewed coffee or strong tea.
- Drink smaller amounts of coffee and tea, diluting the strength with milk or water.
- Drink fewer caffeine drinks and consume fewer caffeinated products.
- Drink a lot of water to help your body detox quickly.
- Do light to moderate exercise to stimulate endorphins, helping your body ward off cravings.
Research:
During your caffeine detox period, take generous amounts of vitamin C, B-complex, Niacin (B3), calcium and magnesium and all the amino acids. Studies reveal that vitamin amounts much higher than the recommended daily intake are needed for optimal levels of health. However, you should consult with your health practitioner if you are unsure of the doses.
Detox symptoms:
Symptoms can last anything from a few days to about a week - depending on how much caffeine you were consuming. About 12 hours after stopping, these are the symptoms you can expect:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- "Bad mood"
- Depression
- Irritability
- Difficulty keeping concentration
- Flu-like symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and muscle pain.
The good news:
Caffeine in small doses is not altogether bad. In fact having a cup of coffee in the morning and another in the mid afternoon hours can help peak brain activity levels. However, this moderate amount of caffeine (250-500 mg) is fine just as long as you don't need to have it every day!
Remember detox symptoms do pass relatively quickly and the long-term benefits are worth it. Nothing beats a body that is naturally energetic!
Reference:
Patrick Holford. Optimum Nutrition for the Mind. London: Judy Piatkus Limited, 2003
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