Difference between revisions of "Quit Caffeine"
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| − | + | Caffeine can help us feel more awake and alert, but too much for too long can be bad for your health. Quitting caffeine to reset your body and move away from the highs and lows of caffeine can be difficult, but most people feel the benefits of a caffeine-free life fairly quickly. Caffeine is a drug, and like any drug, in order to free yourself from addiction, you have to be committed to your plan of action, and be ready for the withdrawal symptoms and a serious dip in your energy levels. | |
[[Category:Food Addictions and Cravings]] | [[Category:Food Addictions and Cravings]] | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Preparing to Stop=== | ===Preparing to Stop=== | ||
| − | #Get mentally ready. Do you love the taste of your caffeinated drink and the jolt of energy it can give you? Most people drink caffeine for one or both of those reasons, but too much caffeine can do serious damage to your system. If you’re constantly sipping on your caffeinated drink of choice, it’s probably time to slow down and help your body return to a more normal state. Up to 400 mg a day is ok, but any more is too much. 400 mg of caffeine is equal to the amount in 4 cups of coffee or 10 cans of soda.<ref name="rf3969" /> However, it is not safe to drink 10 cans of soda in one day. This is only an example to show how much caffeine it contains. | + | #Get mentally ready. Do you love the taste of your caffeinated drink and the jolt of energy it can give you? Most people drink caffeine for one or both of those reasons, but too much caffeine can do serious damage to your system. If you’re constantly sipping on your caffeinated drink of choice, it’s probably time to slow down and help your body return to a more normal state. Up to 400 mg a day is ok, but any more is too much. 400 mg of caffeine is equal to the amount in 4 cups of coffee or 10 cans of soda.<ref name="rf3969">http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20045678</ref> However, it is not safe to drink 10 cans of soda in one day. This is only an example to show how much caffeine it contains. |
#Think of the benefits. If you are drinking more than 3 caffeinated drinks per day, your health might be affected. In moderate doses caffeine is healthy, but larger amounts can cause serious problems. Some of the reasons to quit caffeine are:<ref name="rf18801">http://www.caffeineinformer.com/benefits-quitting-caffeine</ref> | #Think of the benefits. If you are drinking more than 3 caffeinated drinks per day, your health might be affected. In moderate doses caffeine is healthy, but larger amounts can cause serious problems. Some of the reasons to quit caffeine are:<ref name="rf18801">http://www.caffeineinformer.com/benefits-quitting-caffeine</ref> | ||
#*Increasing hypertension risks | #*Increasing hypertension risks | ||
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===Recovering from Caffeine Cravings=== | ===Recovering from Caffeine Cravings=== | ||
#Get plenty of rest. For many of us, caffeine is a way to combat too little sleep and a lack of energy during the day. Make sure as you are quitting caffeine that you have made it possible to sleep as much as you need each night -- this will help your body reset and get used to your new caffeine-free system.<ref name="rf18805" /> | #Get plenty of rest. For many of us, caffeine is a way to combat too little sleep and a lack of energy during the day. Make sure as you are quitting caffeine that you have made it possible to sleep as much as you need each night -- this will help your body reset and get used to your new caffeine-free system.<ref name="rf18805" /> | ||
| − | #Limit your [[Drink Responsibly|alcohol consumption]]. This, along with [[Drink | + | #Limit your [[Drink Responsibly|alcohol consumption]]. This, along with [[Drink More Water Every Day|drinking plenty of water]], is especially important during the first few days as your body is adjusting. Alcohol will dehydrate you and since it's also a depressant, it will increase your cravings for the upside in caffeine the next day.<ref name="rf9565">http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551</ref> |
#Be ready for withdrawal symptoms. Depending on how much caffeine you drank, your body might be at risk of getting a shock with the change from daily caffeine to no caffeine. The following caffeine withdrawal symptoms are possible and can last for a few days after you have stopped caffeine:<ref name="rf18806">http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20045678?pg=2</ref> | #Be ready for withdrawal symptoms. Depending on how much caffeine you drank, your body might be at risk of getting a shock with the change from daily caffeine to no caffeine. The following caffeine withdrawal symptoms are possible and can last for a few days after you have stopped caffeine:<ref name="rf18806">http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20045678?pg=2</ref> | ||
#*Fatigue and Sleepiness | #*Fatigue and Sleepiness | ||
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#Stop slouching. Slumping down at your desk isn't doing you any favors in the alertness category. Sitting up, in an ergonomically friendly way, can make you feel more alert and ready to work. Consider standing up while you work or bring a yoga ball to the office to sit on. Why not include a sit-in workout to increase your energy level? <ref name="rf18808">http://www.fastcompany.com/3041688/body-week/the-surprising-and-powerful-links-between-posture-and-mood</ref> | #Stop slouching. Slumping down at your desk isn't doing you any favors in the alertness category. Sitting up, in an ergonomically friendly way, can make you feel more alert and ready to work. Consider standing up while you work or bring a yoga ball to the office to sit on. Why not include a sit-in workout to increase your energy level? <ref name="rf18808">http://www.fastcompany.com/3041688/body-week/the-surprising-and-powerful-links-between-posture-and-mood</ref> | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
