By Kelsey Casselbury
It doesn't take much to create a dependence on caffeine—just one cup of coffee a day, according to Johns Hopkins research, and that doesn't include the more-than-60 plant sources of caffeine other than coffee, such as tea, chocolate, and cola. Therefore, even if you don’t think you’re addicted to caffeine, you might still feel an effect if you cut out all sources of it. After all, don’t forget that, despite widespread consumption, health professionals still consider caffeine to be a psychoactive substance, which means that it is a drug that crosses the blood- ain barrier to stimulate the central nervous system.
The stimulating effects of a caffeine kick is around 15 minutes after consuming coffee, cola, or another item containing the compound, and lasts up to six hours. When you cut it out entirely, you're bound to feel it—and here's what happens:
First, You'll Feel Pretty Awful
If you're a coffee addict—that is, if you drink 400 to 500 milligrams of caffeine a day, or about three to four cups of coffee—chances are you've experienced the first step of caffeine withdrawal at some point. Those headaches, mood swings, and feelings of fatigue are not fun, so it’s best to warn loved ones to tread carefully. You can temper these effects, though, by cutting down on the amount of caffeine (from all sources) you take in each day, slowly reducing the number to zero.
You'll Find It Hard to Focus
You might want to take the day off from work because you probably won't be as productive as usual. This is due to the lack of stimulation from the caffeine, plus a decrease in the hormone adenosine, which caffeine interacts within the ain to keep you alert and focused. There's a workaround, though: A study from the British Journal of Psychology found that people who chewed gum had quicker reaction times and more accurate task results.
Your Workout Will Be Harder
Caffeine has been proven to boost athletic performance, allowing you to work harder and longer. Without it, you'll feel the struggle at the weight bench or on the treadmill. You might even feel your muscles cramping or stiffening—drink plenty of water to overcome this.
You'll Feel Backed Up
There's no way to put this delicately. Caffeine stimulates bowel activity, so sans the compound, you might feel a little, um, stopped up. Here’s the cure: tons of water, plus whole grains, legumes, and vegetables for fiber.
The Scale Will Fluctuate
Caffeine suppresses your appetite (hence all those folks who claim they're good with just a cup of java in the morning). Therefore, without it, your stomach could start growling much more quickly. On the other hand, if you're the type to load up your coffee with cream and sugar or you regularly drink full-calorie cola, you might happily see a dip in your weight.
Eventually, You Will Feel Calmer
The stimulating effect of caffeine is like hitting the gas pedal on your nervous system. It triggers a release of adrenaline (beneficial for big meetings or hard workouts, not as great for daily life) and, as a vasoconstrictor, narrows your blood vessels. This, in turn, raises your blood pressure. Get rid of the caffeine, your blood pressure will return to normal, and you will feel more relaxed on a regular basis.
You Will Sleep Better
Once you get past the withdrawal stage, you will sleep better. Caffeine not only wakes you up in the morning, but can also interfere with sleep at night, particularly if you're known for a late-afternoon pick-me-up. Once the caffeine is out of your system, you're more likely to snooze peacefully—and you might wonder why you ever needed coffee at all.
