Caffeine Is a Psychoactive Substance
Caffeine is the world’s most widely consumed psychoactive substance. It’s considered psychoactive because it affects alertness and our mental state, and it’s used daily by at least 85 percent of Americans.“Its intake does no harm to the individual or to society and its users are not compelled to consume it, though cessation of regular use may result in symptoms such as headache and lethargy,” the review authors wrote.
Regardless, millions of people start their day with a cup of coffee and rely on it to keep them going throughout the day.
However, there are many benefits to reducing your coffee intake or giving up caffeine altogether, and it can be a great way to improve your health and well-being.
Improved Sleep Quality
One of the most significant benefits of quitting caffeine is improved sleep.This means that if you consume 100 milligrams of caffeine (roughly one cup of coffee), after five hours, you’ll still have 50 milligrams of caffeine in your system. It will take another five hours to reach 25 milligrams.
This means that “afternoon pick-me-up” could still be affecting you by bedtime that evening.
Reduced Anxiety
Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause an increase in anxiety and jitteriness. Reducing intake or quitting caffeine entirely could reduce your likelihood of experiencing these symptoms and help you feel calmer and more relaxed.Reduced Risk of High Blood Pressure and Other Diseases
Caffeine can have a negative effect on your health, especially when used in large amounts.Strange added that a dose of 400 milligrams or less per day, or about four cups of coffee, is probably safe, but more than this can cause tachycardia, jitters, and insomnia.
“Which could have effects on one’s health, especially if someone also has heart disease or is on medications that may exacerbate effects of caffeine,” he said.
Better Hydration
Caffeine is a diuretic, which means that it can increase the frequency of urination and lead to dehydration.Improved Digestion
Coffee can affect stomach acid secretions and may cause gastroesophageal reflux, commonly called heartburn.People Who Shouldn’t Use Caffeine
Although caffeine and coffee consumption are generally safe for most people, there are some groups of people who should avoid or limit their intake.Pregnant Women
High doses of caffeine during pregnancy have been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children when they reach 4 to 11 years old.People With Anxiety Disorders
Caffeine can increase anxiety and jitteriness in some individuals, which can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety disorders.People With Heart Conditions
Caffeine can cause blood pressure to spike, which may be dangerous for those living with an underlying heart condition. Research also shows that caffeine can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation.People With Caffeine Sensitivity
Some people have a genetic predisposition to be more sensitive to caffeine, making them much more likely to experience adverse reactions such as anxiety or insomnia when they drink even moderate amounts.Children
Children are smaller and so are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than adults.Cutting Caffeine and Withdrawal Symptoms
Strange explained that the symptoms of caffeine withdrawal can be different for every person.“Common symptoms include headache, fatigue, low energy, irritability, anxiety, poor concentration, depressed mood, tremors, and sleeping issues,” he said, cautioning that the symptoms of quitting caffeine abruptly can last from a few days to a few weeks.
Strange emphasized that the benefits of living without caffeine include better sleep, better focus and concentration, and improved blood pressure, among others.