Cutting
Caffeine: A Busy Mother’s Guide
We hear it all the time:
“I need my morning cup of coffee.”
As mothers, it makes sense that we sometimes rely on coffee to wake up
and get everyone moving, including ourselves.
But even though coffee can be a great pick-me-up, it’s important not to
get addicted. If you’re like me and have
already started to feel your body tolerating caffeine more and more, now is a
good time to kick that caffeine
addiction before that bitter cold comes and makes you grab another cup.
Think about your total caffeine intake—not just coffee. Do you drink soda often? Do you consistently take a painkiller with
caffeine? Can you still feel the effects
of a cup of coffee, or can you drink a cup and go to bed with no problems?
If you feel like caffeine is becoming too much of a crutch,
it might be time to consider ways to cut back on your intake, while still being
able to enjoy your morning cup of coffee.
If you’ve ever researched the effects and health benefits of caffeine,
you know there’s a huge range of information, and the topic is still up for
debate. But I’m a big believer that
moderation is key to balanced health and happiness.
A professor of psychiatry and neuroscience at John
Hopkins explained how caffeine is the world’s most commonly used stimulant,
and when people don’t get their usual dose, they can suffer a range of withdraw
symptoms including headache, fatigue, and they may have difficulty
concentrating. He went on to describe
that it may feel like they have “the flu with nausea and muscle pain.” Yikes.
But there are several ways to help you overcome a dependence
on caffeine, without experiencing as many of the withdrawal
symptoms:
·
Try sticking to caffeinated beverages you love
and substitute the others with decaffeinated options. Staying hydrated is a key to keeping the body
healthy.
·
Chose beverages with lower caffeine content such
as teas. Black tea has the highest
caffeine content, following with green, white, and herbal teas. Beware, though! Some herbal teas do have caffeine in them,
depending on what herbs go into them. Research
the caffeine content beforehand.
·
Still want that coffee taste? Try a shot of espresso or an Americano
(espresso and hot water). These options
actually have less caffeine than a regular cup of coffee.
·
It’s all in the timing: John Hopkins Medical Center found that
symptoms generally appear within 12 to 24 hours of stopping routine caffeine
use, and they peak within 20 to 48 hours.
Effects can persist for two days to an entire week.
·
Substituting light exercise and fitness with
that extra caffeine jolt has also been a common way to conquer withdrawal
symptoms. Exercise unleashes endorphins,
which helps curb headaches.
Remember that like all kinds of habits and addictions,
change comes with time. Don’t go all out
and cut out caffeine completely if you’re used to a drinking coffee throughout
the day. It’s probably not going to work
and you’ll feel the effects. Listen to
your body, and if you cut caffeine out slowly, you’ll feel the difference. Your
body and mind will thank you.
