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Whether you are suffering from anxiety or you just don’t like the taste of coffee, you might be asking yourself if switching to decaf would help.
While you might not have heard of the term decaf, it is a type of coffee that is made from decaffeinated beans. And it has its benefits.
Decaf coffee is good for you because it has antioxidants and can help to reduce withdrawal symptoms. It is also said that decaf coffee can reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Caffeine Causes Anxiety
Approximately 85 percent of the population consumes caffeine on a daily basis. This includes chocolate, soft drinks, and energy drinks. However, caffeine can be a trigger for anxiety.
Triggers Anxiety-related Symptoms
Taking too much caffeine can cause a variety of anxiety-related symptoms, including rapid heartbeat, shaky hands, and even auditory hallucinations.
Blocks Adenosine Receptors
Caffeine blocks the adenosine receptors in the brain, a natural chemical that makes us feel sleepy. It also puts brakes on brain activity. It is therefore a very good idea to avoid caffeine at all costs if you are suffering from anxiety.
Helps Produce Stress Hormones
Caffeine can also cause the body to produce more stress hormones. This may cause anxiety and panic attacks. It also may increase the side effects of medications, including antidepressants.
Increases Blood Pressure
Caffeine may also increase blood pressure. In some cases, it can cause a person to develop a condition known as reactive hypoglycemia, where a person feels like their blood sugar is low.
Reduces GABA – The Calming Neurotransmitters
Caffeine may also reduce the production of calming neurotransmitters, such as GABA, which are needed to feel relaxed and happy. It is also possible to become physically dependent on caffeine. When a person withdraws from caffeine, they may experience muscle aches, irritability, depression, and insomnia.
Monitoring is the Key
The best way to get a handle on your caffeine consumption is to monitor your caffeine intake. If you drink coffee, for instance, you should take your cup of joe with a large glass of water. Drinking a glass of water can flush your system and help you feel less jittery.
3-3-3 Rule
The 3-3-3 rule is an effective way to get a handle on your caffeine consumption. The rule states that three cups of coffee are good for you, three cups of water are good for you, and three cups of tea are good for you.
Taking the time to cut back on caffeine can help improve your brain chemistry. In addition, it can help you stay alert. It is also possible to reduce your anxiety with healthy dietary modifications, as well as a variety of other lifestyle changes.
Decaf Coffee Reduces Withdrawal Symptoms
Taking decaf coffee will reduce withdrawal symptoms for anxiety. However, if you’re going to try and quit, you’ll want to start with a step-by-step approach.
The first step is to identify the root cause of your caffeine addiction. It’s also a good idea to consult a doctor to determine the best way to quit.
The second step is to begin weaning yourself off caffeine. This is best done gradually to minimize side effects.
The caffeine withdrawal symptoms that you’ll experience can last anywhere from two to nine days. You can also reduce your caffeine intake by switching to caffeine-free alternatives such as herbal teas.
The most effective way to counter caffeine withdrawal is to stay hydrated. This is especially important if you’re pregnant. A good night’s sleep will also help ease withdrawal symptoms.
Cutting back on caffeine can also lead to a more balanced set of hormones and improved sleep. Regular exercise can also boost energy levels.
Using a pain reliever can also help ease withdrawal symptoms. It’s also recommended to get at least seven to nine hours of sleep per night. However, it’s not always possible to sleep through the night.
It’s also important to make sure that you’re eating a balanced diet. This will help boost energy levels and improve your mood. If you’re feeling particularly tired or run down, make sure to get in some quick workouts.
Decaf Can Ease Chronic Issues
Cutting back on caffeine may also be helpful if you suffer from chronic health problems. The caffeine effects tend to wear off within four to six hours, but you may have to wait longer for the symptoms to diminish.
Similarly, you may have to reduce your caffeine intake if you suffer from a heart condition.
Decaf coffee has also been linked to lower levels of liver enzymes. This can be helpful if you’re suffering from a liver disease or if you’re pregnant.
There are also several coffee alternatives that are caffeine-free. These include decaf, herbal teas, and Rooibos tea.
Decaf Coffee is Still a Good Source of Antioxidants
Regardless of the fact that decaf coffee contains fewer antioxidants than regular coffee, it is still one of the healthiest drinks on the planet. Besides being a source of antioxidants, it can also help anxiety.
Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals in the body, which can lead to a variety of diseases. And decaf still has them.
In addition to scavenging free radicals, antioxidants can also help protect against cancer. They are also effective at preventing heart disease. Compared to regular coffee, decaf contains about 15% less antioxidants.
Decaf coffee is often preferred by caffeine-lovers, who are concerned about caffeine side effects. However, even decaf can affect the central nervous system and other organs. Those who have a caffeine allergy should avoid decaf coffee or any coffee at all.