Are You Sensitive To Caffeine? | Here’s What You Need To Know

Caffeine is a stimulant that can be found in tea, coffee, aerated beverages, chocolate, energy drinks, and even some medications. While some people need caffeine as a daily dose, some others may be sensitive to caffeine.

Different people have different reactions to caffeine as well as different tolerance levels. For instance, you may feel okay after drinking three cups of a highly caffeinated drink while your colleague may feel jittery after drinking one cup of a caffeinated beverage.

“Even bad coffee was better than no coffee at all.” – David Lynch

But for some people ‘no coffee’ is a better choice. Caffeine intake, even in small doses, can cause side effects to a person’s body and mind.

Signs & Symptoms Of Caffeine Sensitivity

People who are sensitive to caffeine can experience:

• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Jitters
• Shaking
• Insomnia
• Erratic heartbeat
• Headaches
• Mood swings

If you’re not sure about caffeine sensitivity, try intaking caffeine in small doses but increase it slowly and notice if you feel any of the symptoms. If your symptoms don’t go even after limiting your caffeine intake, consult a doctor immediately.

What Causes Caffeine Sensitivity?

The metabolism of a person is highly dependent if they have or will develop caffeine sensitivity. Some people have a slow metabolism when it comes to caffeine intake, meaning that their bodies take more time to expel caffeine from their system.

While some people are only sensitive to either the anxiety-inducing effects of caffeine or insomnia brought on by caffeine, others are sensitive to the long-term effects of caffeine like a continued increase in blood pressure.

Some other risk factors of caffeine sensitivity can be:

• Genetics
• Age or sex
• Substance use
• Biological factors
• Poor sleep patterns

Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others such as:

• Older people
• Pregnant women
• Children
• Young adults

Certain medical or mental health conditions and medications can make people more sensitive to caffeine. People who take prescribed medications frequently must consult their doctor to understand how much caffeine intake is suitable for them.

It is recommended that children and teenagers avoid caffeine intake as much as possible as it can be harmful to their overall health.

How Can You Treat Caffeine Sensitivity?

To be able to treat sensitivity to caffeine, you should be aware of how caffeine is affecting your health. If you are experiencing insomnia then you should avoid caffeine before bed. If you are experiencing anxiety or other panic disorders then you should limit caffeine intake as it may cause restlessness and may increase tremors.

To limit caffeine consumption, you should do it gradually as an immediate cut-off from caffeine can result in caffeine withdrawal which can be dangerous and cause headaches, fatigue, mood swings, and difficulty in focusing.

Caffeine Alternatives Are Safer:

1. Chicory Coffee

Chicory root is a caffeine-free source of inulin. It can be roasted, grounded, and brewed just like coffee to give you a boost of energy without caffeine. Chicory root may cause digestive problems in some people and can have side effects such as bloating or gas.

Also Read: Daily Exercises To Boost Energy

2. Golden Milk

This is a rich and healthy alternative for caffeine. This beverage is made using cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and black pepper. You can also add other condiments such as cardamom, vanilla, or honey according to your taste. Golden milk is anti-inflammatory.

3. Lemon Water

Your morning drink doesn’t have to be coffee. Lemon water is a caffeine-free, calorie-free alternative to any caffeinated beverage and provides you with Vitamin C as well. It is rich in antioxidants and you can add mint, cucumber, or basil to give yourself a refreshing and soothing taste in the morning.

4. Masala Tea

A morning, afternoon, or evening drink with herbs and spices, sounds amazing right? Black tea brewed with cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, black peppercorns, and ginger is one of the most popular alternative drinks to caffeinated beverages. It is also said that black tea reduces the risks of heart diseases.

While coffee and other caffeinated drinks have perks, it may not all be healthy for you.  These alternatives have their own merits and demerits. If you notice any allergic reactions to these above-mentioned beverages, consult your doctor.

Final Words

Caffeine is found in different foods and beverages in its own form but not all people are comfortable with such foods and drinks. Intake of caffeine can affect your mood, sleep patterns, heart rate, and blood pressure. It can cause jittery nerves, nausea, and trembling.

If you’re caffeine sensitive, avoid caffeinated drinks and foods or consult a physician for further assistance. Don’t cut back on caffeine all at once, take it slowly so as to avoid a caffeine withdrawal.

Alternatives to caffeine such as caffeine-free green tea, water, lemon water, masala tea, and golden milk can provide you with a boost of energy without the caffeine.

 “Many nights, I would begin the evening fueled by caffeine and nicotine, which I needed to propel me out of torpor and hopelessness – only to overshoot into a quaking, quivering anxiety.” – Scott Stossel