The adrenal glands are particularly sensitive to magnesium deficiency, so supplementing with it helps to support the adrenals. Magnesium is also an important mineral for energy production by mitochondria in all cells of the body. Both of these effects are helpful to reduce headaches associated with caffeine withdrawal. Magnesium helps to stabilize the vascular system and to relax muscles. In addition, certain supplements can help to relieve symptoms of withdrawal. Coffee alternatives made with herbs, grains, fruits, and nuts can help to fulfill the need for a morning ritual. Mixing regular coffee with decaffeinated coffee is a common way to wean. This is done during the predetoxification phase. I often start weaning my patients off coffee and other vices a week before they start their detoxification. How do we help our patients to manage these symptoms when removing coffee from their daily morning or afternoon ritual? The best way to avoid withdrawal symptoms is to wean slowly. In addition to headaches, withdrawal symptoms can include fatigue, irritability, constipation, depression, muscle stiffness, lack of concentration, and even flu-like symptoms. Of course, not everyone experiences these symptoms or is dependent on caffeine. Many individuals require caffeine to wake up in the morning or to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Physical dependence on caffeine is common. Vasodilation also leads to a drop in blood pressure, which contributes to fatigue.

The increased sensitivity of adenosine receptors leads to dilation of blood vessels, which is the cause of headaches in caffeine withdrawal. Headache is often the most common symptom in patients experiencing caffeine withdrawal and is caused by adenosine receptors being more sensitive to adenosine once caffeine is removed. 7 Caffeine use has been associated with lower rates of chronic liver disease caused by excess alcohol consumption, diabetes, obesity, and high iron saturation. Caffeine consumption has been linked to decreased rates of certain types of cancer, 3,4 Alzheimer disease, 5 Parkinson disease, 6 and diabetes mellitus. There is also growing research about the health benefits of caffeine. They include anxiety, magnesium deficiency, chronic dehydration, increased inflammation, and sleep deprivation.

The negative health effects of long-term regular caffeine use are numerous. It is important to address potential suboptimal adrenal function in patients with long-standing regular caffeine habits. Using caffeine as a stimulant allows a person to ignore common signs of stress and overload. Over time, the false sense of energy as a result of consuming caffeine can take its toll on the adrenal glands. Stimulatory effects of caffeine on the body include increased mental acuity, blood pressure, and heart rate. Caffeine withdrawal symptoms are usually felt within 24 hours after stopping caffeine. The half-life for caffeine metabolism in adults is usually 5 to 6 hours. Caffeine is metabolized by the liver via the cytochrome P450 enzymes. Chemical structure of caffeine and of adenosineĬaffeine enters the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestines and can exert its effects in as little as 15 minutes. The release of neurotransmitters is increased when adenosine receptors are blocked by caffeine, resulting in central nervous system stimulation.įigure. Adenosine receptors inhibit the release of neurotransmitters. Adenosine is not a neurotransmitter but a neuromodulator. Blocking adenosine receptors in the brain is the primary way that caffeine acts as a stimulant given its structural similarity to adenosine (Figure). Like most other xanthines, it is a central nervous system stimulant, having both physical and mental effects. 2 BiochemistryĬaffeine is a methylxanthine. 1 Approximately 20% to 30% of Americans consume more than 600 mg of caffeine daily. In the United States, 89% to 96% of men and nonpregnant women older than 18 years consume caffeine from coffee (71%), tea (12%), and soft drinks (16%). When managed properly, caffeine withdrawal can be practically effortless and painless.Ĭaffeine is the most widely used drug worldwide. It can be the one factor that keeps a person from starting a detoxification program or cleanse. Caffeine withdrawal can be extremely debilitating for many people.

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