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Independence from Caffeine Dependence

Posted , 3 users are following.

kc48513
kc48513

As a longtime coffee, tea, chocolate, and carbonated beverages consumer, I've found that when I try to cut out caffeine cold turkey that I have some pretty severe withdrawal symptoms, including moderate nausea, migraine, a dull mind that takes longer to process, lethargy, and negative or blue outlook. It may take 12 hours to set in, but when it does it's horrid.

Currently I'm taking in close to and sometimes over 1,000 mg daily (two tall starbucks + tea and/or Coca-Cola, sometimes chocolate), which I know can't be healthy. I work quite a lot and find I'm using caffeine as a sleep delayer so I can get more work and studying done, and yet, ironically yet not surprisingly, by bedtime I can't sleep for several hours after laying down.

I would like to find an easier way to go caffeine-free. Does anyone have any tips that have worked for them? 

Thanks in advance.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • ptolemy
    ptolemy kc48513

    Posted

    I think the secret of cutting down on caffeine is to do it slowly. Say one cup less every couple of days perhaps later on in the day. Perhaps find an alternative to the caffeine drink and substitute a cup every so often. Juice, mineral water, herbal tea etc. Home made mint tea is lovely I think.
    • kc48513
      kc48513 ptolemy

      Posted

      OK, thanks so much. I will try that. There are some days that I reach for the coffee later on in the day or early evening that I could probably forego. And, mint tea is quite delicious... smile
  • koko66162
    koko66162 kc48513

    Posted

    Hi; yes definitely doing it gradually will work. Maybe make your last one half regular half decaff. Also, I read it some where and noticed it for myslef that when body is low in protein it gets tired and you drink coffee. I used to drink coffee every day after lunch but I noticed when instead I make myself a protein drink (I only use the protein poweder with water), it gives me energy and I don't need the coffee. Hope this helps too. Tea of course is great as well and there a lot of deliciious teas out there these days. 
    • kc48513
      kc48513 koko66162

      Posted

      Protein--interesting! I will definitely give that a try. Something I've never considered. Thank you.
  • koko66162
    koko66162 kc48513

    Posted

    Sure, let me know how it works out for you. :o)
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