For most of us, caffeine is more than a drink — it’s an everyday habit. But have you ever taken the time to think about what exactly it’s doing to your body? If you’re enjoying your morning cup of coffee or contemplating eliminating caffeine from your diet, the consequences can be rather potent. From that initial surge of energy to the withdrawal headaches, the history of caffeine in your body is a roller coaster ride. Let’s take a closer look at what happens when you consume caffeine — and what you may experience if you decide to quit.
The Buzz of Caffeine: What Happens When You Drink It
That initial coffee in the morning always seems like magic, waking you up and getting you going. That is because caffeine shuts off a chemical in your brain known as adenosine, which naturally makes you tired. The result? A pleasant dose of energy. But just like everything else good in life, too much caffeine has a few negatives.
Experts warn that too much caffeine can jolt your nervous system too much, making your heart pound, your hands tremble, or even throw your stomach into a tizzy. That’s why others begin to feel jittery or nervous after their second or third cup. If you have something to eat before you have coffee, you may escape some of these side effects and feel slightly more balanced.
Caffeine can also get your digestive system moving. If you’ve ever had to make a quick trip to the bathroom after your morning brew, you’re not alone. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can make this effect even stronger. For some people, this helps with constipation, but for others, it can lead to diarrhea.
And then there’s the issue of constantly needing to pee. Caffeine lowers a hormone that helps your kidneys hold onto water, meaning you’ll likely be heading to the restroom more often than usual.
The Afternoon Crash
The caffeine high feels wonderful, but it doesn’t last. In the afternoon, you may feel a major slump. That’s because caffeine suppresses the drowsy effect of adenosine temporarily. When the caffeine effect wears off, all the accumulated adenosine comes rushing back, and you feel that much more tired.
This crash can also trigger other not-so-fun symptoms, such as headaches, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. If you’ve ever experienced being cranky or fuzzy-brained after your morning coffee had worn off, now you’ll understand why.
Sleep Disruptions
Caffeine lingers in your body for 10 to 12 hours, so that post-lunch latte could be disrupting your sleep and you’d never even know it. Experts suggest skipping caffeine after 2 p.m. so your body has a chance to slow down naturally.
Having too much coffee too close to bedtime can make it more difficult to drift into deep, restful sleep, so you wake up the next morning feeling foggy — and perhaps grabbing even more coffee. It’s also important to realize that caffeine levels can be extremely different. Some decaf coffees still contain a shocking amount of caffeine, and some regular coffees pack a bigger punch than energy drinks. Having an idea of what’s actually in your cup can be a big deal.
What Happens When You Quit Caffeine
Considering scaling back or giving up caffeine altogether? Prepare yourself for a bit of adjustment — some good, and some not-so-comfortable at first.
Headaches are among the most frequent withdrawal symptoms. Regular consumption of caffeine makes your blood vessels constrict. When you quit, the vessels dilate again, which may cause some excruciating headaches. That’s why it’s generally advisable to taper off caffeine gradually instead of quitting abruptly.
You may also be quite fatigued and lethargic initially. Without the caffeine boost, your body takes time to get used to it, and you may feel as if you’re moving in slow motion for a couple of days.
But hang in there — good things are coming. Quitting caffeine can lead to much better sleep. Without caffeine disrupting your natural rhythms, you’ll probably find it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep, which can boost your energy and mood over time.
Another perk? A whiter, healthier grin. Coffee and soda are both significant culprits when it comes to tooth damage and staining, so abstaining from them will help your pearly whites last longer.
That being said, stopping caffeine may also disrupt your digestion for a while. Because coffee gets your gut going, you may feel a bit constipated initially. Being properly hydrated and consuming plenty of fiber can keep things in balance.
And another upbeat: without the jitters caused by caffeine, you may notice that you’re calmer and less stressed in general. Although the first few days of withdrawal may make you grumpy, your mood will probably even out after your body gets used to it.
The Takeaway
Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or considering booting caffeine, understanding how it impacts your body can lead to healthier decisions about your body. From the immediate rush to the eventual joys of stopping, caffeine has a strong — and sometimes unexpected — influence on the way we feel.
More for you:
What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Caffeine
Here’s What Occurs When You Give Up on Caffeine