For millions of people, life does not start until they have their first cup of coffee. In fact, many people have coffee not only to start their day, but at many other times as well. With companies such as Starbucks expanding around the world and offering more and more types of coffee blends for people to enjoy, some people find themselves becoming addicted to coffee. If you love coffee but think you may be drinking a cup or two more than you should on a daily basis, here are some signs that indicate you may be addicted to coffee.
THE FIRST 24 HOURS
If you are unable to have your normal amount of coffee, chances are your body will begin to show symptoms of caffeine withdrawal within the first 24 hours. Some of the most common symptoms of caffeine withdrawal include:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Muscle Pain
Since your body has gotten used to having a certain amount of caffeine each day to produce increased energy levels and focus, it's possible symptoms can begin to appear as soon as 12 hours once caffeine withdrawal sets in.
DO ALL COFFEE DRINKERS EXPERIENCE WITHDRAWAL?
While most coffee drinkers assume they will experience withdrawal symptoms once they stop drinking coffee, that's not always the case. In fact, studies have shown that only about 50 percent of coffee drinkers experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches or irritability. However, due to the many horror stories about withdrawal that virtually all coffee lovers have heard of over the years, most people are reluctant to give up their current levels of coffee consumption.
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?
For most healthy adults, 400 milligrams or less of caffeine per day is perfectly healthy. That amounts to four cups of coffee per day, so if you're consuming more than this, you might be addicted to your java. Since moderate coffee intake has been shown to improve exercise performance and reduce the risk of heart disease, it's well worth the effort to drink your favorite brew in moderation.
LIMITING WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
If you're addicted to your coffee and want to limit the effects of your withdrawal symptoms, there are many ways to do so. One of the best is to reduce how many cups of coffee you consume daily, but be sure to do so gradually. For example, if you drink five cups of coffee daily, cut that down to four for a few days, then three, two, and finally one. Along with this, get some extra sleep to negate fatigue and drowsiness, and maybe take a morning run or walk to help you feel mentally and physically energized.
By learning to love your coffee in moderation each day, you'll still have the best of both worlds. Not only will you still be able to drink coffee, but you'll also feel better by incorporating some exercise and rest into your daily routine. If you follow these recommendations, your addiction to coffee will be a thing of the past.
