In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleYou Could Experience Some Nasty HeadachesYou Could Lose a Few PoundsYou Could Become ConstipatedYou Could Feel More RelaxedYou Could Get Better SleepYou Could Feel LethargicYou Could Have a Whiter Smile
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
You Could Experience Some Nasty Headaches
You Could Lose a Few Pounds
You Could Become Constipated
You Could Feel More Relaxed
You Could Get Better Sleep
You Could Feel Lethargic
You Could Have a Whiter Smile
About 90% of American adults consume caffeine on a regular basis and almost all of it comes from coffee, according to a 2019 study in theJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. And whether you’re going to suddenly stop drinking coffee or just trying to cut back on your consumption, quitting coffee and other caffeine-containing foods can have some short- and long-term effects on your body.
Depending on the severity of your caffeine habit, you could start to experience some intense withdrawals (caffeine is a drug, after all). It’s probably best to slowly wean yourself off of coffee and other soft drinks with caffeine—especially if you currently consume several servings a day—since those who consume only one cup of coffee per day can still experience withdrawal symptoms, according to a 2020 randomized controlled trial inFrontiers in Neurology.
While some of the following side effects may make you reconsider quitting caffeine, most of the negative consequences will only last for a few days. There are plenty of great reasons to push through if caffeine consumption has been affecting your energy levels, sleep, digestion or other aspects of your life.
Grove Pashley/Getty Images
Caffeine is a double-edged sword when it comes to headaches. Not only is caffeine consumption linked to more frequent headaches, but caffeine withdrawals are too. To make things even more complicated, caffeine can also be used to treat headaches says theAmerican Migraine Foundation.
Regular consumption of caffeinated coffee can cause stiffer blood vessels which results in a decrease in blood flow, according to a 2020Scientific Reportsstudy. When you stop drinking coffee, blood vessels return to their regular size and may cause headaches temporarily. When trying to relieve caffeine withdrawal headaches, just be sure to avoid Excedrin and other headache relief medications that have caffeine in them.
Whether you regularly consume coffee, soda—yes, even diet soda—or another caffeinated beverage, such as an energy drink, quitting caffeine could cause you to lose weight. Although plain coffee only has about 2 calories per cup, it’s easy for add-ins to add up, even without ordering a fancy latte or Frappuccino from a coffee shop. A plain cup of coffee with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and 2 teaspoons of sugar has about 130 calories. Many popular coffee drinks have many more calories. A grande Caramel Macchiato made with 2% milk from Starbucks has 250 calories and 33 grams of sugar. That’s a far cry from the sugar-free, nearly calorie-free beverage your coffee started as and can cause your weight to creep up over time.
Is Drinking Soda Bad for Weight Loss?
Coffee is attributed to stimulating our digestive system as much as our brain, and researchers believe it’s likely due to the way caffeine interacts with themicrobes that live in our gut.This means that quitting the caffeinated stuff could mean a little irregularity in the bathroom. The good thing is, if you’re replacing that caffeine with water and consuming plenty of fiber-rich plant foods like fruits, veggies, nuts and whole grains, then you likely have nothing to worry about.
Sleep expertMichael A. Grandner, Ph.D., M.T.R.explained to us that coffee has a direct impact on our body’s sleep-wake cycle, and it lasts in our body for hours. This means your midday cup of coffee or other caffeinated beverage could be the culprit for a restless night. Cutting caffeine out entirely lowers your risk of sleep disruption and helps your body recognize when it needs some shut-eye, according to a 2018Risk Management and Healthcare Policystudy.
Grandner also says you really don’t need a cup of joe to energize you first thing in the morning; your body does that naturally, so quitting caffeine won’t necessarily leave you in a slump all day. Try an herbal tea in the morning if you like the ritual of a warm drink to start your day.
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Tell us why!
