Caffeine addiction is a problem for many people around the world, and the people hooked on it are either students in their teens or adult workers. As the UAE is a very work-centric destination, caffeine products, specifically, coffee sell very well.

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Though people think drinking caffeine to give you energy may be a good thing, it’s actually damaging our health in the long term. If we don’t manage or monitor how much we consume, it could come back to bite us.

Harmful Side Effects of Caffeine Addiction

caffeine addiction

Don’t be mistaken; caffeine does have its benefits. And if you know how much to take and when to take it, it really can help you. But the problem with most people these days is that they are taking it too much, so it wrecks their tolerance level for it.

Overdosing on caffeine can lead to many harmful side effects on your health. Here are a few side effects of too much caffeine:

  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Digestive Issues
  • Muscle Breakdown
  • Addiction
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Rapid Heart Rate
  • Fatigue

You may not feel these symptoms instantly, or in a day of consuming a lot of caffeine, however, these symptoms will develop and become worse gradually. If you notice any of these symptoms or anything irregular in your health, cut your caffeine intake immediately, reconsider your lifestyle and speak with a medical practitioner if necessary.

How to Deal with Caffeine Addiction

caffeine addiction

It’s ok to consume it caffeine when you need it. As long as you aren’t living off it, you should be ok. If you’re drinking it for an energy boost, there are healthier alternatives to help you get off your caffeine addictions while still enjoying the same benefits. Here are some ways to reduce the caffeine addiction that you can try.

1. Substitute coffee

Coffee is the most common source of caffeine people are consuming. A cup every day should do no harm, but if you have multiple cups daily, you will feel a few of the side effects listed above. Look for substitutes.

Green tea is a great source of caffeine, as it only contains a fraction of the caffeine amount compared to coffee. It also has other health benefits, such as antioxidants and lowering the risk of heart disease.

2. Rest More

Some people cut their sleeping hours with the reliance on caffeine being able to get them through the next day. Not only is this bad for your health, but relying on caffeine to get you through the day will lead to many other health complications in the future.

Make sure you’re sleeping your ideal amount of hours at night. If you still feel tired during the day, take a power nap. A power nap that lasts 10-15 days may give you an energy boost that’s better than the basic coffee or caffeine beverage.

3. Stay clear of energy drinks

Energy drinks claim to be the best beverage for energy and alertness. However, its side effects make it one of the worst beverages out there, and you should steer well clear from it. Energy drinks contain more caffeine than the average person needs and contains other artificial chemicals that won’t do you any favours.

4. Have a caffeine detox

Excessive amounts of caffeine don’t just lead to mental health issues and physical fatigue, it also builds up unwanted tolerance that you won’t even notice. If you’re consuming caffeine daily, chances are its effects won’t last as long as the habit. The only way to break your caffeine tolerance is to go on a detox.

It means cutting caffeine consumption for some time. What’s good about having a caffeine detox is that it encourages your body to get into a healthier lifestyle and to realize that it doesn’t need coffee to function.

5. Monitor how much you consume and set a limit

A significant step in breaking caffeine addiction is to monitor how much you consume. Then you can understand how much you need and how much you actually want. This will also help you to cut down over time gradually.

Quitting altogether is difficult. Set yourself a limit, whether it’s per gram or per cup of coffee, so you can take control of your caffeine urges.

6. Drink more water

If you’re trying to maintain a right level of alertness, energy as well as improve your overall wellbeing, water should be your primary beverage. If you’re drinking enough daily, then you don’t need to rely on caffeine. Being well hydrated means your body will benefit from improved motor functions, brain functions, and energy levels.

Water is the fuel you need to get you through the day and is the basic foundation of a healthy diet. When you’re well-hydrated during day and night, you will have a lesser need for caffeine.

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