7 Easy ways to reduce caffeine withdrawal symptoms

Coffee Addict: 7 Easy ways to reduce caffeine withdrawal symptoms

Angela Goh

25 May 2016

updated the 13 June 2016 à 10:05

1/7
Take it slow – one baby step at a time
Yes, we know going cold turkey seems like a great idea when you’re all pumped to start a healthy diet and a new you, but the additive properties of caffeine will make doing so a pain. Try not to cut your caffeinated drinks off overnight - lessen the amount you drink by a half cup each day to allow your body to become accustomed to the lower levels - this will reduce headaches and stave off any fatigue.
2/7
Find a healthy substitute
Withdrawing from caffeine doesn’t necessarily mean you will not be able to enjoy a nice, aromatic cup of coffee each day. There are plenty of substitutes out there, including decaffeinated varieties of coffee and tea. You can also opt for healthy electrolyte drinks or hydrating water. If tea is your weapon of choice, stick to herbal teas, which are usually 100% caffeine free, or green and white teas, which tend to have lower caffeine levels than black teas.
3/7
Get plenty of rest during the first few days
One of the most common symptoms that come with caffeine withdrawal is fatigue and tiredness. Your body might not immediately get used to the idea that you are cutting off your energy-boosting fix. So, you’ll need to slowly acclimatise your system. Take it easy at the start, and be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
4/7
Supplements will help get you back on track
Nutritional supplements can reduce the symptoms of lethargy, decreased alertness and irritability that comes with caffeine withdrawal. B-vitamins and vitamin C are good at combating any fatigue and flu-like symptoms that you will encounter.
5/7
Take some pain relief medication
Paracetamol doesn’t contain caffeine, so it is fine to take if you’re looking for a gentle way to ease your headaches. The main use of this painkiller is to block out pain signals from the brain. Thankfully, paracetamol doesn’t lead to addiction, but just be sure not to rely on it long-term. It is recommended that you take paracetamol during or immediately after meals to prevent an upset stomach.
6/7
Try to avoid temptation
It is always a good idea to reduce the chances of you coming into a situation where you will be likely to reach for that enticing cup of java. For example, try not to sabotage yourself by planning an outing with some friends at your favourite cafe, at least not during your first few weeks of withdrawal. This will just set you up for failure. Once you feel more confident with yourself, you can rejoin your gang and order a juice or water instead.
7/7
Be patient
These things take time. Building up a healthful lifestyle is something that takes time and effort. If it’s any consolation, think of it this way: if you manage to survive the unpleasant withdrawal process, you’ll feel 100% normal once again and you will have plenty of energy without the need for caffeinated drinks or foods. You might even end up saving plenty of money this way. Let that be a motivating factor to get you through the hardest stage.

Thinking of going on a healthy detox diet and need to cut out the caffeine? Skip those headaches and combat the lethargy with these tips.

While caffeine is a useful stimulant to some as an energy-booster and afternoon pick-me-up, it can also be addictive and, unfortunately, deciding to go cold turkey as a way of cutting your caffeine dependency may wreak havoc on your mind and body.

Caffeine withdrawal for an avid coffee drinker can cause a number of excruciating symptoms, from severe headaches to intense fatigue and drowsiness. The strength of these withdrawals can depend on several factors including the state of a person’s overall health, sensitivities that they have, and even genetics. But not to worry, if you’re thinking of quitting caffeine, there are ways to make the process easier to handle.

Head up to the gallery to find out exactly how to combat those ghastly caffeine withdrawal symptoms – we’ve got 7 easy ways to help ease you back into the swing of things.

Angela Goh

Photos: Getty Images

Zero Caffeine: 5 Herbal teas and their secret health benefits

Caffeine Break: How does coffee really affect your skin?

Sweet Innocence: Reminisce your first love with Ralph...