Caffeine is an intense stimulant, and overexposure may cause headaches in individuals sensitive to its effects. Used responsibly and in moderation, however, caffeine can provide energy boost and help people stay awake longer. Drinking too much coffee however can lead to insomnia, anxiety and other health problems; some individuals even experience caffeine withdrawal symptoms like headaches during withdrawal. So is quitting coffee safe?

No doubt there are numerous advantages to cutting caffeine out of your life, but making a plan to do it safely is key to its successful implementation. You could start by gradually decreasing your caffeine consumption while gradually adding caffeine-free beverages into your routine; or switch from your usual cup of caffeinated coffee for decaf, which won’t give the same buzz.

Staying hydrated and eating nutritive food is also crucial for quitting coffee successfully. A recent study discovered that dehydration can worsen coffee withdrawal symptoms while an absence of essential nutrients could contribute to mood fluctuations; so when trying to quit coffee make sure you drink plenty of water while eating nutritious whole grain products such as whole grain cereals, fruits, and vegetables.

Withdrawal symptoms from quitting caffeine depend on how much caffeine one is drinking; typically headaches, fatigue, sleepiness, irritability and nausea will start within 12-24 hours after stopping it and can indicate dependence. Too much caffeine consumption has also been linked to higher blood pressure levels, heart palpitations and gastrointestinal distress as well as intensifying premenstrual tension syndrome and fibrocystic breasts in women as well as increasing bone loss for postmenopausal women.

With regards to caffeine consumption, experts advise limiting daily consumption to no more than 400 milligrams – about four or five cups of regular coffee. Decaf contains the same level of caffeine; however, their processing can alter how much caffeine you get out of it.

Avoid coffee and other caffeinated beverages prior to bed, as their diuretic effect can disrupt your rest by prompting frequent trips to the bathroom. Furthermore, too much caffeine may interfere with calcium absorption and lead to stomach cramps in some people.

If you’re uncertain how to cut back on caffeine, contact your GP or dietitian. While consuming caffeine in moderation can help get you through your day more easily, for optimal health it should only be consumed occasionally. As an alternative way of replacing coffee with herbal teas that provide important antioxidants such as almonds, malted barley and chicory (both staples in New Orleans coffee) or ginger root peppermint comfrey sassafras and ginseng; herbal teas provide not only healthier alternatives than coffee – they may provide important health benefits over their caffeinated counterparts!