The Caffeine Habit
You might feel that drinking coffee helps you feel more awake and alert, but according to the Caffeine Awareness Organization, the coffee habit can be putting you at risk for a number of unwanted consequences. While the scientific data about the prevalence of people with a caffeine allergy is slim, there's been increasing awareness about the fact that caffeine maybe at the root of a host of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms affecting many Americans.
Hidden Caffeine Sources
Maybe you think that coffee is the only caffeine that you consume each day day, but many other foods and drinks are also packed with caffeine. Tea, soda, chocolate and energy drinks are a few of the sources that you need to be aware of if you're watching your caffeine intake.
If you have a caffeine allergy or intolerance, some of the types of effects you may experience include a headache, anxiety, jittery feeling, and trouble focusing. Children in particular may be more susceptible to these effects.
That's why for people who crave their coffee fix but may not realize this and other caffeine drinks could be making them sick, some states are working to require manufacturers to list caffeine content on their packaging.
Caffeine Allergy and Addiction
Further, while caffeine allergy and possible overdose is cause for concern, it's also important to recognize that this substance can be addictive, so people may crave continued use anyway. That's why when you miss your morning coffee, you'll likely feel it. You may be tired, weak and could even have a severe headache.
How to Quit
If you think you could have a caffeine allergy or be experiencing negative side effects when you either have too much or miss your daily fix, it may be time to look for some healthier alternatives. Just be advised that if you decide to forego having caffeine drinks, the easiest way to give them up is to slowly decrease your intake rather than stopping cold turkey. This will help you to ease the withdrawal symptoms and may make it easier to stick to your commitment.
Sources:
American Journal of Psychiatry
http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/156/2/229
Caffeine Awareness Alliance
http://www.caffeineawareness.org/forum/alternatives.html
US National Library of Medicine/National Institutes of Health
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6702647
