What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Drinking Coffee?

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For some, it’s the morning ritual; for others, an occasional treat, while some skip it altogether. We’re talking about one of the most consumed beverages globally: coffee. But what happens to your body when you give it up? Are there any withdrawal symptoms, or is it a walk in the park? In this article, we’ll delve into how caffeine works, its potential benefits, and what happens when you quit.

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages, mainly for its stimulating effects. Did you know that almost 2 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide each day? Out of all countries, Finland takes the crown in this contest. Residents of this Nordic country average 4 cups a day per person. Norway follows closely with 3 cups, and Denmark with 2 cups per person daily. ^[1]

You will certainly not be surprised to learn that caffeine is the substance responsible for the stimulating effects of coffee.

What exactly is caffeine?

Caffeine is a natural compound found in the leaves, seeds, or fruits of plants, acting as a natural insecticide protecting them from pests. It’s most abundant in coffee beans, but is also present in tea leaves, cocoa beans, guarana, and kola nuts. ^[2]

Where is caffeine mainly found?

Let’s take a closer look at caffeine content in some common sources:

1. Coffee

The amount of caffeine in your favourite cup of coffee varies depending on the type of coffee and how it’s brewed. For instance, your average espresso contains around 80 mg of caffeine. But don’t sleep on instant coffee, as that one is averaging around 30 mg of caffeine per 1 teaspoon. ^[3]

What about decaf coffee?

You might be surprised to learn that decaf coffee still contains some amount of caffeine. A cup of decaf espresso may contain anywhere from 3 to 16 mg of caffeine. ^[4]

What are the beneficial effects of caffeine?

1. Improves Athletic Performance

Caffeine is one of the most studied substances for enhancing athletic performance. That’s why it’s a common ingredient in complex pre-workout supplements. It has been shown to have a positive impact on strength, coordination, endurance, and reaction time. These effects on athletic performance may be attributed to reducing fatigue and increasing adrenaline levels after caffeine intake, as well as its ability to stimulate the central nervous system. ^[20-21]

2. Promotes Fat Burning and Aids Weight Loss

Caffeine is often a component of fat burners for a reason. Apart from boosting your brain and muscle activity, it can also rev up your metabolism. It has a thermogenic effect, meaning it can increase body temperature in the short term. This requires the body to expend more energy, resulting in burning more calories at rest and during exercise, basically “for free”.

3. Helps Improve Mood

Coffee has been shown to positively affect the mood. The caffeine ingested increases serotonin and dopamine levels in the body. Some studies suggest a connection between coffee consumption and reduced levels of perceived anxiety or a decreased risk of depression. ^{[18, 29]}

However, the question remains: to what extent do other factors play a role, factors that studies have not considered? However, you will certainly agree with us that a cup of good coffee, whether alone or in the company of your loved ones, can be a great way to relax, unwind, and kick stress to the curb.

4. Has Positive Health Effects

Coffee can also have positive effects on some areas related to health. While coffee itself is certainly not a panacea, many studies have observed a relationship between coffee consumption and a lower risk of developing type II diabetes, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s disease. It also appears to help reduce the risk of liver cirrhosis or stroke. ^{[22 – 26]}

5. Helps Replenish Antioxidants

You may have heard that coffee contains compounds with antioxidant properties, and it’s true. In fact, it contains more antioxidants than cocoa or green tea. Antioxidants play a crucial role in fighting free radicals in our bodies, which, in excess, could damage our cells and contribute to the development of cardiovascular, metabolic, or neurological disorders. Enjoying a cup of coffee can help replenish these beneficial fighters. ^[27-28]

What should you remember?

Coffee can undoubtedly be a beneficial part of your day. In the right amount, if not overused, it can have many positive effects. It can support alertness, concentration, boost athletic performance, and aid in fat burning. However, the body can develop a tolerance to caffeine over time, and the same dose may no longer be sufficient.

Therefore, occasionally giving yourself a “caffeine detox” can be beneficial. The body’s reaction to quitting caffeine can vary, especially depending on how much you were accustomed to consuming daily. With smaller doses, the symptoms are milder, while with higher doses, you might experience more discomfort. Symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or irritability typically last only a short while, from a few hours to a few days. If you endure these days, you can return to your favourite cup of coffee and enjoy its benefits again without unnecessary escalation of caffeine intake.

Have you ever tried taking a break from your favourite cup of coffee for a few days? Or are you just now considering it? If you liked the article, support it by sharing it so your friends can learn what happens to their bodies when they stop drinking coffee. Perhaps you’ll inspire someone to take a break from coffee for a while and rediscover its many benefits.

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