coffee?

camy473 · 08-16-2004, 05:14 PM

I have been trying to give up coffee, and diet coke, But it seems that when I try to go without out it I get a really bad headache. Do you think that is the reason, if so what can I do about it?

Atkins_Nutritionist · 08-17-2004, 08:50 AM

Sounds like you’re experiencing the effects of caffeine withdrawal! This headache, well known among coffee drinkers, usually lasts from one to five days, and can be alleviated with analgesics such as aspirin. It is also alleviated with caffeine intake (in fact several analgesics contain caffeine dosages).

In addition to headaches, people who are reducing caffeine intake report being irritable, unable to work, nervous, restless, and feeling sleepy. In extreme cases, nausea and vomiting has also been reported.

When you quit cold turkey, risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms is usually higher but can be countered with lots of sleep and exercise.

Most people report a very good success ratio by cutting down caffeine intake at the rate of 1/2 cup of coffee a day. This is known as Caffeine Fading. Alternatively you might try reducing coffee intake in discrete steps of two-five cups of coffee less per week (depending on how high is your initial intake). If you are drinking more than 10 cups of coffee a day, you should seriously consider cutting down.

The best way to proceed is to consume caffeine regularly for a week, while keeping a precise log of the times and amounts of caffeine intake (remember that chocolate, tea, soda beverages and many headache pills contain caffeine as well as coffee). At the end of the week proceed to reduce your coffee intake at the rate recommended above. Remember to have substitutes available for drinking: if you are not going to have a hot cup of coffee at your 10 minute break, you might consider having hot chocolate or herbal tea, but NOT decaff, since decaff has also been shown to be addictive. This should take you through the works without much problem.

Good luck!

Diana · 08-17-2004, 08:55 AM

Quote:

but NOT decaff, since decaff has also been shown to be addictive

I didn't know that!

camy473 · 08-17-2004, 08:59 AM

Thank you

08-16-2004, 05:14 PM	#1
camy473 Junior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 20 Gallery: camy473 Stats: 145/138/125 WOE: ATKINS Start Date: JULY 2004	coffee? I have been trying to give up coffee, and diet coke, But it seems that when I try to go without out it I get a really bad headache. Do you think that is the reason, if so what can I do about it?

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08-17-2004, 08:50 AM	#2
Atkins_Nutritionist Nutritionist Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Atkins Health and Medical Information Services Posts: 684 Gallery: Atkins_Nutritionist	Sounds like you’re experiencing the effects of caffeine withdrawal! This headache, well known among coffee drinkers, usually lasts from one to five days, and can be alleviated with analgesics such as aspirin. It is also alleviated with caffeine intake (in fact several analgesics contain caffeine dosages). In addition to headaches, people who are reducing caffeine intake report being irritable, unable to work, nervous, restless, and feeling sleepy. In extreme cases, nausea and vomiting has also been reported. When you quit cold turkey, risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms is usually higher but can be countered with lots of sleep and exercise. Most people report a very good success ratio by cutting down caffeine intake at the rate of 1/2 cup of coffee a day. This is known as Caffeine Fading. Alternatively you might try reducing coffee intake in discrete steps of two-five cups of coffee less per week (depending on how high is your initial intake). If you are drinking more than 10 cups of coffee a day, you should seriously consider cutting down. The best way to proceed is to consume caffeine regularly for a week, while keeping a precise log of the times and amounts of caffeine intake (remember that chocolate, tea, soda beverages and many headache pills contain caffeine as well as coffee). At the end of the week proceed to reduce your coffee intake at the rate recommended above. Remember to have substitutes available for drinking: if you are not going to have a hot cup of coffee at your 10 minute break, you might consider having hot chocolate or herbal tea, but NOT decaff, since decaff has also been shown to be addictive. This should take you through the works without much problem. Good luck!

08-17-2004, 08:59 AM	#4
camy473 Junior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 20 Gallery: camy473 Stats: 145/138/125 WOE: ATKINS Start Date: JULY 2004	Thank you