Here’s What Happens To Your Body When You Quit Caffeine

1. Bad Headaches

Image source The SunCaffeine is a double-edged sword when it comes to headaches. Not only is caffeine consumption linked to more frequent headaches but caffeine withdrawals causes them too! Don't panic as it's a temporary measure and the headaches will possibly go after around 7 days.

2. You Could Lose Weight

Image source HealthlineIf you're hooked on coffee, quitting could help you lose weight.  That's because the way of the world. as it is now, offers us the choice of about 10 different types of coffee, each one more calorific than the last.  Giving them up can reduce your calorie intake substantially and also assist in reducing that waist line.

3. .... Or You'll Gain It

Image source Men'sHealthCaffeine is thought to be a powerful temporary appetite suppressant so you are likely to feel hungrier when you come off it.  The effect is small, but if you drink your coffee black, it's likely burning more calories than it contains, meaning it will help you lose weight. Take it away and you could see some fluctuations on the scale, in the wrong direction.

4. You Could Feel More Relaxed

Image source FreepikEradicating caffeine could contribute towards the irritability and restlessness, experienced in your working day, disappearing before bed time.  The benefits include a better quality of sleep and not waking up during the night, then struggling to get back to sleep again.

5. You Could Become Constipated

Image source MedindiaCoffee is attributed to stimulating our digestive system as much as our brain and researchers believe it is likely due to the way that caffeine interacts with our microbiomes.  This means that quitting caffeine could cause irregularity in the bathroom and make you constipated.  Include plenty of fibre in your diet to combat this.

6. You Could Get Better Sleep

Image source Prima (UK)Cutting caffeine out entirely might lower your risk of sleep disruption and help your body recognize when it needs a slumber.  Apparently, you don't need a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, to wake you up.  Your body does that naturally so a warm herbal decaffeinated drink first thing will do the job just as well.

7. You Could Have a Whiter Smile

Image source Codsall Dental PracticeQuitting coffee means waving goodbye to coffee stains for good which is great news for your pearly whites!  The American Dental Association considers coffee and soda to be some of the most damaging foods for your teeth.  As well as discolouring them, it can erode the enamel as well.

8. You Could Feel Lethargic

Image source Medical News TodayCaffeine is a stimulant so you may experience a dip in energy for a few days when you first quit coffee. Several side effects are lack of alertness and activeness, drowsiness and feeling foggy.  Cut back slowly before getting rid for good and you should feel more like your old self in no time.

9. Slower Ageing Skin

Image source QSunDid you know that caffeine may have a bad effect on the amount of collagen your body produces? Collagen is a protein that is produced by your body to pump up your skin and keep it tight. Without this protein, your skin will lose its elasticity quicker and make you more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. By removing caffeine from your diet, you can slow the ageing process!

10. Lowered Blood Pressure

Image source NeofectMaintaining a healthy blood pressure is vital for a healthy body and healthy organs and the more caffeine you put into your body, the higher your blood pressure goes. High blood pressure can put you at risk for lots of different health problems including diabetes and heart disease. By reducing or eliminating your intake, your blood pressure should return to normal levels.

11. More Energy

Image source Women's HealthIt’s hard to believe that a beverage we always reach for to get more energy is actually doing the opposite in the long run. The caffeine gives us a quick high and then a long come down.  However, after a week or so of quitting caffeine, you will see your energy levels improve and you’ll feel ten times better in the morning.

12. You’ll Be More Hydrated

Image source Women's HealthCaffeine often acts as a diuretic which can cause you to lose more water than you put into your body.  It's important to stay hydrated and keep your water in good balance so by cutting out caffeine and replacing it with a healthier alternative, you will be keeping your body more hydrated and allowing your organs to function at a better level.

13.You'll Feel Like Crap (To Start With)

Image source Getty ImagesIf you've ever gone ages without a caffeine fix, you are very likely to feel a whole host of symptoms.  The list includes fatigue, mood swings and headaches and you may generally feel like crap!  Your body is wondering why you are punishing it by not feeding it with caffeine but after a few days, it will have forgotten and will forgive you, resuming regular service.

14. Workouts Will Suffer

Image source PinterestThose who hit their workouts really hard will rely on a strong coffee or some pre-workout powder (which contains loads of caffeine) to get that extra bit out of their session.  Lack of caffeine may even make them lose the motivation to start that workout as well as impacting on the quality of it.

15. You'll Miss Out On Antioxidants

Image source BabaMailCoffee is the number one source of antioxidants in the average American's diet, as research has shown.  A study published found that women who drink five or more cups of coffee a day are 57% less likely to develop oestrogen receptor–negative breast cancer than those who drink less than a cup a day.

16. You Could Initially Feel Sick

Headaches aren’t the only painful symptom of quitting coffee. Those who stop consuming coffee have reported side effects such as  flu-like symptoms, irritability, mood swings and sluggishness.  Your body will be craving caffeine but it will be short lived and you should feel fine within a short time.

17. Difficulty Concentrating

Image source MentalUPQuitting coffee can make you feel fatigued and irritable, contributing to a lack of concentration and productivity at work. Blame it on the lack of stimulants you get from a cup of coffee as well as the increase in adenosine, the hormone that makes you feel tired.

18. Improve Fertility

Image source PinterestWhereas there are only small research programmes involving the connection between fertility and caffeine, it is thought that consuming too much caffeine, around three to four cups of coffee a day,  could impact fertility.  If you are planning on becoming pregnant, maybe cut right down or go decaf.

19. Muscle Pains

Image source Men's HealthBecause of all its reported health benefits, caffeine has been added to a variety of drugs over the years such as aspirin, acetaminophen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.  Caffeine was very likely to have originally been added in order to offset the sedative effects of some of these drugs.  However, many now view caffeine as a substance that accelerates and enhances the analgesic effects of these pain relief medications.

20. Depression

Image source HelpGuide.comIn some cases, caffeine withdrawal can take away all your hope.  It is common for anyone to experience temporary blues but if you already struggle with depression, you may find this is magnified because of the lack of caffeine.  It's always best to contact a health professional in this case.

21. Brain Fog

Image source CMIWithdrawal can cause some people to experience brain fog which is described as the difficulty of having coherent thoughts, difficulty in carrying out common tasks and difficulty in their short term memory.  Caffeine is known to keep you alert and 'on the ball'.

22. Heart Rhythm Abnormalities

Image source Everyday HealthAs caffeine stimulates the heart muscle, some people may experience changes in their heart rhythm during withdrawal. Both low blood pressure and even palpitations have been reported.  These are all temporary symptoms and will ease as your body gets used to being caffeine-free.

23. Become Dehydrated

Image source InsiderFor some who hate drinking water, as they say it tastes of nothing and they struggle to even sip it, coffee is their main form of liquid intake.  This may cause a serious effect on your body if you become dehydrated and you may not even realise until you actually feel thirsty - and that's a sign dehydration is already taking place.

24. Leg Pain

Image source InsiderAs already touched upon, lack of caffeine can cause muscle aches.  Often, it is the legs that suffer the most as they contain the largest muscles.  Even a small walk will have you questioning why you're experiencing discomfort.  Stick with it, until your body is used to being caffeine free and your aches should improve.

25. Negativity

Image source QuoraBecause a lack of caffeine can make you feel lethargic, it may affect your way of thinking.  If you have always been a 'glass half full' type of person, you may become the opposite and feel negatively about both day to day aspects of your life or discussing important decisions.

26. Improve Stomach Ulcer Problems

Image source Daily ExpressCaffeine has been though to aggravate the very painful symptoms associated with stomach ulcers and sufferers may be completely unaware of this fact.  It may only take a matter of days away from caffeine  before the edge is taken off the discomfort and you are feeling more in control.

27. Reduces Cholesterol

Image source NDTVThe domino effect of cutting out caffeine often means you won't be reaching for biscuits and cakes to go with your hot drink, thus improving your blood cholesterol.  Caffeine-free drinkers tend to be more concerned about their health and won't be dipping into the biscuit tin for a handful of custard creams or ginger nuts.  The result can be less fat intake and a healthier cholesterol reading!

28. Encourages You To Drink Water

Image source Taste Of HomeIf you aren't getting your six times a day fix of caffeinated drinks, you are going to want to keep yourself hydrated so nothing for it but to learn to love water.  You will be quite aware of the benefits of tap water but just haven't fancied it when you could have a nice, creamy coffee instead.  Now you've given up caffeine, you'll start to drink it and it will then become second nature.

29. More Pennies In Your Pocket

Image source ForbesStopping off every day, on your way to work, for a caramel latte or a mocha-choca-chino, is an expensive habit and adding the cost up over a month, you will been shocked at how much you are shelling out.  Giving these up will save you money and make you feel you've achieved something!

30. More Aware Of What's Going In Your Body

Image source Olive.comGiving up caffeine may make you think about your health overall and that could include what you're eating, as well as drinking. Even if you haven't previously been a 5-a-day fruit and veg person, you may start to look at things in a different light and start to enjoy a stick of celery, dipped in hummus, when you get back from work and start making dinner.

31. You Might Suffer Through Anxiety

Image Source / Everyday HealthPeople who don't react very well to caffeine can end up feeling more anxious and a bit jittery, but if you cut out caffeine, it could also have this effect as well. Because the body is suddenly without the thing it might have become dependent on (caffeine), you may feel more anxious without it.

32. But You Might Also Feel Less Anxious Instead

Image Source / RESCUE RemedyThe thing about anxiety and caffeine is that it can go either way! Because caffeine can make anxiety a lot worse in terms of jitters, higher heart rate and feeling more 'wired', it may then work in your favour to feel less anxious if you cut out the caffeine. You may then avoid these jittery anxiety triggers that come with caffeine.Image Source / Joshua N. HookCoffee drinkers are often synonymous with being irritable, especially in the morning if they haven't had their coffee yet. But the same can happen if you're withdrawing from coffee, too. This is because a person so used to the benefits coffee brings can then be annoyed and irritable when they're weaning off the stuff.

34. You Might Have Tremors

Image Source / MS UnitYou might think a serious crate of caffeine would give you tremors, but it's also possible to experience them during caffeine withdrawal, too. For those who decide to quit coffee cold-turkey after consuming caffeine regularly day after day, this can also lead to tremors.

35. Lagging Energy Levels

Image Source / Women's HealthIt's no surprise that taking away the thing that gave you that energy boost would leave you feeling significantly lacking in the energy department. If you're giving up on caffeine, you'll undoubtedly feel like low energy is your new best friend.

36. Less Trips To The Bathroom

Image Source / Daily MailCaffeine is a great laxative, and most coffee drinkers will know that feeling when you need to go to the toilet regularly after drinking a lot of coffee. So if you give up the stuff, you might find that you don't need to go for a "coffee wee" as often, as well as having less bowel movements.

37. Your Breasts Might Be Less Sore

Image Source / Medical News TodayThere hasn't been any commonly-known links between caffeine and breast pain, but some women have said that they have a lot less tender breasts when they take coffee out of their daily menu. So if you do suffer from sore breasts a lot, you might want to try this one to see if it makes a difference for you!

38. You Stop Being Dependent On It

Image Source / Home-Barista.comWhile coffee drinkers do so because they enjoy the stuff - as well as enjoying the energy boost - there's no doubt that it's a sort of dependency that's built between you and your favourite cup of Joe. So if you wean yourself off it, you're fighting against that dependence and pulling away from that restriction.

39. You'll Absorb Nutrients Better

Image Source / KCRWCaffeine can easily stop you from getting the nutrients and minerals you need. This is why you should always take supplements and vitamins with water (and not washed down with coffee) because caffeine might keep the benefits from working. Therefore giving up coffee could see you taking in more vitamins and minerals in a better way.Image Source / FreepikYou might have thought your morning cup of coffee is one thing that relaxes you, but it could actually be working against you throughout the day. Caffeine is a stimulant which can raise adrenaline, so if you find you're often stressed and worked up, then less caffeine can limit that adrenaline and have you feeling more calm.

41. Balance Out Female Hormones

Image Source / HealthlineCaffeine has the potential to alter estrogen levels in the body. A study back in 2012 found that 2 cups or more of caffeine a day could serve to raise estrogen levels in Asian and black women, while it lowered estrogren levels in white women. So if you're cutting your caffeine out, it could work to put estrogen levels back to how they should be.

42. More Balanced Brain Chemistry

Image Source / WikipediaCaffeine has the ability to alter brain chemistry, which is why it's a powerful tool in affecting your mood and energy levels. This brain chemistry can also relate to what could be considered drug dependency - so the chemistry in your brain can undergo withdrawal symptoms from caffeine in the same way you'd get withdrawal from drugs.

43. You Could Eventually Have Less Headaches

Image Source / The News MinuteHeadaches might not show up straight away when you decide to quit caffeine. They might not materialize until a few days later. But headaches are more common when you have a dependency on caffeine (and more likely to get them if you skip a cup or are too busy to make your usual morning coffee, for example). So if you do manage to wean off caffeine, you might be less likely to get them overall eventually.

44. A Healthier Digestion

Image Source / Eat This, Not ThatWe've already mentioned caffeine being a type of laxative (or at least having a laxative effect) so you might find that you have a more comfortable and smoother digestion experience if you lay off the caffeine. This could mean healthier bowel movements and might make it less likely for acidic tendencies like heartburn or acid reflux.

45. You Might Find You Have More Time In Your Schedule

Image Source / PinterestThis is for those people who spend a long time stood in the morning coffee queue getting their must-have cup from the nearest coffee chain, or for those who need to waste time in the afternoon making their must-have brew. If you're someone who spends a lot of time finding coffee on-the-go, you might then find you have more time in your schedule when you give up the habit.

46. You May Feel Like You Have The Flu

Image Source / Duke Global Health Institute - Duke UniversityWithdrawal from caffeine dependency may feel a lot like the flu. It could mean jitters and shakes, headaches, trouble sleeping, or alternatively the need to sleep a heck of a lot just to sleep off that lack of energy. It might be best not trying to withdraw from caffeine during cold and flu season, just in case!

47. You'll Feel More Confident About Your Own Willpower

Image Source / Inc. MagazineAt the end of the day, if you have caffeine dependency and you've always had caffeine all day every day, then making the decision to withdraw from it (and successfully doing so) is a huge testament to your willpower. It might help you feel more confident in thinking 'I can give up unhealthy drinking or eating habits' and 'I can stick to this diet plan'.

48. You'll Probably Be Grumpy For A Bit

Image Source / Entertainment WeeklyMood swings are highly likely when you're giving up caffeine, if you depended on it before. If you're dealing with other stuff, too (like bad headaches, feeling tired) then you're bound to have a shorter fuse. It's a good idea to explain to your nearest and dearest that you're giving up caffeine, just so they understand why you're so grumpy lately!

49. Social Habits Might Make Cravings Worse

Image Source / Business InsiderA lot of caffeine drinkers, especially coffee, might have caffeine as part of their lifestyle. This means meeting friends at coffee shops, or having a cup of something when you nip round to your friend's house for a social, that kind of thing. So, even if you're giving up caffeine, that doesn't mean your friends are. You may find your cravings difficult to cope with if your friends still want to meet up at coffee shops.

50. You Might Have Better Skin Condition

Image Source / The MirrorWhen caffeine makes you go to the toilet often, it can mean you're losing a lot more fluid with more regular bowel movements as well as a fuller bladder. Losing that fluid means the skin also has less moisture in it, and also leaves your body less hydrated. So if you ditch the caffeine, you may find your body - and skin - retains more moisture, looking and feeling better.