10 Health Benefits of Living Caffeine-Free

Medically Reviewed on 9/29/2022
Benefits of Living Caffeine-Free
Excessive caffeine consumption could lead to a number of side effects.

Coffee has caffeine and is consumed by most of the population worldwide.

Other caffeine sources include:

  • Chocolates
  • Energy drinks
  • Black tea
  • Certain supplements

Coffee has various health benefits, such as preventing heart diseases and cognitive function loss seen in Alzheimer's. Along with multiple health benefits, reducing coffee intake has health benefits too.

There are a few common side effects of caffeine, such as sleep disturbance and nervousness, in addition to vomiting and increased urination.

Who should avoid caffeinated beverages?

It is important to avoid caffeine if you have the following conditions:

  • Pregnancy: Because caffeine increases the risk of miscarriages, caffeine should be avoided in pregnant and lactating women. Those who are planning to conceive must avoid caffeine.
  • Are prone to severe anxiety: Caffeine worsens the symptoms of anxiety in people who have stress and depression. In addition, caffeine causes irritability and anxious behavior.
  • Digestive problems: Caffeine should be avoided in people with digestive problems.
  • Are on certain medications: Antibiotics, antidepressants, and asthma medications interact with caffeine and lead to various side effects. So, avoid caffeine if you take any of these medications.

10 benefits of avoiding caffeine

The following are the health benefits of caffeine-free living:

  1. Improves sleeping habits:
    • The habit of consuming caffeine in any form may affect the sleep cycle. For example, the daily intake of caffeine may cause disturbed sleep, lethargy, and daytime drowsiness.
    • Conversely, those who avoid caffeine may sleep very early and have a sound sleep.
  2. Less anxiety:
    • Caffeine consumption may result in increased anxiety. Although most have caffeine to boost energy, this energy may stimulate flight or fight hormones that result in increased heart rate, anxiety, palpitations, and panic attacks.
    • In addition, caffeine consumption increases the risk of pressure for people already prone to stress and anxiety, so reducing caffeine intake could be beneficial and decrease the risk of anxiety.
    • Those with essential tremors, especially in their hands, must avoid caffeine.
  3. Increased absorption of nutrients:
    • The compounds called tannins present in caffeine may act as antinutrients and disrupt the absorption of nutrients from foods. The absorption of the following nutrients is inhibited by tannins:
    • This may lead to an imbalanced diet. A calcium deficiency may lead to weak bones, especially in older people who consume more caffeine. So, it is essential to cut down on caffeine to ensure that the body gets the required nutrients.
  4. White and healthier teeth:
    • Cutting down on caffeine makes your teeth stronger and whiter. Tannins present in caffeine discolor or stain the teeth. Caffeinated drinks, such as sodas, tea, and coffee, may cause enamel wear and tear, resulting in tooth decay.
  5. Regulates hormonal imbalance in women:
    • Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea, and soda, may alter the estrogen levels in women. A few studies report that consuming 200 mg of caffeine daily may elevate estrogen levels.
    • Studies also suggest that caffeine may worsen the symptoms of menopause.
  6. Lower blood pressure:
    • Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, which results in increased blood pressure. Three to five cups of coffee may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
    • Conversely, cutting down the caffeine may lower blood pressure.
  7. Healthy digestion:
    • Caffeine intake may trigger digestive issues because it contains laxative agents that increase bowel movements. For healthy digestion, try to avoid excessive intake of caffeine.
    • Excess caffeine may result in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and frequent acidity.
  8. Balanced brain chemistry:
    • Caffeine intake is directly linked to the stimulation of the nervous system. The caffeine intake may affect mood.
    • Just like cocaine, caffeine could be addictive in some people. People who try to stop caffeine suddenly may temporarily get mood changes.
    • People who do not take caffeine have a balanced mood and do not struggle to reduce their addiction.
  9. For healthy skin:
    • The caffeine may interfere with the formation of collagen. So, the decreased production of collagen may result in poor elasticity and wrinkles. However, people who cut down the caffeine may have healthy, wrinkle-free skin, and look younger.
  10. Fewer headaches:
    • Excess intake of caffeine may increase the risk of chronic headaches. However, caffeine withdrawal may result in headaches that stay for a longer duration.
    • Other symptoms may include:
      • Brain fog
      • Weakness
      • Loss of attention
      • Irritability

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Medically Reviewed on 9/29/2022
References
Image Source: iStock image

Caffeine for Your Health — Too Good to Be True? https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-10-2013/coffee-for-health.html

10 Health Benefits Of Living Caffeine-Free. https://www.spiritofchange.org/10-health-benefits-of-living-caffeine-free/

10 Health Benefits of Living Caffeine-Free. https://www.cancerschmancer.org/articles/10-health-benefits-living-caffeine-free