Why I Quit Caffeine (And You Should Too)

Caffeine consumption is a huge part of modern culture, and a part of most people’s daily lives which they don’t question.

Drinking caffeine has some undeniable benefits, including increasing energy and motivation, as well as supposedly being good for heart and brain health.

But it also has its drawbacks too.

I started drinking tea when I was 16, as it made me feel like a ‘grownup’. I didn’t realise until years later that it was a major contributor to my anxiety, as well as a host of other unpleasant effects.

Here are the reasons I quit caffeine, with some science-backed evidence for the benefits of doing so.

1. Be free from addiction

Have you ever tried quitting caffeine cold-turkey? I’m guessing you got some unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, ranging from fatigue and brain fog to a pounding headache.

This is because caffeine is an addictive substance.

Depending upon caffeine just to function or stay awake become a vicious cycle.

Quitting caffeine breaks this cycle, so you will no longer need a drug to function normally.

2. Improve sleep quality

Caffeine has a half-life of about five hours, meaning that your body metabolizes half the amount of caffeine you drank in five hours.

However, the rest of the caffeine can linger in your system for quite a long time. It depends upon the individual, but caffeine can stay in your system for several hours or even days!

I personally find that caffeine affects me for hours after drinking it – if I have a coffee in the morning, I will feel its effects all day.

Drinking caffeine too late in the day can interfere with your ability to fall asleep.

Those who suffer from insomnia, or who are highly sensitive to caffeine, should consider restricting their caffeine intake to the morning only, or cutting it out altogether.

3. Improve your energy levels

If you drink caffeine to compensate for a lack of sleep, listen up.

Getting into a regular caffeine habit effectively means you’re running your body on credit. Caffeine only tricks your body into having more energy by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain which promote sleep.

So, in the long run, if you’re relying on caffeine to compensate for a lack of sleep, you’re actually running yourself down. You’re probably finding you’re feeling more tired and miserable. Nothing can beat the restorative effects of a  good night’s sleep.

4. Decrease stress and anxiety

This was my main reason for quitting.

If you suffer from anxiety issues, you may want to lay off the caffeine.

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, affecting our adrenal glands and blocking the adenosine receptors in the brain (which make us sleepy).

So, while downing a cup of coffee may give you a temporary jolt of energy, it’ll not be without accompanying issues such as sweaty palms, nervousness, jitteriness and irritability.

Quitting caffeine makes many people feel calmer and experience lower levels of anxiety.

However, on the other hand, if you’re feeling down or are prone to depression, caffeine does have a mood-boosting effect. I guess it all comes down to figuring out what you need at this particular time – caffeine may be a friend, or it may be a foe, depending on how you’re feeling.

5. Fewer toilet breaks

Drinking caffeinated drinks causes us to need to urinate more frequently.

Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it increases both the amount of urine your bladder produces and the frequency with which you need to urinate.

All of this can be an issue when you’re stuck in an important meeting, watching a film at the cinema or out on a long walk or drive.

So, quitting means you’ll need to use the bathroom less often.

6. Balance out your mood

Caffeine can cause peaks and troughs in your mood throughout the day. We’ve all been around that person who’s grumpy until they’ve had their morning coffee. Maybe you’re that person!

Then of course there’s the slump that comes once the caffeine starts to wear off, leaving you feeling lethargic.

These symptoms are often caused by caffeine withdrawal.

Quitting caffeine helps to even out these ups and downs. Some people find they feel overall more cheerful and energetic once they’ve come off caffeine.

7. Healthier digestion

Caffeine can be problematic for your digestive system.

Anyone who’s had an ‘attack of the bowels’ after drinking a strong coffee will know what I’m talking about here.

Caffeine has a laxative effect, stimulating the bowels, which can result in loose stools and even diarrhoea (though in some cases this can be caused by lactose intolerance).

Caffeine can also contribute to the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

So you might find you have fewer digestive issues once you’ve quit or reduced your caffeine intake.

8. Better nutrient absorption

The tannins in caffeine are believed to inhibit the absorption of calcium, iron, B vitamins and zinc.

Eliminating caffeine can ensure you’re getting all possible nutrients from your diet.

I myself had to be more mindful about my caffeine intake after developing anaemia. It is recommended you leave a two-hour gap before drinking tea or coffee after taking an iron supplement or eating iron-rich foods.

9. Balanced hormones for women

Caffeine is known to worsen some premenstrual symptoms, such as anger, anxiety and irritability, especially when drank on an empty stomach.

It can also worsen menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and sleep difficulties.

On the other hand, it has been shown to improve memory and focus in perimenopausal women.

It’s always good to be aware of how caffeine can impact your hormones, and possibly improve or worsen troublesome symptoms.

Takeaway:

As you can see, there are lots of potential benefits of quitting caffeine. That being said, you don’t have to cut caffeine out of your diet entirely. Some people are more sensitive than others, and may benefit more from reducing or quitting caffeine.

Caffeine does have positive benefits for some people. But if you find you regularly get troublesome side effects, it might be time to take an honest look at your caffeine consumption and see where you can cut down.

As for me, I’m currently limiting my caffeine intake to one matcha latte in the morning. I love the smooth, creamy taste, and the subtle but calming energy lift without the jitters. I’m finding it an excellent substitute for coffee, which, though I enjoy the taste, can make me feel edgy.

Everybody is different, and with caffeine, like so many things, it’s a case of working out what works best for you.