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How NOT to drink coffee regularly (or lessen it)

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Do you drink coffee regularly?

Do you feel satiated with a cup of coffee at any given time of day? How is it like for you after every cup? If the effects have been mostly positive for you, then you must be an avid coffee drinker. It gets you going through the day (or night!). Plus, it tastes just as great as its aroma. However, there are some people who do not necessarily think so, mainly dued to health reasons. While there are scientific research made regarding the benefits of coffee intake, but how much is too much? As a coffee drinker myself, I agree with the good a cup of coffee brings to me in a day. But, as time progresses with every regular intake, I already have a love-hate relationship with coffee. Lately, I've been thinking on how to stop (lessen) my coffee intake, based on how much I resent the following main experiences.

Frequent Urination

Coffee is indeed a strong diuretic

If one take just a sip of coffee, it starts to take a positive effect and tempts us to have more sips. Drinking a whole cup of coffee, it makes one feel uplifted and filled with energy. It is no surprise why people who loves coffee will appreciate its effects even more when taken at any time of day. However, different people have different effects. Not all people can actually control their bladder, not even after just a cup of coffee in just that day alone. In fact, these people tend to visit the toilet more, and still do even at night! Simply put, if you dislike frequent visits to the toilet, this might be an effective reminder to either lessen coffee intake or stop the consumption. Also, think about what important nutrients you may lose!

Sleep Reduction

Disturbs a good night's sleep

Coffee gives us that quick high energy level and as a result, we get going with our activity. But, sadly, it is short-term and need to be taken again and again to sustain that energy level. It is addictive to say the least! But, our body has its limits. We need enough sleep in order for our body to function normally. If you are having a career that requires you to be healthy and fit for duty, the lesser the coffee intake the better. Good time management is best, not an all-nighter and bloodshot eyes the next day! And how does that help in our work performance?

Jittery Feeling

Reaction on nervous system

Photo Credit: nolasark, PhotobucketWe already know that coffee gives an effective energy boost, a quick pick-me up. Too much of it obviously reduces our sleep hours. But, there are other effects to our body after every intake. It is the feeling of jitteriness, that palpitations of the heart and shaking or wobbliness experienced especially in our hands and knees. It shows even more when you drink it before having a meal. In my case, my friends once mistook me for being nervous when they see how much my fingers shake during a hands-on activity. While it wasn't the case, it did look like it at the time. Other feelings like palpitations and wobbliness from all that regular intake, that can't be good if it happens more frequently now, can it?

Addiction

Warm delicious DRUG

At least that is what they say about coffee. You wake up in the morning, and maybe the first thing come to mind is....coffee! The morning scenario differs for each person, of course. For me, that is what I normally think every morning. It's really tempting, this coffee. It never failed to complete my breakfast. It seemed normal at first. But when you have the constant urge to keep drinking more, that is something to think about. In time, it worries me and I think it is time to control my intake before the addiction becomes permanent. The fact that coffee is warm and so delicious, nevertheless caffeine is still a drug. What to do to reduce or eliminate this addiction with time? Well...by switching to healthier, addiction-free alternatives, of course!

Stuffs on dealing with caffeine addiction

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Permitted caffeine intake

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In a nutshell

10 ways to stop (lessen) coffee intake

After all that has been discussed, I have found 10 ways that seem to work for me so far. Hopefully, some of them will work for you too! Note: The list is in no particular order of importance and effectiveness.
  1. Switch to another beverage with lesser caffeine and has more health benefits. A good example: Tea.
  2. Keep hydrating by drinking more water or juice, but no caffeine.
  3. Plan your menu ahead on what beverage you want to take and how much in a week.
  4. Take more supplements, as prescribed by the doctor, to replenish what nutrients are lost from urination.
  5. When experiencing a headache from withdrawal attempt, take ibuprofen or as prescribed from the doctor.
  6. Exercise more regularly to eliminate the need for that caffeine fix to get going through the day.
  7. Change your current lifestyle and work out what is best for you.
  8. Educate ourselves by reading more about coffee and caffeine in general. Information keeps changing with the times and so do scientific research and breakthroughs.
  9. Make enough sleep your top priority and take minimal coffee intake in the mornings only.
  10. Take everything listed here one day at a time in order to make positive progress. (Note: Remember about the withdrawal symptoms.)

Related sources

Cutting down on coffee intake

Although I have highlighted my main experiences as a regular coffee drinker on the way to stop (lessen) my coffee intake, there are also other searches I find pretty useful so far. The articles there are pretty short but direct and easy to understand. I will add newer links from time to time.
How I Quit Drinking Coffee and the Benefits I've Experienced
A blog author's approach on getting rid of coffee and some positive benefits he gets from them.
Be careful with caffeine
An article which highlights about all caffeine beverages and short insights about them, from caffeine research to dealing with fatigue and drowsiness.
Cutting Back On Caffeine Painlessly
The header of the site says it all: All you need to know about Coffee!
10 Ways To Start Your Day Without Caffeine
A medically reviewed article revealing 10 short tips to start a day, caffeine-free.
Harmful Effects of Caffeine
I like the author's simple points about cravings and how to curb them.

Comments and Feedbacks

Please click 'Like' if you like this article. Your comments and feedbacks are much appreciated.

  • MSE Sep 17, 2011 @ 8:25 am | delete
    But I LIKE coffee.. Yes, I know it is not so great....but I don't smoke, don't do drugs (yes, ok, coffee IS a drug, I agree. I am talking about the OTHER kind). Why take away all of the good things in life?
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