Caffeine can give you a daily boost, but for some, it causes more harm. If you feel unwell without a clear cause, your daily coffee might be the problem. Many people miss the subtle signs of caffeine intolerance until they’re hard to ignore.
Note: The content is for info only, not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your doctor about your health.
1. Headaches
Caffeine constricts blood vessels in the brain. When caffeine levels drop, these vessels expand, which can cause headaches or migraines. Regular coffee drinkers may get withdrawal headaches if they suddenly cut back. Also, too much caffeine can lead to dehydration, another headache cause. If you often have unexplained headaches, reducing caffeine may help.
2. Flaky Scalp
Caffeine’s dehydrating effect can dry out your scalp, causing flakiness. A dry scalp can be uncomfortable and may affect hair health. If your scalp feels dry and your hair seems less full, your caffeine habit could be a factor.
3. Restless Legs
If your legs won’t stay still after coffee, caffeine might be the reason. For some, caffeine overstimulates the nervous system, making legs restless, especially at night. Since caffeine stays in your system for hours, an afternoon coffee can cause a restless night.
4. Midday Energy Crashes
Caffeine is meant to give energy, but for some, it causes energy crashes a few hours later. Caffeine spikes adrenaline and blood sugar, which then quickly drops, leaving you tired. If you need more coffee by early afternoon, you may be in a cycle of dependence.
5. Constant Stomach Upset
Caffeine can irritate the gut, leading to bloating, cramps, or diarrhea. If your digestive system reacts badly to coffee, it might be time to switch to decaf or a herbal drink.
6. Dehydration Despite Drinking Water
Caffeine can stop your body from absorbing fluids well. Even if you drink water with coffee, you may still feel thirsty and low on energy. If you’re constantly thirsty, cutting caffeine can help.
7. A Coating on Your Tongue
Caffeine’s acidity can create a greenish coating on your tongue. This happens when your digestive system struggles with the acid, changing the mouth bacteria. Drinking coffee with lots of sugar can also irritate the tongue and cause “geographic tongue,” leading to green discoloration and discomfort.
8. Swelling
Some people’s immune systems overreact to caffeine, seeing it as harmful. This releases histamine, causing inflammation and swelling. If your coffee makes you feel puffy instead of energized, caffeine intolerance could be the cause.
9. Increased Anxiety
If you feel more anxious after caffeine, it could be a sign your body has had enough. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, which can trigger anxiety in some people. Reducing caffeine can calm your nerves.
10. Muscle Spasms
Caffeine, as a stimulant, can affect the nervous system and cause muscle twitching. High caffeine intake can imbalance electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, which are important for muscle function. This can lead to involuntary muscle contractions. If you have frequent muscle twitches, cut caffeine and stay hydrated.