Caffeine can give you a boost, but for some, it causes more harm than good. If you feel unwell without a clear cause, your daily coffee might be the reason. Many people miss the subtle signs of caffeine intolerance until they become obvious.
Note: The content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. Consult your doctor about your health.
Headaches
Caffeine constricts brain blood vessels. When caffeine levels drop, the vessels expand, causing headaches or migraines. Regular coffee drinkers may get withdrawal headaches if they cut back. Also, too much caffeine can lead to dehydration, another headache cause. If you often have unexplained headaches, reducing caffeine may help.
Muscle Spasms
Caffeine is a stimulant that can affect the nervous system, causing muscle twitching or spasms. High caffeine intake can imbalance electrolytes like magnesium and potassium, which are needed for muscle function. This can lead to involuntary muscle contractions, especially in hands, legs, or eyelids. If you notice frequent twitches, cut caffeine and stay hydrated.
Increased anxiety
If you feel more anxious or restless after your regular caffeine, it could be your body signaling it’s had enough. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, and for some, it triggers anxiety. If you’re more jittery after coffee, pay attention to your body’s reaction. Reducing caffeine can calm your nervous system.
A coating on your tongue
Caffeine’s acidity can cause a greenish coating on your tongue. This happens when your digestive system struggles with the acid, imbalancing mouth bacteria. If you add lots of sugar or syrups to your coffee, it can irritate your tongue and lead to geographic tongue, causing green discoloration and discomfort.
Flaky scalp
Caffeine’s dehydrating effects can dry out your scalp, causing flakiness. A dry scalp is uncomfortable and can affect hair health. If your scalp feels dry and your hair looks less full, your caffeine habit may be a factor.
Restless legs
If your legs won’t stay still after coffee, caffeine may be the cause. For some, caffeine overstimulates the nervous system, making them want to move their legs, especially at night. This can make it hard to sleep. Since caffeine stays in the system for hours, an afternoon coffee can cause night discomfort.
Midday energy crashes
Caffeine is supposed 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 drained. If you need another cup by early afternoon, you may be in a cycle of dependence.
Swelling
For some, caffeine is like an unwelcome guest. If you’re intolerant or allergic to caffeine, your immune system overreacts, releasing histamine and causing inflammation. As a result, some people swell. If your morning coffee makes you puffy, caffeine intolerance may be to blame.
Constant stomach upset
For some, caffeine irritates the gut lining, causing bloating, cramps, or diarrhea. This discomfort builds up over time. If your digestive system reacts badly to coffee, it may be time to stop. Switching to decaf or a herbal drink can help.
Dehydration despite drinking water
Caffeine’s dehydrating effects can stop your body from absorbing fluids properly. Even if you drink water with coffee, you may still feel thirsty and low on energy. If you notice this, cut back on caffeine to restore hydration balance.