eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Beat Caffeine Withdrawal

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(5 Ratings)

Whether it is your "afternoon boost" or a "morning fix," caffeine consumption can become very addictive. Your caffeine addiction can increase health risks, so it's important to know how to end your addiction while beating withdrawal symptoms, which include headaches, irritability and exhaustion.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Cut down on your caffeine intake, slowly. If you do, your withdrawal symptoms are apt to be much milder. You can also switch to milder forms of caffeine, like tea or decaffeinated coffee, until you are able to stop completely. Then, continue to curb the number of drinks you drink until you are able to eliminate them altogether.

  2. Step 2

    Drink lots of water. Drinking ample water will help detoxify your body as well as ward off caffeine headaches. Do not drink large amounts at once; it is better to evenly consume water throughout the day, so that your kidneys don't have to work so hard.

  3. Step 3

    Have mild pain relievers on hand. Since headaches are the most common withdrawal symptom, have pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen ready to take. One or two should knock down the pain. Expect to take them for up to five days or until your body has expelled the caffeine from your system.

  4. Step 4

    Get out and exercise. The endorphins that your body produces during physical activity will give you the stimulation that you crave and will provide you with a healthier alternative to the high you get from caffeine.

  5. Step 5

    Sleep. Getting plenty of rest will help your body cope with withdrawal, and taking short naps during the day will help you feel energized and deal with possible withdrawal headaches.

Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Health Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

Live Strong Partner
Livestrong_eHow Health