Do you wake up every morning feeling the urge to drink coffee before doing anything else?
Or do you just feel terribly miserable when you forget to take your coffee for the day?
Or perhaps you simply can’t wait for your child to fall asleep so you can get yourself a cup of coffee before bed?
If so, you may be addicted to coffee.
Or more precisely, caffeine; and it has permeated your entire psyche.
However, fret not as there are lots of mothers like you out there. Mums of all ages are among the many coffee and tea lovers who can be found all over the world.
In addition to coffee and tea, caffeine can also be found in chocolates and some carbonated drinks.
So, how well do you understand caffeine addiction and whether or not it is safe?
To be fair, caffeine does have some favourable effects that might help consumers. These include mood elevation, enhanced metabolism, and, most importantly, the needed energy boost for mothers.
Albeit, caffeine addiction should not be treated lightly because it has certain detrimental effects on the human body, such as raised blood pressure and a lack of sleep.
The Signs of Caffeine Addiction
According to AddictionCenter.com, it doesn’t take long for people to become addicted to coffee and other caffeinated drinks.
This is due to the chemical modifications in the brain caused by prolonged intake.
Caffeine, like other medications or alcohol, develops tolerance in people who consume it on a daily basis.
Do you believe you’re a caffeine-addicted mum?
Here’s how to know.
Caffeine Addiction Warning Signs
Consume more than 400mg per day
A healthy adult should consume no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day, which is equal to 4-5 cups of brewed coffee.
Any more than that would be considered excessive consumption.
Headache and dizziness if you skip a cup
You get a headache even if you miss only one cup of coffee or tea.
One of the first indications that you have a coffee addiction, either psychologically or physically, is exactly that.
You’re unable to sleep or have amnesia
Coffee might cause your biological clock to run slowly since you overdosed on the stimulant.
Even when you are exhausted, you are unable to acquire the necessary amount of rest. This may be due to the insufficient number of hours and the insufficient amount of deep sleep that you need.
Coffee might cause stomach distress
When you consume too much coffee, your digestive system is stimulated, which can cause nausea, diarrhoea, and an upset stomach.
For instance, the acidic component may aggravate the lining of your stomach.
Running back and forth to the bathroom
When you need to empty your bladder frequently, it may be another indication that you’re ingesting too much caffeine.
Because of its moderate diuretic effects, caffeine encourages frequent urination. This is especially so if you’re not giving your body enough water, which it desperately needs.
Tremors and twitches, particularly in the fingers
Your central nervous system is sped up by caffeine, which makes you tremble and twitch.
Due to caffeine’s ability to cause the release of certain hormones like adrenaline, you constantly feel nervous and jittery.
Irregularities in the heartbeat
One of the sorts of cardiac irregularities is palpitations, which is a skipped or irregular heartbeat.
If you’re more sensitive to coffee or have had a few too many cups, you can experience heart palpitations.
Higher blood pressure
Caffeine can cause your blood pressure to rise suddenly and dramatically for a brief period of time, even if you don’t already have high blood pressure.
What’s worse is that uncontrolled high blood pressure or hypertension might cause cardiac problems.
Heartburn after consuming caffeine
Heartburn can be caused by the high acidity of caffeine, which is present in the majority of caffeinated foods and beverages. Even in normal doses, caffeine has been linked to an increased likelihood of heartburn.
Brain fog or trouble focusing
It’s not always a good idea to add an extra shot of espresso to your daily fix.
Why? Doing so can make it difficult to concentrate as your body gradually starts to drain the caffeine from your system.
You’ll experience mental fogginess and a lack of alertness due to the tension and headache you’re enduring.
Feeling fatigued easily
Another common symptom of having too much caffeine in your system is fatigue.
It occurs when the caffeine that keeps you awake gradually wears off, leaving you feeling even more fatigued than before.
And once you’ve ingested enough caffeine from that coffee or energy drink, you’re trapped in a vicious loop.
How to Recover from the Addiction
Mums, if reading this has made you realise that you should be less reliant on coffee, worry not.
Here are some recommendations to help you start recovering from caffeine addiction:
- Caffeine consumption awareness
Some of you may be aware that caffeine can be found in foods and beverages other than coffee. However, for those who are not, you may be ingesting more caffeine than you realise. Learn about other caffeine sources that may be giving you an extra dose and replace them with healthy, caffeine-free alternatives. - Lifestyle change
Instead of relying too heavily on coffee, try to relax when needed. It may be difficult to do so when you have children to look after, but whenever feasible, pick rest over a short drink of coffee. The most important thing to remember is to get enough sleep. - Gradual reduction
Don’t go cold turkey on your caffeine intake. This will cause you to experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Instead, ease off by reducing your intake and switching to decaf, or choosing a replacement drink entirely so you have something other than caffeinated drinks to look forward to. - Keep yourself hydrated
Instead of soothing your thirst with sugary beverages, it is always preferable to choose water. You can feel more energised and your body will be able to maintain a regular temperature and effectively eliminate waste if you drink enough water to stay hydrated.
If you’re accustomed to drinking coffee every day and getting your caffeine fix, this may seem like a difficult road to success.
But don’t worry, you can still occasionally enjoy your favourite beverages and chocolate bars. Just remember to consume them in moderation.
You’ve got this, mummies!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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