FERNWOOD FITNESS - PULSE eMagazine - Issue#11 - Flipbook - Page 26
ARE
THERE
ANY
DOWNSIDES?
The most common consequences of regular or excessive caffeine
intake are insomnia and 昀氀uctuating energy levels. It’s a tricky
cycle—the more tired we feel, the more we reach for coffee, which
gives us a buzz, followed by a slump. So, we reach for another, but
it’s too close to bedtime, leading to poor sleep. The next morning,
we wake up exhausted… and the cycle continues.
Other signs of excess caffeine intake include:
•
•
•
•
•
Anxiety and a rapid heart rate
Irritability
Heartburn and re昀氀ux
Stomach upset
Frequent urination
Perhaps you experience these symptoms but
haven’t yet identi昀椀ed caffeine as a potential
contributor?
When discussing caffeine and health, it’s also
worth considering its impact on calorie intake
and food choices. Do you add sugar, syrups, or
even butter (e.g. ‘bulletproof coffee’) to your
SHOULD
YOU CONSIDER
A CAFFEINE
DETOX?
A two-to-four-week break is enough to reset
your caffeine tolerance. Afterward, you can
expect to enjoy all the bene昀椀ts of caffeine
without needing as much.
drinks? Do you consume large amounts of
milk (e.g. lattes or cappuccinos)? Do you often
have a biscuit or pastry alongside your coffee?
Do you crave sugar once the caffeine buzz
wears off? If energy drinks are your caffeine
source, consider the added sugars or arti昀椀cial
sweeteners they contain.
This is particularly useful if you suspect caffeine
is causing side effects or negatively impacting
your nutrition. In fact, experts regularly
recommend caffeine detoxes or cycling for these
very reasons.
If you’re brave enough to try a caffeine detox,
here are the sources of caffeine to be mindful of:
•
•
•
•
•
Coffee
Tea (including black, green, and some
herbal varieties)
Energy drinks
Cola drinks
Pre-workouts or sports supplements
with caffeine
