Millions of people suffer from migraines, or pounding headaches that often immobilize them. While the cause of migraines is different for everyone, a common culprit is caffeine withdrawal. Like any other withdrawal, when you do not replenish your body with something it is used to, your body reacts unpleasantly---in this case, with a debilitating headache.
Whether you are cutting down on the caffeine for health reasons or lifestyle reasons or have no access to caffeine due to special circumstances, there are ways to avoid caffeine headaches.
Instructions
1. Wean yourself from the caffeine slowly. For instance, if you drink four to six caffeinated beverages a day, cut your intake by one drink every two or three days. If you only drink one or two caffeinated beverages a day, cut down on the size of the beverages rather than the number. This gives your body time to adjust without shocking your system.
2. Replace the skipped beverages with a non-caffeinated herbal tea. Chamomile, peppermint and citrus teas are tasty and soothing. Use a non-calorie sweetener or honey to boost the taste even more.
3. Exercise during the free time in which you used to down caffeine. Walk during breaks at work, and jog or do a 15-minute yoga workout in the mornings and evenings. Light exercise will give you an energy boost by oxygenating your body. Follow exercise with lots of water.
4. Take one or two 500-mg tablets of your preferred pain medication if caffeine withdrawal does hit. Start with one tablet, and take another if the pain does not lessen after about 30 minutes. Sip some hot herbal tea with your medication; the teas mentioned in Step 2 help relax muscles and relieve pain.
Tags: your body, caffeinated beverages, caffeine withdrawal, down caffeine
