Caffeine is a highly sought after stimulant or energy booster found in various beverages and foods. You can find it in coffee, chocolate, tea, and energy drinks.
Usually, caffeine provides energy boost and alertness, allowing you to undertake your daily activities better. However, some individuals may experience excessive energy or unwanted side effects. These are commonly known as caffeine jitters.
As such, some people are afraid of taking their favorite cup of coffee, fearing its aftermath. Some of these effects will include nervous energy, heart palpitations, and shakiness. They usually occur after the release of the "flight" hormone (adrenaline) triggered by too much caffeine.
And while some people will only have a mild effect, others will experience an intense one that can be quite uncomfortable. So, how would you counter this unpleasant effect? We'll find out in a bit.
But first, let's take a deeper look at what exactly causes these effects.
What Causes Caffeine Jitters
Why does coffee make me jittery? Someone may pose. And here is the main reason why.
Caffeine jitters, also known as coffee jitters or caffeine-induced anxiety, occur as a result of consuming excessive amounts of caffeine. When you ingest caffeine, it has a direct impact on your central nervous system, affecting various neurotransmitters and hormones in your body.
One of the key mechanisms behind caffeine jitters is the stimulation of adrenaline release. Adrenaline is also known as epinephrine and is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Its primary function is to prepare your body for a "fight or flight" response when faced with a perceived threat or stressor. That's why it's sometimes also called the fight or flight hormone.
Caffeine acts as a stimulant, triggering the release of adrenaline. This surge of adrenaline can lead to an array of physiological and psychological effects, including restlessness, nervousness, and characteristic jitters.
The adrenaline will cause an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and overall alertness. It essentially puts your body in a heightened state of arousal. However, while this can be beneficial in certain situations, such as when you need a burst of energy or increased focus, consuming too much caffeine can push your body into an overactive state.
As a result, you may experience restlessness, an inability to relax, and a heightened sense of anxiety. These symptoms can manifest as jitters, trembling, fidgeting, or feeling on edge. The severity of caffeine jitters can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as individual sensitivity, tolerance levels, and the amount of caffeine consumed.
The good thing is caffeine jitters are temporary and typically subside as the effects of caffeine wear off.
How Does Caffeine Affect Your Body?
When you consume caffeine, it quickly enters your bloodstream and reaches your brain. Here, the first thing it does is block the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter responsible for promoting relaxation and drowsiness. As a result, caffeine increases alertness, improves concentration, and reduces fatigue.
However, excessive caffeine can cause various effects on your body, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and, in some cases, anxiety and jitters. So, if you don't want to experience these negative effects, you should learn to minimize the amount of caffeine you take.
Better still, you should understand your body to know its sensitivity to caffeine. It is the first step to learning how to counteract caffeine.
How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?
The amount of caffeine that leads to jitters varies from person to person. In other words, everyone has a different tolerance level.
However, consuming more than 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day can increase the likelihood of experiencing jitters. To put it into perspective, an average cup of coffee (8 ounces) contains about 95 mg of caffeine, while a can of energy drink can contain around 80 to 150 mg.
If you are an espresso person, a shot of espresso will contain around 63 mg per ounce of espresso. This is undoubtedly higher than the amount of caffeine in an ounce of regular coffee.
Duration of Caffeine Jitters
Caffeine jitters typically last for a few hours, depending on the individual's metabolism and the amount of caffeine consumed. The effects of caffeine peak around 15-45 minutes after consumption and gradually decrease over time.
However, in some cases, the jitters may persist for several hours, especially if a large amount of caffeine has been ingested. So, if your jitters last longer or shorter than this, it's all about your body's sensitivity to caffeine.
Symptoms of Excessive Caffeine Consumption
We've just mentioned a few symptoms of coffee jitters. But it has an even wider array of side effects.
What do I mean?
Consuming too much caffeine can lead to various symptoms beyond jitters. These symptoms may include:
- Restlessness and coffee jitters anxiety
- Increased heart rate
- Headaches
- Upset stomach or digestive issues
- Difficulty sleeping
- Shakiness or tremors
- Bathroom effect
If you experience any of these symptoms regularly, it's important to evaluate your caffeine intake and consider adjusting it accordingly.
Best Ways to Stop Caffeine Jitters
Having learned how caffeine jitters occur and the effect too much caffeine has on your body, you certainly want to know how NOT to get jittery from coffee or caffeine consumption. So, here is a comprehensive guide on how to calm coffee jitters and enjoy your cup of coffee in peace.
1. Avoiding Caffeine
Do you want to know how to stop coffee jitters? Well, the first and most effective method is to reduce or eliminate caffeine consumption altogether.
Someone would argue that this is impossible, especially for coffee enthusiasts. But it's not! All you need is to do it gradually. Don't be in a hurry, and you will get there.
But if you can't stay without the taste of coffee, consider switching to decaffeinated alternatives.
2. Increase Water Intake
Staying hydrated can help alleviate caffeine jitters. And this sounds like the easiest thing to do.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to dilute the caffeine in your system and promote better overall health. However, this doesn't guarantee an instant drop of the caffeine jitters.
3. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eating a balanced and nutritious diet can also contribute to minimizing caffeine jitters. Include foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, such as vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. These nutrients support your body's natural processes and help counteract the effects of caffeine.
Eating a healthy meal with a lot of fiber can also boost your energy after a post-caffeine crash. Note after the jitters comes the crash once the excess energy from caffeine wears off.
4. Engage in Physical Activity
Exercising or taking a brisk walk can be beneficial in reducing caffeine jitters. Physical activity releases endorphins, which promote feelings of well-being and can counteract restlessness and anxiety associated with excessive caffeine consumption.
So, don't just sit there idle with that excess energy. Wear it off with some physical activities.
5. Consider "Eat Your Coffee" Bars
If you still don't know how to counteract caffeine, it's time to try Eating Your Coffee bars.
These bars are a popular alternative for coffee lovers seeking a quick pick-me-up without the jitters. They are made with real coffee and provide a moderate amount of caffeine, along with other natural ingredients. Also, they offer sustained energy without the side effects commonly associated with excessive caffeine intake.
"Eat Your Coffee" bars are unique because they are made with real coffee, offering a natural source of caffeine. They are crafted using quality coffee beans, carefully selected for their flavor and caffeine content. This means that each bite delivers a moderate amount of caffeine, providing a similar energy boost to a cup of coffee but without the risk of overwhelming jitters.
These energy bars also contain other natural ingredients that contribute to sustained energy and overall well-being. They often include nutrient-dense components such as dates, nuts, seeds, and plant-based protein sources. These ingredients offer a balance of nutrients, providing a nourishing snack that can keep you fueled throughout the day.
Even better, "Eat Your Coffee" bars come in a variety of flavors, allowing you to choose the one that suits your taste preferences. Whether you prefer the rich and bold flavor of dark roast or the subtle sweetness of a flavored coffee, there are options available to cater to your unique palate.
So, what are you waiting for? With only $3 for the shipping, you can use the Discount code TRY to get yourself a FREE sample pack.
Conclusion
Caffeine jitters can be uncomfortable and can disrupt your daily routine. However, understanding the causes and effects of caffeine on your body can help you take proactive steps to counteract these jitters.
And if these jitters get the best of you, you can always take less caffeine or avoid it altogether. Staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging in physical activity can also help to calm the severe effects of coffee jitters.
FAQs
How long do coffee jitters last?
Coffee jitters typically last for a few hours. However, the duration may be influenced by other factors such as caffeine tolerance, amount consumed, and individual metabolism.
Can caffeine jitters cause anxiety?
Yes, excessive caffeine consumption can lead to increased restlessness, nervousness, and anxiety, which are commonly referred to as caffeine jitters.
What are the symptoms of too much caffeine in your system?
Symptoms of excessive caffeine consumption may include restlessness, increased heart rate, headaches, digestive issues, difficulty sleeping, and shakiness or tremors.