The inviting aroma, the rich taste, the burst of energy – there's a lot to love about coffee. But when that extra cup sends your heart racing and hands trembling, it can quickly turn from comforting to uncomfortable. These are the tell-tale signs of 'coffee jitters', a common side-effect of caffeine overconsumption. If you've found yourself in this situation, don't worry. Here are some tried-and-tested strategies on how to get rid of coffee jitters.
Why does Coffee make you Shaky
Coffee can make you shaky due to its primary active ingredient: caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that affects your nervous system. It blocks the action of a neurotransmitter called adenosine, which is responsible for promoting sleep and relaxation. By blocking adenosine, caffeine increases neural firing and releases other neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. This process can lead to heightened alertness and energy, but it can also result in restlessness, jitteriness, and trembling.
Moreover, caffeine increases the release of adrenaline, the "fight-or-flight" hormone. Adrenaline accelerates your heart rate and can cause your muscles to shake. This response is usually beneficial in situations requiring increased alertness or physical activity, but it can be uncomfortable in more relaxed settings.
How to stop coffee jitters
Understand Your Limits
Everyone has a unique tolerance to caffeine, and knowing your limit is the first step in avoiding coffee jitters. The FDA recommends a maximum intake of 400 milligrams of caffeine per day - roughly the amount in four 8-ounce cups of coffee. However, some people may experience jitters with even less caffeine. Pay attention to your body's response and adjust your intake accordingly.
Stay Hydrated
Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it can lead to increased urination, potentially causing dehydration. Dehydration can exacerbate the symptoms of coffee jitters. Therefore, make sure you're drinking enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially when consuming caffeine.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Having coffee on an empty stomach can increase the likelihood of experiencing jitters. The reason? Caffeine stimulates the production of stomach acid, which can lead to an upset stomach when not buffered by food. Try to pair your coffee with a balanced meal or snack.
Try L-Theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea that's known for its calming effects. It works synergistically with caffeine to improve brain function while reducing caffeine's stimulatory effects. Consider taking an L-theanine supplement or switching to green tea, which naturally contains both caffeine and L-theanine.
Get Moving
Physical activity can help metabolize caffeine in your body faster. If you're feeling jittery, try going for a quick walk or doing a short workout. This can help reduce the intensity and duration of the jitters.
Practice Deep Breathing
Deep breathing exercises can help calm your nervous system, reducing feelings of anxiety and restlessness associated with coffee jitters. Try inhaling deeply for four seconds, holding your breath for seven seconds, and then exhaling slowly for eight seconds. Repeat this cycle until you start to feel calmer.
How to stop caffeine jitters
A Delicious Solution: Eat Your Coffee
Finding the balance between enjoying your caffeine kick and avoiding the jitters can be a delicate dance. But what if there was a way to get your coffee fix in a more controlled, delicious, and nutritious format? Meet Eat Your Coffee – a game-changing solution to this common dilemma.
Eat Your Coffee bars are a revolutionary way to consume your caffeine. Each bar is infused with a full cup of fair-trade coffee and packed with nourishing, real-food ingredients. This not only provides you with the caffeine you crave but also with sustained energy from wholesome food.
The genius behind Eat Your Coffee bars is their combination of caffeine with fiber and slow-digesting carbs. This results in a more gradual caffeine release, reducing the chances of those unwanted coffee jitters. And with delightful flavors like Fudgy Mocha Latte, Salted Caramel Macchiato and Cocoa Espresso, these bars turn your coffee routine into a true treat.
Beyond being a delicious snack, Eat Your Coffee bars are also vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and kosher, making them a great choice for various dietary preferences. Plus, they're perfect for on-the-go occasions when brewing a cup of coffee isn't an option.
So, why not switch up your caffeine routine and give Eat Your Coffee bars a try? They might just be the jitter-free solution you've been looking for. With Eat Your Coffee bars, you can have your coffee and eat it too!
How long does Caffeine Jitters last
The length of caffeine jitters varies from person to person and depends on several factors such as the amount of caffeine consumed, personal caffeine tolerance, and metabolism rate. Typically, caffeine's effects are felt within 15 to 45 minutes of consumption, and its jittery effects could last anywhere from a few hours to several hours.
Caffeine's half-life, which is the time it takes for the body to eliminate half of the caffeine consumed, is approximately 3 to 5 hours in healthy adults. However, this can be influenced by factors like age, liver function, pregnancy, and some medications. This means that if you're sensitive to caffeine, you could potentially feel its effects for several hours after consumption.
It's also worth noting that caffeine can disrupt sleep, which might indirectly prolong the feeling of jitters if it leads to tiredness or stress. If you're experiencing prolonged or severe jitters from caffeine, it may be worth speaking to a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
Coffee jitters can be an unpleasant side effect of our beloved brew, but with a few smart strategies and innovative solutions like Eat Your Coffee bars, you can enjoy your caffeine without the discomfort. Listen to your body, make necessary adjustments, and remember – a balanced approach to caffeine can help ensure it remains a beneficial part of your daily routine. Here's to jitter-free days and a healthier, more enjoyable coffee experience!
