“In people predisposed to anxiety disorders, caffeine can trigger a spiral of sensations–sweaty palms, pounding heart, ringing in the ears–that leads to a full blown panic attack”
Unknown
I was researching panic attack triggers to find out why I was having such frequent panic attacks. I almost cried when I read caffeine could trigger or make panics attacks worst. I was addicted to caffeine. I’m a night owl and the only way I could commit to my 8-5 schedule was to load up on caffeine daily.
In the morning I would come into work and make myself a fresh cup of coffee. Then around 10 I would find myself crashing and would walk to the vending machine to grab a Diet Coke. I know diet is the worst but diet soda has so much more caffeine than regular soda so it was my to go to drink. I take lunch around 2 pm and I would drink my personal favorite Diet Pepsi max which has about 115mg of caffeine. That was the only way I could make it through the day.
Sometime as a treat I would stop pass Starbucks on my way home from work and order my favorite a salted Carmel frappe with an extra shot.
Then I would go home help my son with his homework, cook and clean and then get ready for bed. Bedtime was the worst because all I could hear was my heart beating extremely fast, and the ringing in my ears was so loud I couldn’t hear anything else. I literally would toss and turn all night. This slightest noise would wake me up out of my sleep. I often would not be able to fall asleep until 1 or 2am and my alarm clock goes off faithfully at 6am every day.
I decided I needed to give up caffeine and find a more natural way to get my energy. However detoxing from caffeine was an extremely hard process for me.
Day One:
I came into work exhausted, but I refused to drink any coffee. However by lunch time I had the worst migraine ever. My head hurt so badly. It even hurt to keep my eyes open. I took Tylenol but my headache never went away. Finally after being in so much pain I called my mother to let her know how bad I was feeling. She advised me I couldn’t give up caffeine cold turkey. She advised I would have to ween myself off because my body was used to consuming high amounts of caffeine. When I got home from work I stopped in the grocery store and grabbed a Pepsi max. I drank the bottle and shortly after my headache finally went away. Having a caffeine headache was the worst headache I’ve ever had.
Day Two:
Once again I came into work and opted not to drink a cup of coffee. Then around noon my headache returned once again. Prepared this time I made myself a half cup of coffee. Clearly the free coffee my job offers wasn’t strong enough because my headache didn’t fully go away. One hour later I found myself back at the vending machine getting a Diet Coke. I drank half of the Diet Coke and like magic my headache went away.
After about two weeks of this routine I decided no more half bottles of soda, and half cups of coffee I needed to be done with my addiction to caffeine. Once again I stopped cold turkey. The headaches were so bad but I fought through the pain until they were gone for good. One month after deciding to give up caffeine I finally was able to do so without any side effects.
However now my major issue was fatigue. I was so tired every day and it was starting to affect me not only at work, but as a mother. I needed to find ways to naturally gain energy. I found four steps that really helped me get more energy.
Step One: Eat for energy.
My diet was awful, and I decided to eat less junk. Instead I started eating more salads and vegetables. I started eating more fruit and less candy.
Step Two: Exercise
I started going to the gym as often as I could. I committed to at least three days a week. I found exercise as a good way to not only lose weight, but to also gain energy. Exercising also helped me with sleeping. Sometimes after a long work out I find myself so tired I would come home shower and fall right to sleep. Exercising is also a good way to cope with stress. It helps you relax naturally.
Step Three: Vitamins
I have Chrons Disease and I’m anemic. Often time I go to the doctors and I’m told my iron is low, my B12 is low, and my vitamin D is low. That also explains why I’m so tired. I now take sublingual B12 5,000 mg every morning. I also take Ceylon cinnamon 1,200mg every morning as well to regulate my sugar. Mid-day I take a liquid vitamin Natural Vitality Organic Life Vitamins 30ml, and a liquid iron 15ml. Then at night I take a One A Day women’s Vitamin right before bed. I also take a Natures Bounty hair skin and nails vitamin Before bed as well. My doctor advised me my sugar levels were down and my vitamin levels are up. So I swear by these vitamins.
Step Four: Drink Lots of Water!
This might be the most important step. Drinking water is so good for your body for so many reason. Drinking water helps to maintain a healthy body weight. My skin is so clear I love it. I try to drink about one or more gallons of water per day. Swapping out sugary beverages for water is probably the best thing I have ever done in my life. I’m glowing and I don’t have to stress about my skin or my hair. That helps keep me calm and happy! My energy is also up and my energy is positive.
In conclusion my decision to stop drinking caffeine and start living a better healthier life was the best decision for me. I would always recommend speaking with a doctor before starting any vitamin routine.
For More Information Anxiety and Caffeine please visit:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/anxiety-pictures/7-surprising-causes-of-anxiety.aspx
