Tips for Trimming Your Caffeine Intake
Caffeine offers a pleasant pickup. But
consume too much, and you may
end up with sleep problems, anxiety,
and irritability.
For certain women, limiting caffeine intake is crucial. Researchers recently reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology that the risk of fetal death rose as women drank more caffeinated coffee. But the issue remains controversial. Many other studies and groups suggest that pregnant women can safely consume a cup or two per day.
Other women who should limit caffeine include nursing mothers, older women, and those who have:
- coronary heart disease, hypertension, or ulcers
- osteoporosis
- irritable bowel syndrome
- bladder problems.
Besides coffee, caffeine also lurks in over-the-counter pain relievers, appetite inhibitors, cold medicines, energy drinks, and chocolate.
To lower caffeine intake, go slowly. A too-abrupt withdrawal can trigger headaches, fatigue, irritability, and nausea. Try these tips to tame your caffeine habit and get healthier at the same time.
- Switch to decaf. Decaffeinated coffee only has about 3 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce cup, compared with about 100 milligrams in an 8-ounce cup of regular coffee. And, according to a recent study in the Archives of Internal Medicine, drinking decaffeinated coffee gave postmenopausal women even more protection against diabetes than regular coffee.
- Brew tea instead of coffee. Two cups of tea have only as much caffeine as one cup of coffee. And, a recent study in the Archives of Internal Medicine revealed that, compared with nontea drinkers, women who drank two cups of tea each day had a 46% lower chance of getting ovarian cancer.
- Take a hard look at your soft drinks. A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that caffeine-containing colas were much likelier than coffee to raise blood pressure.
