Had too much coffee and now the side effects of caffeine are leaving you feeling so uncomfortable? Worry not because worrying will only intensify everything — from that nasty headache, annoying lightheadedness, excruciating stomach irritation, uncontrollable hand tremors to panic-causing heart palpitations.
Below you will find some of the things that can help in flushing caffeine out of your body at a much faster rate:
Drink Plenty of Water
Just like when trying to get rid of other substances in the body, it’s a good idea to increase your intake of water. This will prompt your kidneys to filter out caffeine in your bloodstream so much faster. And since coffee has dehydrating effects, something which can intensify some of the side effects of caffeine, water can keep you hydrated.
Have a Cup Herbal Tea
Brewing yourself a cup of your favorite herbal tea can increase your total fluid intake, thus allowing you to deal with caffeine quicker. It’s a good idea to opt of an herbal tea that can promote relaxation. The likes of chamomile, lemon balm, and jasmine herbal teas can counter the stimulating effects of caffeine.
Keep Moving
Plopping in the couch can only make the elimination of caffeine slower, plus it will also make you more aware of the unfavorable side effects of caffeine to your body. What you need to do instead is engage in some moderate physical activities like walking your dog or washing your car, which will definitely help speed up caffeine’s metabolism.
Hit the Gym
Are you trying to lose excess weight? Then try hitting two birds with one stone by going to the gym. Lifting weights, running on a treadmill or hopping on a spinning bike can help you zap caffeine as well as excess calories. Besides, caffeine is proven to be something that can help boost your exercise endurance tremendously.
Snack on a Banana
Is your stomach killing you after several cups of your favorite java? Reach for a piece of banana and snack on it. This tropical fruit is very good at putting an end to stomach irritation. It also helps relieve acid reflux, which can be triggered by coffee. Also, potassium found in a banana can help in regulating your heart rate.
Have a Vitamin C-Rich Fruit
Other than a banana, you may opt for any fruit of your liking for as long as it’s loaded with vitamin C, which is a nutrient known to help neutralize caffeine. If you already have an upset stomach, steer clear of acidic fruits like oranges and strawberries. Instead, go for non- or less-acidic ones like kiwis, guavas, papayas and mangoes.
Eat Nuts or Seeds
Magnesium is another nutrient that is said to help buffer the effects of too much caffeine. For instance, magnesium can help in calming your mind and making you feel more relaxed. Nuts and seeds are phenomenal sources of it, so snack on a handful of them. Fish, beans and avocados also contain lots of magnesium.
Relax and Wait
Finally, sometimes all you have to do is patiently wait for the time when caffeine circulating in your system has been metabolized fully. This does not mean, however, that you should do absolutely nothing at all. For instance, you may take slow deep breaths that can help slow down your heart rate as well as lower your blood pressure.
These can help make it easier for caffeine to get metabolized, letting you attain much-needed relief from the substance’s unfavorable side effects. Next time, make sure that you don’t overdose on coffee. You should also be on the lookout for other caffeine-containing stuff such as chocolates, soda and energy drinks.
