Caffeine is used in many weight loss products because of the various fat-reducing effects that it has on the body. It increases metabolism and boosts energy expenditure. Caffeine also encourages the body to use fat for energy and protects against muscle breakdown. For these reasons, caffeine is also a popular ingredient in most pre-workout supplements.
In my current health research, I have been looking at how caffeine is addictive and I have researched how people who drink coffee regularly go into a state of withdrawal when they stop consuming it. The withdrawal symptoms include a lack of energy, headaches, struggling to fall asleep or wake up, depression and a lowered ability to complete regular workout routines.
Your body learns to adapt to various stimuli by doing the opposite
We know that our bodies are really good at adapting. It does this to retain a state of equilibrium and keep everything in balance. If your body did not balance things out by doing the opposite of a specific effect, it would not be able to warm itself up when it is cold or cool itself down when it is hot. Your body wouldn’t be able to digest nutrients or turn oxygen into energy either.
Does your body do the same thing with caffeine? Specifically, do the fat burning effects of caffeine reduce your body’s ability to burn fat on its own when you don’t consume it?
What happens when you stop drinking coffee?
1. Decreased energy levels
When a regular coffee drinker stops drinking coffee, they will notice that their energy levels are lower than normal. This happens because caffeine is a stimulant. Without the stimulation of caffeine, the body produces less energy. Energy is obtained from fat cells. When less energy is being produced, less fat is being used.
Use these tips if the brain fog from quitting caffeine gets too much. You can also try these energy-boosting methods while at the office.
2. Increased cravings for high-calorie foods
Have you noticed that you crave unhealthy foods that are loaded with processed oil or high in carbohydrates when you haven’t slept well the night before? This happens because the body tries to balance out low energy by consuming more nutrients. It is easier to turn the calories from food into energy instead of using fat cells. When the body already feels run down, it will try to make its energy-producing processes as simple as possible to save energy. This is why the term ‘it takes energy to make energy’ is so true.
In the same way, you will probably end up consuming more calories when you don’t get your daily caffeine fix as your body tries to compensate for the loss of energy. The calories from these foods that aren’t used up will be stored as additional fat. Since your body isn’t producing enough energy already, a large portion of these calories will be turned into fat storage. For this reason, caffeine withdrawal may lead to increased fat gain.
If you are worried about eating too many calories, try these easy calorie-reducing tips.
Coffee is actually good for you because of its antioxidant content
Antioxidants are the part of plants that have a positive effect on our bodies by cleaning out toxins. Antioxidants also reduce the negative effects of pollution and unhealthy habits. They also help to repair cells and keep our bodies clean. Raw fruit and vegetables are the best source of antioxidants, and almost all processed foods don’t have any antioxidants at all. Coffee and tea are excellent sources of antioxidants. For this reason, coffee or tea might be the only source of daily antioxidants for people who eat an unhealthy diet. This is why many studies have proven that regular coffee or tea consumption might lengthen life span. If you want to avoid caffeine while still getting a vital daily dose of antioxidants, simply eat enough raw fruit and vegetables every day.
If you want to reduce your caffeine consumption without having a negative withdrawal period, reduce it slowly over time. This will give your body time to adapt without lowering its overall energy levels too drastically. Exercise is also a great way to help your body cope with the withdrawal effects of caffeine because it teaches your body to produce energy on its own without the need for stimulants. Cold showers are also great for giving you an instant energy boost.
Remember to always keep everything in moderation and consult your doctor whenever you feel any adverse symptoms.
