Caffeine may be a magical energy boost that helps you wake up in the morning, but for some people, it's more of a silent enemy than a miracle worker. If you've ever felt like you're out of shape but can't figure out why, your daily coffee may be the culprit. It's easy to ignore the signs that your body is rejecting caffeine until they become impossible to ignore.
"Fly" legs
If you've ever felt like your legs can't stay still after a cup of coffee, caffeine could be the culprit. For some people, caffeine overstimulates the nervous system, causing an uncontrollable urge to move your legs—especially at night. This sensation can make it difficult to fall asleep. Since caffeine can stay in your system for hours, even an afternoon cup of coffee can lead to a restless night.
Dry scalp
The dehydrating effects of caffeine don't just affect your body—they can also affect your scalp, leading to excessive dryness or flaking. A dry scalp isn't just uncomfortable; over time, it can weaken hair health and contribute to thinning hair. If your scalp is dry and your hair is falling out, coffee may be the culprit.
A layer on your tongue
It may sound strange, but the acidic effects of caffeine can cause a green coating to appear on your tongue. This often happens when your digestive system is struggling to process the acid, leading to an imbalance in the bacteria in your mouth.
You lose energy at noon.
Caffeine is supposed to give you a boost, but for some, it does the opposite—leading to a huge energy crash just a few hours later. That's because caffeine causes a surge of adrenaline and blood sugar, which quickly drops, leaving you feeling tired. If you find yourself desperate for another cup in the early afternoon, you could be in a vicious cycle of addiction.
Swelling
For some people, caffeine isn't just an energy booster—it's something their body sees as an unwelcome guest. When someone has an intolerance or allergy to caffeine, their immune system overreacts, treating it as a harmful substance. This triggers the release of histamine, a chemical that causes inflammation, in an attempt to "fight" the caffeine.
Insomnia
Even if you only drink coffee in the morning, caffeine intolerance can linger in your body for hours. This can lead to problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling rested when you wake up.
Stomach problems
For some, caffeine irritates the lining of the intestines, leading to bloating, cramps, or even diarrhea. This discomfort often builds over time, leaving you feeling tired and irritable. If your digestive system seems to “rebel” every time you drink coffee, your body is telling you it’s time to take a break.
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
A faster-than-usual heart rate can be normal after a workout, but if it happens out of the blue, caffeine could be the culprit. This stimulant speeds up your heart rate and can lead to an irregular rhythm. It's not just annoying—it can be alarming and even dangerous in some cases.
Increased anxiety
Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, and for some people, this can cause feelings of anxiety. If you find yourself more jittery than usual after drinking coffee, you should pay attention to how your body is reacting. Reducing your caffeine intake can help calm your nervous system and restore a sense of balance.
Dehydration despite drinking water
The dehydrating effects of caffeine can prevent your body from properly absorbing fluids. Even if you're drinking water along with your coffee, the stimulant properties of caffeine can leave you feeling thirsty and lacking energy. If you notice this constant thirst, it might be a good idea to reduce your caffeine intake.
Source: Bright Side
