Hi my name is Donna and I have a caffeine problem! It may seem ridiculous but it’s completely true. I’m a passionate tea drinker, but recently the thought that my caffeine levels may be a little too high has been difficult to shake, so I’ve been cutting back. According to the Mayo clinic in America if you’re consuming more than 500 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day you should probably look at reducing your intake. A mug of coffee (240ml) has between 95 – 200mg of caffeine in it and my drink of choice, black tea contains between 40-70gm in a single (240ml) serving. Considering I can easily down between 6 – 8 cups a day, its definitely time to cut back.

Pros and Cons

Caffeine is a stimulant that is found naturally in many plants. It’s safe for humans (thankfully) but it is addictive and not all the effects it has are beneficial.   Many people find caffeine helps them to wake up, be more alert and enables them to tackle the challenges they face during the day. On the down side, caffeine can also cause sleeplessness, contribute to anxiety, cause headaches and jitters and (when taken in sweetened drinks) facilitate weight gain.  It’s also very easy to be come dependent on this wonder drug without actually realising it.

Cold turkey

If (like me) you regularly drink a bit more caffeine than you should, suddenly cutting it out all together can cause more harm than good. Going cold turkey can trigger headaches, tiredness, a foggy brain and mess up your digestion. Here are a few ways to reduce your caffeine without too much discomfort:

  • Take it slowly. Cut back on one or two cups a day at a gradual rate. You don’t need to rush the process so be realistic and reduce the amount you are drinking over a set period of time.
  • Reach for decaf. Choose decaffeinated alternatives, like rooibos tea or brew your coffee for a shorter period of time. This allows you to have your hot drink fix with less of the caffeine.  Herbal teas are also a good option
  • Drink more water. Instead of going for tea or coffee as a default replace them with water. Alternatively every time you have a caffeine drink, have a glass of water as well. This not only fills you up and quenches your thirst but it also keeps you better hydrated.

Being dependent on anything in order to function is not a great way to live. The Apostle Paul wrote in the New Testament

“I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything.

Rather than depending on substances that may feel good for a while but come with not so great side-effects, you can draw strength and support from a relationship with God.