Caffeine Free Switch

In addition to coffee dependence or addiction, consuming large amounts of coffee on a regular basis can instigate issues such as insomnia and irritability, indigestion and heartburn and even stomach ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome. If you're finding yourself struggling with any of the aforementioned conditions, or you're simply sick of relying on your morning coffee to kickstart the day, take a read of the following tips to beating coffee for good.

GIVING IT UP

Cold turkey or gradually

One of the first things to consider when deciding to give up coffee is whether to go cold turkey or try it gradually over time. Although this really comes down to personal preference, you may be better off with a progressive approach if your coffee consumption exceeds three cups per day. If your body is accustomed to significant caffeine intake on a regular basis, gradually omitting coffee from your diet could help to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms. If you feel you’re up for the challenge, however, going cold turkey could be a favourable option as it will allow you to reach your coffee-free goals sooner. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that withdrawal symptoms could be intensified through going cold turkey.

Be prepared for withdrawal symptoms

If coffee has been a part of your daily routine, removing it from your diet is likely to bring about some uncomfortable symptoms in the initial stages. You may notice that your energy levels are down, your concentration wavering and your mind a little cloudy. Whilst they’re undoubtedly unpleasant to experience, these are common and even natural side-effects of removing caffeine from your diet. Consistently, some people also experience more severe symptoms such as migraines, shaking, sweating and irritability. Although somewhat less common, these too are the body’s way of becoming accustomed to your new, coffee-free lifestyle - so try to stay patient while your body goes through this natural phase.

Drink plenty of water

In addition to the array of benefits water consumption has to the body, increasing the number cups you drink each day can help to minimise withdrawal symptoms such as migraines and lethargy. A handy little trick to help with this is to (at least) replace every cup of coffee you would normally have with a cup of h2O. However, if you find that your headaches or migraines are unbearable, it might be time to reach for some over the counter pain relief or consult your doctor.

Exercise in the mornings

Coffee works to stimulate the brain and make us feel energised, so removing it from our routine will inevitably see a reduction in these physiological occurrences. To help combat significant drops in brain function and energy, incorporating a regular exercise routine into your morning will allow you to start the day with the same ‘bang’ as coffee used to incite. More than this, it can also help to diminish stress levels that have likely risen since omitting your regular cup of joe.

Increased rest

Increasing sleep time is another beneficial practice we can incorporate in order to thwart uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms like lethargy and headaches. If you are feeling consistently tired, you shouldn’t have too much trouble increasing rest time. If, however, your withdrawal symptoms are contributing to an inability to fall asleep, you could try introducing a natural sleep remedy such as A. Vogel Sleeplessness & Insomnia Relief® – Valerian & Hops. As opposed to a sleeping pill, Sleeplessness & Insomnia Relief® encourages a deep and natural sleep that won’t leave you feeling groggy in the morning.

SWITCHING IT UP

Find a replacement beverage

One of the things you’ll undoubtedly miss about coffee is the experience of drinking a delicious, hot beverage when this really doesn’t need to be the case. Devised specifically as a coffee alternative, A. Vogel’s Bambu® is a delicious, instant and caffeine free substitute that doesn’t leave you disappointed. Ideal for people struggling with caffeine dependence, nervousness or sleeplessness, Bambu® is created with a divine blend of organic chicory, Turkish figs, malted barley, wheat and Greek acorns – meaning you won’t experience the nasty side effects associated with caffeine. This 100% natural, vegan-friendly beverage also has high levels of potassium and can aid the digestive process, making it one of the best coffee alternatives on the market. If you’re keen to get your hands on Bambu®, head to our online store.

Eat dark chocolate

If you’re still struggling with cutting coffee out of your routine, having a few squares of dark chocolate can help to satisfy that caffeine craving without spoiling all your hard work. As cocoa beans naturally contain caffeine, dark chocolate can work wonders if you’re experiencing headaches and energy drops.

KEEPING IT UP

Don’t deprive yourself

Cutting coffee for a week or two is one thing but keeping up this lifestyle change for good can be a new challenge all in itself. One of the ways we can encourage prolonged coffee omission is to allow ourselves to be around coffee and not to deprive ourselves of the activities associated with it. For many Aussies, coffee is a very social drink so if you try to avoid coffee shops and social catch-ups altogether, it may become difficult to sustain. Oftentimes enjoying coffee aromas whilst indulging in another hot beverage can be enough to satisfy the craving.

For more fantastic tips and tricks on sustaining better health naturally, have a read of our blogs or browse our holistic selection of natural remedies.