How To Know if You Have Caffeine Sensitivity and What To Do About It
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Health-GettyImages-1145837697-756d00b1941d4b97a06da11546f8d4a7.jpg)
nensuria / Getty Images
Medically reviewed by Lindsey DeSoto, RDMedically reviewed by Lindsey DeSoto, RDCaffeine sensitivity is when you experience unpleasant symptoms from the stimulating effects of caffeine, a naturally occurring stimulant that is commonly sourced from coffee beans. Caffeine is also found naturally in some types of tea, such as green and black tea, and cacao beans.Symptoms of caffeine sensitivity may include jitteriness, difficulty sleeping, nausea, and headache. Caffeine sensitivity differs from a caffeine allergy, which causes your immune system to form antibodies (protective proteins) called Immunoglobulin-E (IgE). Rarely, a caffeine allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a severe life-threatening allergic reaction. Caffeine sensitivity is not life-threatening and can be managed.The level of caffeine sensitivity varies from person to person and can depend on the medications you take, genetics, pregnancy, and certain lifestyle factors such as smoking.Symptoms of Caffeine SensitivityThere are a few common symptoms people with caffeine sensitivity may experience. These include:JitterinessInsomnia (difficulty falling or staying sleep)AnxiousnessRapid heartbeatHeadacheNauseaFeeling unhappy or uneasy (dysphoria)Caffeine sensitivity symptoms can vary in intensity and duration depending on genetics and how quickly you metabolize (digest) caffeine.What Causes Caffeine Sensitivity?Several factors can contribute to caffeine sensitivity, including genetics, medications, and lifestyle factors.For example, some people are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than others, even if they consume it in low to moderate amounts. This is because genetic variations influence the metabolism of caffeine in the liver, which affects how quickly or slowly your body absorbs and uses the caffeine.Research has also found that greater caffeine intake and the likelihood of experiencing insomnia and poorer sleep quality increases with age. These findings indicate that older and middle-aged adults may be more sensitive to caffeine's stimulating effects than younger adults. In one study, the negative effects on sleep were associated with higher caffeine doses of 400 milligrams (mg).LifestyleCaffeine sensitivity can develop over time, especially if you have built up a high tolerance to caffeine and require larger doses to experience the same stimulating effects. Regularly consuming higher doses of caffeine or increasing your dosage over time may eventually lead to increased sensitivity.Other research has found that people who smoke metabolize caffeine faster. One study showed evidence that the half-life of caffeine was reduced by up to 50% in people who smoke compared to people who don’t.Medications and AlcoholAccording to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the typical half-life of caffeine is 4-6 hours, which is the amount of time it takes for the body to metabolize half of what was initially consumed.Medications and alcohol can also affect the half-life of caffeine, with one study finding medications and alcohol can extend the half-life of caffeine by about 72%.Check if any medications you take could interact with caffeine. Some medications should not be taken with caffeine, as the combination could lead to side effects or medical emergencies, such as a heart attack. Speak to your healthcare provider before consuming caffeine with any medications you are taking.Can You Get a Diagnosis?There is no test to diagnose caffeine sensitivity specifically. However, your healthcare provider can order a genetic test to see if your genes make you more susceptible to caffeine sensitivity.Studies show caffeine response may be partly due to gene variations in the genes CYP1A2 and ADORA2A, which are thought to indicate how slowly or quickly someone can metabolize caffeine.Your provider may also perform an allergy skin prick test to rule out a caffeine allergy.Management and Coping StrategiesIf you have caffeine sensitivity, there are ways you can manage your intake to reduce symptoms of sensitivity. Try the following coping strategies to manage your symptoms of caffeine sensitivity:Be mindful of daily caffeine intake: The FDA recommends that healthy adults consume no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day (4-5 cups of coffee). However, if you are sensitive to caffeine, consider consuming less and monitor how it affects your symptoms.Gradually cut back on caffeine: Stopping your consumption of caffeine too quickly can cause caffeine withdrawal symptoms such as headache, anxiety, and nausea.Consider avoiding caffeine entirely: After cutting back, consider reducing your caffeine intake to zero. Try decaffeinated tea, decaffeinated coffee, sparkling water, or fruit-infused water instead.In addition to these coping strategies, you may want to speak with your healthcare provider for additional tips and techniques on how to manage your caffeine sensitivity.Related Health ConditionsCaffeine intake can impact certain health conditions. For instance, research has found that genetic variations in the metabolic enzyme cytochrome P-450 have been associated with a greater risk of heart attack among people who consume caffeine.Other studies have found that moderate caffeine intake (200-300 mg per day) among older people with high blood pressure was associated with a reduced risk of death from any cause and from cardiovascular disease in particular.Caffeine's effects have also been found to fluctuate greatly among people who are pregnant. Studies have found that caffeine sensitivity in pregnant people is influenced by the sensitivity of adenosine receptors (when activated by caffeine, these receptors speed up nerve activity to make us more alert) and regulation of the metabolic enzyme CYP1A2.The recommended caffeine intake while pregnant depends on the stage of pregnancy, but experts generally suggest consuming less than 300 mg of caffeine per day.It is also strongly advised that people with heart disease, anxiety, high stress levels, or panic disorder consider limiting their caffeine intake. If you have any of these health conditions, speak to your healthcare provider about how much caffeine is safe for you.A Quick ReviewCaffeine sensitivity is when you feel the effects of caffeine more strongly. This can cause symptoms such as nausea, headache, jitteriness, rapid heartbeat, and anxiousness.Causes of caffeine sensitivity include genetic variations, medications, and lifestyle factors such as smoking. Several coping strategies can help manage caffeine sensitivity, including gradually cutting back your daily intake of caffeine or trying out caffeine-free alternatives.Caffeine sensitivity cannot be diagnosed with a specific test, but your healthcare provider can perform other types of tests, such as a skin prick allergy test or a genetic test to determine whether you have a predisposed sensitivity to caffeine. For more Health.com news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Health.com.
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings