Does Consuming Coffee Lead to Anxiety?
In a world where coffee consumption is prevalent, with 7 in 10 Americans drinking coffee each week and more than 6 in 10 drinking it daily, a neuroscientist and California board certified clinician, Dr. Tohid, suggests that decaf coffee might be an alternative for managing anxiety symptoms.
According to Dr. Tohid, caffeine, an "upper drug" and brain stimulant, has a strong relationship with anxiety. Excessive amounts of caffeine may cause or worsen symptoms of anxiety, with symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, palpitations, excessive worry, feelings of fear, insomnia, restlessness, nausea, dizziness, dehydration, and more.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR) recognizes anxiety caused by caffeine as a "caffeine-induced anxiety disorder." Symptoms of caffeine-induced anxiety can be similar to those of a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Psych Central's hub on finding mental health support can be a useful resource for understanding how much caffeine may be best for a person's unique needs. If a person already has anxiety, Dr. Tohid suggests limiting their coffee intake to 1 cup or less a day. For those without anxiety-related issues, he recommends limiting coffee intake to 1 to 2 cups per day, or a maximum of 4 cups.
If you're craving the coffee caffeine boost but want to cut down on your coffee intake, consider drinking herbal tea or a big glass of water instead. Tea or green tea may be a suitable substitute for coffee, as they contain less caffeine. There are also several caffeine-free coffee alternatives available on the market, such as mushroom coffee and kombucha.
In addition to limiting coffee intake, practicing deep breathing, exercising, drinking plenty of water, spending time outdoors, and eating serotonin-rich foods can help reduce anxiety caused or worsened by caffeine.
It's important to be aware of the potential link between caffeine and anxiety, as this knowledge can help manage symptoms if they arise. However, further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between caffeine and anxiety, particularly in adolescents.
In conclusion, while coffee is a popular beverage, it's crucial to be mindful of its potential impact on anxiety. By making informed choices and taking steps to manage caffeine intake, individuals can help maintain their mental health and wellbeing.
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