Caffeine our enemy? When do we become caffeinated? Does an excess of coffee and tea risk mental disorders? Recovering from caffeine may not be so easy....
Caffeine and mental illness
Consumption of large amounts of coffee and tea becomes a problem in psychiatric patients taking certain antidepressants and neuroleptics. These drugs can cause an adverse symptom in the form of dry mouth.
It is thought that caffeine intake in some psychiatric illnesses can cause patients to deteriorate and exacerbate their symptoms. Caffeinism can exacerbate or even provoke the onset of psychiatric disorders! It has been reported, for example, that as little as 70 mg of caffeine (a glass of tea) taken by a person with schizophrenia caused agitation and increased psychotic symptoms. Caffeine abuse in schizophrenia causes the patient to respond less well to medication. It is important to be aware that a person who abuses caffeine may present with symptoms of anxiety disorders, which will disappear when excessive amounts of caffeine are removed from the diet.
How to break free from caffeinism?
Firstly, it is important to answer the question of whether you are taking excessive amounts of caffeine, i.e. more than 750 mg per day. If so, it is worth realising the negative effects of caffeinism and the benefits of kicking the habit.
The next step is to recognise the sources of caffeine and the amount contained in particular foods. This is helpful in reducing unconscious caffeine abuse.
Because of the risk of 'withdrawal' symptoms, it is recommended to gradually wean off caffeinated products. Brewed coffee is replaced by instant coffee, while soluble coffee is replaced by decaffeinated coffee.
In the early stages of withdrawal, it is advisable to adhere to the (decaffeinated) coffee drinking times to which you are accustomed.
If you experience headaches (a symptom experienced by half of the people weaning themselves off coffee), painkillers (non-caffeinated!!!) are recommended.
Finally, it is important to set a goal that you are working towards. It is not necessary to completely eliminate caffeine from the diet. It could be to limit caffeinated drinks to certain meals (second breakfast, afternoon tea) or times of the day, such as after waking up.
