One of the best things about coffee is that so many different types are available worldwide.
Something all coffee has in common is the potential for caffeine side effects, especially caffeine jitters. These jitters can leave you feeling restless, anxious, and just generally a bit 'off'.
When they're too extreme, the jitters make it impossible to enjoy the boost of focus and productivity from your cup of joe.
However, there are options out there to help you ditch the coffee jitters so that you can make the most of your brew.
Understanding Caffeine Jitters
Before we get into the solutions to this problem, we must learn what caffeine jitters are and why they occur.
Since caffeine is a stimulant, it triggers the central nervous system, making you feel awake and more alert. Consuming too much coffee can lead to an overstimulation of your nervous system, which is the jitteriness you feel.
Caffeine jitters can come in varying forms. You could experience restlessness, a fast heartbeat, trembling hands, and elevated anxiety.
Are you tired of feeling these things after enjoying your coffee? Has it forced you to give up the drink altogether?
Let's see what you can do about it!
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can heighten the effects of caffeine, including the jitters. With this in mind, staying on top of your hydration is essential.
Drinking enough water throughout the day helps to maintain proper hydration levels and flush out toxins from your system. It can even help dilute the impact of caffeine on your body.
While there's no official FDA ruling on how much water we need, as a general rule of thumb, consume around eight regular-sized glasses of water daily. If that seems too ambitious, try having at least one cup of water every time you have a coffee.
Moderate Your Consumption
We know you probably don't want to hear it, but the most effective way of avoiding the coffee jitters is by moderating your coffee intake. You don't have to kick the habit, but it helps to reduce the amount of coffee you consume daily.
If you'd rather not do that, consider lower-caffeine alternatives. For instance, decaf or blends with reduced caffeine content can be worthwhile.
Slowly decreasing your caffeine intake allows your body to adjust to change. Doing this minimizes the chances of experiencing jitters.
This gradual approach encourages a balance between enjoying your coffee and avoiding the discomfort of excessive caffeine stimulation.
Pair Coffee With a Healthy Snack
Consuming coffee on an empty stomach can intensify caffeine's effects and increase the likelihood of jitters. To offset this, you should pair your morning coffee with a nutritious snack.
That doesn't mean you should reach for junk food. Opt for foods that provide a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
This mixture helps slow down caffeine absorption. That way, you'll experience a more sustained release of energy without the jitters.
If you want some ideas, try pairing your coffee with a small handful of nuts and a piece of fruit.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
While it's sometimes hard to avoid in life, stress can intensify the symptoms of caffeine jitters. If you want to solve these issues, it's crucial to incorporate relaxation techniques into your routine.
Deep breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga are effective ways of calming the nervous system. The more you do it, the better your chance of developing a sense of tranquility.
It doesn't have to be your life's focus. Instead, set aside several minutes a day to practice these techniques.
You'll see how they can complement your coffee consumption quite a bit. There's a good chance you'll notice a reduction in the impact of jitters.
Be sure to find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and focus on your breath. Allow yourself to unwind and find an inner source of calm. If negative thoughts come into your headspace, let them pass on.
The Power of L-Theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid that comes from tea and some mushrooms. It's typically derived from green tea, and is known for its calming and relaxing properties.
These properties can aid in counteracting the jittery effects of caffeine. When combined with caffeine, l-theanine can help promote a sense of focus and concentration without the usual restlessness.
L-theanine influences the neurotransmitters in the brain, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid. This can help regulate stress levels. It also increases the production of serotonin and dopamine.
These two neurotransmitters are associated with mood and well-being. By modulating these neurotransmitters, l-theanine can promote relaxation and mental clarity.
L-theanine is also associated with other cognitive benefits. Some of these include improved attention, memory, and even creativity. It can help create a balanced and focused state of mind, allowing you to make the most of your coffee's benefits.
Getting the Most Out of L-Theanine
There are plenty of ways to harness the benefits of l-theanine while enjoying your coffee.
Combining caffeine and l-theanine creates a synergistic effect, supplying sustained energy and focus without the jitters.
Try adding an l-theanine supplement to your coffee. These supplements can be taken alongside your coffee to enhance the calming effects and neutralize the jitters.
To be safe when incorporating l-theanine into your coffee routine, start with a lower dosage. From there, you can slowly increase it based on your tolerance and the effects you're looking for. Everyone's sensitivity to caffeine and l-theanine may vary, so finding the right balance is critical.
Here at For Wellness, we specialize in a comprehensive coffee supplement called The Good Stuff. This special powder contains l-theanine so that you can enjoy the benefits of coffee without the jitters; plus it has theobromine, MCT oil, cinnamon, collagen, and Himalayan pink salt.
All in all, it's an excellent substitute for unhealthy creamers, and it supports energy, hydration, anti-inflammation, and a whole bunch more!
Adaptogenic Herbs
Aside from l-theanine, several other natural additives can help counteract caffeine jitters while enhancing your coffee's benefits. These additives work with caffeine to promote a more balanced and sustained energy boost.
Adaptogens are one great option. They're a group of herbs that can help the body handle stress. They can also help your well-being, in general.
Popular adaptogenic herbs include ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea, and holy basil. Some studies have found promising signs that these herbs can aid in regulating cortisol levels and provide a sense of calm.
You can add adaptogenic herbs to your coffee as either powdered extracts or tinctures.
Cinnamon or Nutmeg
These aromatic spices add flavor to your coffee and offer potential benefits in reducing caffeine jitters. Cinnamon can aid in the stabilization of blood sugar levels. This can reduce the crashes that can come from too much caffeine consumption.
Nutmeg has calming properties that can help get rid of restlessness. Try sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into your coffee to enhance the taste and possibly mitigate the jitters.
Remember to experiment with these various additives and adjust the quantities according to your personal tastes.
It's essential to listen to your body's particular needs. That way, you can find the mixture that works best for you. Incorporating these healthy and natural additives into your coffee routine can provide a more balanced and enjoyable experience while minimizing the unwanted side effects of caffeine.
Now You Know How to Counteract Caffeine Jitters
Now that you've learned how to counteract caffeine jitters, you can feel much more confident about your regular coffee routine. Don't forget to let your fellow coffee lovers know how they can do away with those jitters as well!
Once you try our coffee and coffee-related products, you'll never want to go back to the old stuff ever again.
Any questions? Don't hesitate to reach out here. We're always happy to help.
