Why I Quit Caffeine... And How You Can Too!
Coffee Plant 💛…. A Caffeine Power House.
I’ve been a on a journey of learning to listen to the signals of my body. Instead of listening to society or science; I now strictly listen to my inner voice of wisdom.
And I’ve diligently followed through with my body’s demands.
Although this process takes discipline and courage, the rewards are always immense. In this process, I have noticed many nuances and dissonances in my life. I‘ve consumed foods, watched videos, followed people, and had some relationships that no longer resonated with me.
Our bodies communicate with us all day long, either thru pain or pleasure. My body had been screaming by manifesting joint pain, migraines and fatigue.
If you’re experiencing pain in your body, it’s time to evaluate what it is you’re doing OR NOT DOING to cause and contribute to that pain.
One morning, I woke up feeling unwell; my head was pounding and I had unbearable nausea. Instead of trying to fix it, I took a few deep breaths, settled into my system, and asked my body, what do you need?
I closed my eyes and listened: Rest she said. REST.
Normally, I would have reached for a cup of coffee to feel better and get up. This time, I cancelled all my appointments and rested. Before consuming anything, I asked my body again, I touched my belly and lovingly asked what you need? To my surprise, my body never asked for coffee. It wanted green juice, water, herbal flowery teas, it wanted to rest, to be nourished and honored.
My desire for the my dark lover had banished.
This was the day, that I said: I am done. No more caffeine. And this is how my I ended my “toxic” relationship with the substance.
Why Toxic?
Because it was taking much more than it was giving. It was sucking me dry, shrinking my brain, disturbing my sleep and giving me anxiety.
A few years ago, one of my wonderful clients suggested a book called Caffeine Blues. Although I was not willing to give up caffeine at that time, I still read the book.
Here are a few take aways that explain why caffeine consumption might not be the best idea.
Stephen Cherniske, a biochemist, and clinical nutrition professor, argues that caffeine—though socially accepted and ubiquitous—is a potent, largely unrecognized drug with serious downsides. He frames it as “America’s #1 drug,” one that many people depend on without realizing its full costs.
What is caffeine?
Caffeine is a bitter, naturally occurring chemical alkaloid. It works by blocking adenosine receptors in your brain. It’s a nervous and cardiovascular system stimulant.
From a biological perspective, Cherniske emphasizes that caffeine is toxic at certain dosages, used by plants as a natural pesticide to deter pests. He points out that what we often consider a “harmless stimulant” is a psychoactive alkaloid capable of altering neurotransmitter function, hormonal balance, and metabolic processes.
He also highlights that coffee is chemically complex: besides caffeine, hundreds of volatile and nonvolatile compounds, pesticide residues, and contaminants may contribute to its health effects.
Physiological & Health Effects of Caffeine
Caffeine consumption exerts stress on multiple body systems, especially those regulating energy, hormones, and detoxification.
Stress, Adrenals, & Hormones
Caffeine stimulates the adrenal glands to release stress hormones (adrenaline, cortisol). Over time, frequent stimulation can lead to adrenal exhaustion (or dysfunction), blunting the body’s ability to generate natural hormonal responses. Cherniske suggests that caffeine’s acute “boost” comes at the cost of deeper depletion.
It’s like an energy credit card. You can use it now, but later you must pay the amount you used plus a high interest rate.
Sleep, Energy, & Mental Health
Caffeine also alters the quality of your sleep (especially deep sleep and REM), which in turn impairs recovery and cognitive restoration. The author argues that reliance on caffeine to “power through fatigue” is ultimately counterproductive: it masks underlying exhaustion, creates dependency, and leads to more significant crashes later.
From a psychological angle, Cherniske links caffeine to heightened anxiety, mood swings, irritability, and adrenal stress mediated psychological effects.
Nutrient Depletion & Metabolic Stress
Regular caffeine use can interfere with absorption and excretion of essential nutrients. Such as depletion of B vitamins (especially thiamin), calcium, iron, and other micronutrients.
Deficiencies that can contribute to many secondary health problems.
Caffeine also increases metabolic stress, potentially influencing oxidative damage, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic resilience.
Cardiovascular & Gastrointestinal Risks
High or Chronic caffeine intake is linked to elevated blood pressure, arrhythmias, increased cardiac workload, and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (especially in predisposed individuals).
On the digestive side, caffeine’s acidity, increased gastric acid secretion, and irritant effects can aggravate ulcers, gastritis, acid reflux, and impair gut health.
Special Concerns for Women & Reproduction
Cherniske devotes a section to how women may be more vulnerable to certain caffeine effects: interference with hormonal balance, menstrual cycle, fertility, risk during pregnancy (miscarriage, birth defects), and accelerated nutrient loss (like calcium) leading to osteoporosis.
It is also worth mentioning that for women in perimenopause and menopause, our ovary hormonal production highly decreases. And our bodies begin to make estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone thru our adrenals instead.
When the adrenals are taxed, we lose capacity to for proper hormonal production.
Patterns, Dependence, & “Caffeinism”
Cherniske describes how tolerance develops: over time users need more caffeine to achieve the same stimulant effect. He discusses withdrawal symptoms (headaches, fatigue, irritability, brain fog, nausea) as evidence of dependence.
He defines a syndrome called caffeinism, applying diagnostic criteria including tolerance, withdrawal, inability to quit, and continued use despite harm. He cautions that many people live with undiagnosed caffeine-induced problems because the gradual onset and commonality of symptoms (fatigue, mood issues, digestive complaints) make the root cause obscure.
Quitting is a very personal choice. If you have symptoms that could be caffeine related, it’s definitely worth giving it a try.
Cherniske’s “Off the Bean” Program: Steps to Quit or Reduce Caffeine
Assess intake and hidden sources
Keep a log of all caffeine sources: coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, some medications, and even decaf (which may contain small amounts). Many people underestimate how much they consume.Reduce gradually over ~2 weeks
Sudden cessation causes intense withdrawal. By tapering — replacing portions with low‐caffeine or caffeine‐free alternatives — the discomfort is mitigated. Cherniske suggests replacing “strong coffee → weak coffee → tea → herbal beverage.”Support detoxification & adrenal recovery
He recommends dietary support (nutrient-rich foods, antioxidants), ensuring sleep, minimizing other stressors, hydration, and possibly supplements (with professional guidance) to help the body rebalance.Adopt alternative energy habits
Rather than using caffeine, one should build true energy via good sleep hygiene, balanced feeding, movement, stress management (e.g. breathing, meditation), and circadian alignment.Monitor progress and adjust
Cherniske encourages journaling symptoms, sleep, energy levels, mood, and physical changes to see improvements post-caffeine and to tailor the reduction speed.
He claims that over 80% of participants who followed the program stayed off caffeine and saw health improvements.
Now it’s your turn❤️.