If drinking coffee is part of your morning routine you’re not alone – it’s the beverage millions of people start their day with. Its stimulant qualities are an effective way to boost your energy and get you moving in the morning, but that cup of java can also come with some unwanted side effects.
Reaching for that third or fourth cup of coffee may seem like a good idea, but too much caffeine can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and anxiety – also known as the coffee jitters. Here are a few simple things you can try to help get rid of the coffee jitters so you can get on with the rest of your day.
Fill your Stomach with Food As Well As Coffee
One thing many coffee drinkers are guilty of is drinking that first cup or two on an empty stomach. The caffeine in your coffee can have some pretty powerful effects – not only can it play havoc with your digestive system, but it can also spike your adrenalin levels. Before you know it you’re starting to sweat and you can feel your heart flutter just a bit.
These are all signs that you’re experiencing the coffee jitters. Next time, make sure you fill your stomach up with food as you’re enjoying that cup of coffee. The food will help to absorb the coffee and dilute its effects.
Hydrate to Reduce the Coffee Jitters
If you’re already in the middle of an attack of the coffee jitters it’s a little late to think about filling your belly, but it’s not too late to reach for that glass of water. Coffee is a natural diuretic, so it can cause the body to dehydrate. A glass of water after the onset of jitters will rehydrate you and help to alleviate the worst of your symptoms.
Go for a Brisk Walk
Exercise is a great way to counteract the effects of coffee jitters. Coffee releases adrenalin into your system and that’s part of the reason you’re experiencing some negative side effects. When you increase your activity levels, you start to use up that extra adrenalin as the body increases your metabolic rate and returns to normal.
Time for Some Vitamin C
Another way to take on the jitters is by snacking on your favorite citrus fruit. That’s because you tend to lose some of the minerals such as vitamin c in your body when you drink too much coffee. Eating an orange will replenish your body’s levels of this important vitamin and help you get back to your normal routine.
Next Time Stop at That Second Cup
While all of these suggestions can help to get rid of the coffee jitters, the best approach is to avoid them in the first place. The next time you go to reach for that second cup of coffee, think about the way your body’s feeling first. If you sense the jitters may be on the way, stop at that first or second cup. The recommended maximum daily dose of coffee is 2 to 4 cups a day so find the amount that works for you and stick with it.