Caffeine - Why we can be more sensitive to it in Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue

Caffeine - Why we can be more sensitive to it in 

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue

Which foods have caffeine?

Coffee, black tea, chocolate, cocoa, some slimming tablets, some energy bars, some energy drinks, some sports drinks, cola, some non-prescription medications.  Green tea has it, in much lower quantities.

It exists in the leaves of other plants but usually in low amounts. 

Most people can handle low to moderate amounts.

People who suffer the type of symptoms found in Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue can sometimes not cope with even small amounts of caffeine.

I have known people to wonder why they got dizzy, or their symptoms got worse after going to a cafe. 

One of them had coffee.

One of them had Matcha Green Tea in food. Matcha Green Tea has higher amounts of caffeine than normal green tea.  

Caffeine can make our symptoms worse without us realising why we suddenly feel worse.  Throw in a bit of stress at the same time, and things can go haywire.

Many symptoms common to Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue are also common with the side effects of too much caffeine.  So, for us, it is wise to eliminate caffeine or in the very least cut right down.  

Don't go cold turkey as you will get headaches. Decrease slowly.

Change to decaffeinated (water processed) so you can enjoy the social aspects of having coffee.

Side effects of too much caffeine:
Headaches –

If the headache is caused by a rush of blood to the brain, caffeine can help a headache.

If you have large amounts of caffeine, or if you are in caffeine withdrawal, this can cause headaches.

Caffeine constricts the blood vessels so less oxygen and nutrients to the brain

Insomnia – delays the release of the sleep hormone Melatonin 

Dizziness – constricts blood vessels, so less blood flows to the brain

Dehydration – increases urinary output

Restless – the active constituents are a stimulant

Shakiness – increase in adrenaline release (needed for stress response/fight or flight)

Palpitations – increase in adrenaline release  (released when stressed)

Anxiety – increase in adrenaline release

Addiction – enhances dopamine release (a feel-good hormone)

Increases blood pressure – constricts blood vessels, the pressure goes up to get the blood around the body

Triggers stress response/sympathetic dominance - increase in adrenaline release

Constriction of Blood Vessels

The blood vessels to the brain constrict, so we get less oxygen and blood to the brain, slowing our mental ability. 

This decrease in oxygen and nutrients in the brain only exacerbates any issues with circulation in the head.

Give up Coffee???

For those that are horrified to think of giving up their caffeinated coffee or chocolate, there are alternatives that you could try first before throwing the idea out.

I switched from caffeinated to decaf (water infused) years ago. 

I explain the reason below. 

I was susceptible to all the above symptoms.  I don’t taste any difference, and my body can function normally without caffeine in my system. 

I also drink green tea, which has very low amounts of caffeine, without it affecting me, unless I have it after 7pm or have too many green teas in a day.

Green tea can upset your stomach if it is sensitive, or you get reflux.

You can get Earl Grey green tea now with tea specialty shops, if you are an Earl Grey fan.  

Some herbal teas are tasty and good for your health. 

I add stevia  (natural sweetener) to make them taste better. 

If you add peppermint, lemongrass, lemon balm you can improve the taste and get the benefits of those herbs. 

Double-check the herb is not contraindicated with the medications you are on.

There are also fruit teas available.  Water with fresh fruit in it is another option. 

Why I gave up caffeine

The first day I suffered from vertigo:

I had crashed from the stress of my father’s death (major stress) and thought I was on the mend.

I went out and did some physical work on the property (that firewood just had to be picked up before it rained – too much for my body - body stress), and guests arrived, friends of my hubby’s, I did not know them (a bit more stress) and made a strong plunger of coffee for us all.

After about half a cup, my head started to spin. I could hardly get to the toilet to throw up because of the vertigo and had to stay in bed for the rest of the day. 

Any movement would make my head spin.  Vertigo would come back at the most inconvenient times, like when I was working with a client. 

When it did, I couldn't stand up with it, let alone drive.

I had to be driven home from work, it was like being on a roller coaster. 

Give giving up coffee a go.

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I will send you either a link to the free Increase Energy Workshop or more info about my Program. the  suzanne@achesawayandenergize.com