This substance can both relieve a headache and provoke one. We figured out in which situations coffee is a help and when it is a hindrance. What it’s about Caffeine can be considered a substance with a dual reputation. Sometimes a cup of coffee acts as an analgesic, and sometimes it becomes a cause of migraine. Everything depends on: volume; frequency of consumption; how adapted the body is to it. How caffeine helps with headaches The substance constricts dilated blood vessels in the brain. This reduces the pressure on nerve endings, and the pain subsides. That’s why caffeine is included in some headache medications. It enhances the effectiveness of these drugs. So how does coffee provoke a headache? When the effect of caffeine stops, the blood vessels in the brain widen again, sometimes even more than before, which causes pain. This is a consequence of caffeine withdrawal. If an individual systematically drinks coffee, the body gets used to the constant narrowing of blood vessels. If they miss a cup or two, the vessels dilate, the pressure drops, blood flow increases, and a throbbing headache occurs. And how is caffeine withdrawal syndrome detected? Is it just a headache? If an individual is used to coffee and then abruptly stops consuming it, withdrawal syndrome can develop. As a rule, this is accompanied by a throbbing headache. This is not the only symptom. Sometimes the following also occur: fatigue, irritability, lethargy, decreased concentration, nausea, slight dizziness. These symptoms often begin 12–24 hours after the last dose of caffeine and can last for several days. A doctor explained the significance of recent research on coffee for the elderly And what amount of caffeine is needed for such a manifestation to begin? This depends on the frequency of the attacks. With infrequent migraines, caffeine relieves suffering. It constricts blood vessels, reduces inflammation, and enhances the effect of painkillers. Therefore, small doses (up to 200 milligrams per day) are sometimes even recommended for pain relief. However, this does not work for everyone. For some people, caffeine worsens migraines. How else can caffeine cause pain? Caffeine affects not only the blood vessels but also other body systems. Firstly, it is a stimulant. It increases adrenaline levels, interferes with sleep, and impairs sleep quality. Lack of sleep, in turn, worsens headaches. Secondly, caffeine increases anxiety and muscle tension (which can provoke a headache). How to recognize if coffee is helping or harming? The most reliable method is to monitor the body’s response. Keep a journal where you note: when the headache occurs (date, time); the severity and nature of the pain; the time coffee was consumed; the amount of coffee drunk (and the type). Keep records for several weeks. The journal will help you understand if the headache is related to coffee intake or withdrawal. It is also useful to discuss the notes with a doctor. And how to safely reduce or give up coffee? The key rule is not to stop abruptly. This almost always causes headaches, fatigue, and irritability. It is better to reduce the dose gradually—by about 15–20% per week. For example, if an individual is used to drinking two large cups a day, for the first 1–2 weeks they should switch to one and a half cups, and then to one. Part of the coffee can be replaced with drinks with lower caffeine content, such as green tea. At the same time, it is also important to drink more water, get enough sleep, and avoid stress. This will help the body cope with the changes more easily. Protection against cancer, dementia, and 4 more reasons to drink coffee right now The most important thing Caffeine can relieve a headache or become its source. It all depends on the amount and frequency of coffee and other caffeine-containing drinks consumed. To understand exactly how coffee affects the body, you need to carefully monitor your well-being and keep a journal if necessary. Important Research Caffeine and primary (migraine) headaches—friend or foe? The role of the adenosine signaling pathway in headaches Caffeine in the treatment of patients with headaches Caffeine withdrawal increases cerebral blood flow.
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