CaffeineHeadache

The Connection Between Caffeine and Headaches

You might be surprised to find out that Coca-Cola was primarily used as a remedy for headaches. While it is certainly true that caffeine is associated with causing headaches when coffee drinkers stop drinking coffee, the opposite is just as true -- caffeine can also treat headaches.

How Caffeine Causes Headaches and Treats It Too

Caffeine is basically a stimulant drug that works on the central nervous system. When properly used, caffeine can make you more alert, less tired and even promote better muscle coordination. The World Heath Organization actually considers caffeine to be safe, having little resemblance to addictive drugs that can have detrimental effects to an individual's well being. Perhaps the reason most people consider caffeine "addictive" is that symptoms can manifest themselves once you stop consuming drinks with caffeine.

Caffeine in Everyday Medication

Caffeine is a common ingredient in many prescription medications as well as headache remedies that can be easily bought over the counter. Just read the small print in the boxes and you will see.. When added to some painkillers, caffeine provides a huge effect by making these painkillers 40% more efficient in curing headaches. Caffeine also helps most medications to be absorbed into the body faster, thus getting your headache under control more quickly. All this simply means that you end up taking less of the medication, thereby lowering the chances of your experiencing side effects and perhaps even preventing possible drug addiction.

Preventing Migraines by Drinking Coffee

At the first sign of a migraine, many sufferers have discovered that drinking Coke or a cup of coffee can keep the migraine at bay. This works because caffeine constricts blood vessels, and most of migraine pain is caused by enlarged blood vessels pressing on the nerves surrounding them. After taking caffeine, its effects can be usually felt within half an hour, lasting for around three to five hours.

Bad Effects of Caffeine

Since caffeine is a stimulant, it can be used as a great pick-me-up. However, while coffee does avert a migraine, drinking large amounts of sugary coffee on an empty stomach is one of the worst things that a migraine sufferer can do, as it can drastically increase your blood sugar levels, thus bringing on a headache. It is recommended to cut down the sugar or drink caffeine with food, or maybe just drink decaf.

According to research, migraine sufferers can benefit greatly from increasing their magnesium levels. However, since caffeine is also a known diuretic, sufferers who drink coffee could be decreasing their magnesium at the same rate as they are putting it in.

Hidden Caffeine in Other Foods

It is a known fact that if you drink too much coffee, you will eventually have difficulty sleeping. But what if you haven't over-indulged in caffeine and you still can't sleep? The reason for the difficulty in sleeping may be found in the food you have eaten. Some foods, such as chocolate, tea and soft drinks, all have caffeine. And if you have taken a painkiller, which in all likelihood, contains caffeine, it all adds up.

Caffeine Withdrawal Headaches

In United States, the average daily consumption of caffeine is 200-300mg, which is about two to three cups. This is generally all right, but if you drink four to six cups of coffee a day, taking in at least 15 grams of caffeine each month and then suddenly decide to give it up, you could get what is known as a caffeine withdrawal headache. Thus, if you want to stop your coffee drinking habit, do it gradually. Gradually reduce your caffeine intake.

Conclusion

Caffeine can be both good and bad for headaches. However, since people react differently to different amounts of caffeine, the best way is to experiment in order to find out what works for you.