Caffeine Detox for Headaches

If you rely on coffee or caffeinated beverages to get you through your day, you may want to consider detoxing from caffeine. A caffeine addiction can cause a number of side effects, including fat and sugar elevation in your bloodstream, an increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, tremors, irritability, tremors, dehydration and most importantly headaches. Withdrawal will set in as soon as 12 hours after your last drink in the form of mild to severe headaches, so you need to have a plan to successfully detox.

Foods that Help

• There are several supplements and foods you can take to ease your headaches and make detox easier. Chamomile tea is considered the best headache remedy when detoxing. Avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen--you don't want to disrupt your detox with other drugs. Purified water is also recommended, although any water is helpful because it combats any dehydration, which could contribute to your headache. Eat oranges or other citric fruits. Some herbal and homeopathic remedies that help alleviate headaches due to caffeine detox include St. Ingatius' bean, hedge hyssop, Quaker button and tree of life. Take no more than 10 to 15 drops of these supplements in liquid form six times a day at first, and reduce after two or three days as the severity of your headaches decreases.

Handling Withdrawal

• Prior to detoxing, develop a plan to help you cope with the headaches. Adjust the lighting in your house to accommodate any light sensitivity you expect to have. Remove all caffeinated beverages from your home. If you are taking more than 10 cups of coffee or soft drink each day and expect to struggle, take a few days off from work. You'll be glad you didn't take your irritability and discomfort out on your co-workers. Plan activities to keep yourself busy, whether you are renting movies or going for walks. Exercise if possible. You will feel better and keep yourself busy while combating withdrawal.