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Headaches From Coffee

Whether you occasionally suffer from headaches or you suffer from frequent migraines, coffee can have some very real and very obvious effects on the intensity and frequency of headaches, even with only one or two cups a day.

  1. Effects of Caffeine

    • Caffeine is a stimulant that acts as a vasoconstrictor, which means it constricts your blood vessels and can reduce cerebral blood flow, causing headaches and migraines. Caffeine also acts as a diuretic, meaning it increases urination; this can result in dehydration, which can result in headaches.

    Long Term Effects

    • Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have reported that people who drink large amounts of caffeine daily are more likely to have occasional headaches. However, they also noticed that consuming only low amounts of caffeine was associated with chronic headaches.

    Withdrawal

    • Drinking only one to three cups of coffee a day could cause severe caffeine withdrawal if you are unable to get your regular caffeine hit. This could cause headaches, drowsiness and tiredness until you have your next cup or the withdrawal effect wears off.

    Limit

    • If you regularly suffer from headaches or migraines, limit your caffeine intake to one or two cups of coffee every day or avoid caffeine completely. Although it is unlikely to be the only cause of frequent headaches, caffeine can act as a trigger or make headaches worse.

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