Why does coffee make me dizzy? 4 Reasons Behind This Issue!
Coffee is great, but it can also cause side effects such as dizziness and lightheadedness. So let's find out why does coffee make me dizzy and light-headed?
I've been drinking coffee for years, but only recently have I experienced these unwanted side effects. When does this happen? How do I know if my blood pressure has dropped too low? Why does coffee make me feel so lightheaded? What should I do to avoid or fix this problem?Â
The solution to the problem of why coffee makes me dizzy and light-headed is simple - drink decaf! However, there are other steps that you can take in order to prevent feeling woozy after a cup of Joe.
Why Does Coffee Make Me Dizzy And Light Headed?
One of the primary reasons many people feel dizzy and light headed after drinking coffee is due to a lack of food within your system.
When caffeine is introduced into the system, it triggers a release of epinephrine, which is also known as adrenaline.
The release of this chemical makes the body feel stimulated. However, when caffeine enters your bloodstream quickly and your stomach is empty, you may experience that feeling of dizziness for an entirely different reason - low blood sugar .
That is why it is highly important to have some sort of food before you have coffee! Most people generally tend to have a wholesome meal while enjoying coffee , but that isn't always the case.
3 Other Reasons Behind Feeling Dizzy from Having Coffee
As we mentioned the main reason for feeling light headed and dizzy from having coffee stems from an empty stomach and low blood sugar levels. However, there are several other reasons you may be feeling light headed from coffee .
Let's explore some of these other reasons;
- The Amount of Caffeine You're Having: The amount of caffeine you have in a short period of time can leave you with the coffee jitters and also feeling light headed and dizzy .
- Caffeine & Stress: Caffeine is a stimulant and most people who drink it tend to be highly stressed, which can cause the dizziness and light headed feeling that many coffee drinkers experience
- Not Enough Water: Being dehydrated and having coffee can lead to feeling light headed and dizzy . This is because caffeine acts as a diuretic, which means it makes the body produce more urine.
So if you're experiencing any of these symptoms then it is best to start reducing your coffee intake or even upping your water intake . If you are feeling like you can't function without a cup of Joe first thing in the morning, then try having a glass of water before your morning cupper.
How do I stop feeling dizzy after drinking coffee?
Knowing how to stop feeling dizzy and light headed after drinking coffee is a skill that will lead to a highly pleasant caffeine experience, instead of an unpleasant one.
First thing in the morning, have a glass of water before you have your first cup of coffee. This will help to prevent that feeling of being light headed from caffeine .
Furthermore the best way to stop feeling dizzy after coffee is by eating a healthy breakfast when drinking coffee in order to prevent low blood sugar , which can also cause dizziness and feelings of faintness.
Decaf Coffee and Dizziness!
Now that you know that regular coffee is a diuretic and can cause you to feel light headed, the question arises if decaf coffee can cause dizziness as well?
One thing to keep in mind when drinking decaf is that it still contains caffeine, but only a fractional amount, and although drinking it in excess can lead to side effects the effects are not as severe as regular coffee.
Decaf coffee can be much healthier for you than regular coffee, so if you are concerned about the health benefits of drinking decaf versus regular coffee, then you should opt for drinking decaf instead.
Recommended Article: Best Decaf Coffee Beans for Cold Brew or Espresso
Why am I suddenly sensitive to caffeine?
If you're suddenly finding yourself becoming very sensitive to caffeine it could be that you're having far too much in a short period of time.
It is best to reduce the amount of caffeine if you're having more than 300mg a day and also try drinking lots of water.
A healthy amount of caffeine you should have per day is up to around 400mg, so try not going over that daily limit.
If you still find yourself feeling dizzy and light headed after reducing your intake, then try having a few cups of water and a small meal to counter the effects of being light headed.
Recommended Article: Is Black Coffee Stronger than Espresso
The Lasting Effects of Caffeine and Dizziness
According to Cleveland Clinic a standard cup of coffee can last as long as 10 hours in the system.
Notwithstanding this, the feeling of dizziness can often last from a few minutes to a few hours. So if you're finding yourself dizzy for longer than a few hours , then it would be best to make sure you are not suffering from caffeine withdrawal.
If you are suffering from caffeine withdrawal, then try having coffee or energy drinks slowly throughout the day until your body gets used to the increased level of caffeine.
Furthermore, while reducing your intake will help reduce the effects of dizziness, try having a full meal and a few cups of water to aid the process.
Final Thoughts for Why Does Coffee Make Me Dizzy!
You’ll want to make sure that you have a few bites of food before your first cup of coffee, or else you may need some extra love from the water fountain.
Of course, if lightheadedness is preventing you from keeping anything down – we recommend taking it easy and drinking plenty of fluids until those symptoms subside.
If this article was helpful for any reason- please let us know here in the comments! We hope that you found this article helpful as well as informative.
As always, thank you so much for reading our blog post about how not eating can affect caffeine consumption!
