You’ve probably heard, “The best part of waking up…” or “Coffee first. Then comes the rest.” Much of the world moves to the percolating of a coffee machine, coffee press, or boiling water. But, why? The secret lies in the caffeine. It calls us, soothes us and offers us a kick in the pants just when we need it most. Some people swear by it as a way to maintain their digestive tract, while others praise it for skincare uses. But what about drinking coffee for a headache? Conservehealth wants to know if it really works?
The Stats on Caffeine?
Caffeine is a naturally occurring in nature central nervous stimulant. Some of the more widely known natural occurrences of caffeine are found in coffee, tea leaves, and cacao. It is consumed worldwide by people of all ages. Caffeinated beverages are very popular and provide a much-needed boost of energy and an overall uplifting, so we crave it.
Once we consume caffeine, it doesn’t take very long before it is taken up by the bloodstream and distributed around the body. It’s strongest effects are on the brain. There it inhibits adenosine, a compound that slows us down and relaxes the brain. This often stimulates adrenaline in the blood and causes us to feel alert, focused, and less tired.
Coffee as a Cure
Caffeine has been used as an effective tool to fight off headaches. Many over the counter painkillers contain caffeine to help the medicine perform better and relieve tension in the body. Caffeine can restrict blood vessels, causing them to become smaller. During a headache, blood vessels tend to enlarge, allowing more blood to flow, which causes discomfort, pain, and inflammation. Because caffeine is a natural stimulant, it may not be a suitable remedy at all hours of the day. If you don’t mind being alert and awake, coffee can be a great option, but probably not at bedtime.
Coffee as a Trigger
Studies have found that caffeine can be a trigger for migraines and headaches. This is typically true for those who don’t regularly consume caffeinated beverages or food and for those who are taking in more than a cup or two of coffee a day. If you find that caffeine is more of a trigger than a cure, you can decrease the amount of caffeine you consume until you find your threshold, or you can do your best to eliminate it from your diet altogether.
Whether you have success banishing headaches by drinking coffee or not, it is important to remember that no two individuals are alike. We all have a unique set of genes and chromosomes that make our DNA special. This means that if something does or does not work for you, it is not guaranteed to have the same effect in another human. Caffeine has been used throughout history in a wide variety of applications, and science has shown it to be a method of promoting better health. Just remember, moderation is key.
