# The Straight Dope, Please, on Benefits to Reducing or Eliminating Caffeine in your Diet **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 9, 2016, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-please-on-benefits-to-reducing-or-eliminating-caffeine-in-your-diet/774247 "2016-12-09T02:12:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Frylock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ce7236/32.png) [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-please-on-benefits-to-reducing-or-eliminating-caffeine-in-your-diet/774247/1 "2016-12-09T02:12:17Z")
I drink a latte almost every morning, and have about four diet caffeinated sodas through the day. I’m curious what is likely to happen if I get rid of caffeine in my diet. I don’t mean in terms of withdrawal symptoms. I am wondering whether there are clearly established benefits to getting rid of caffeine in one’s diet. ---
**Author:** ![harmonicamoon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/65b543/32.png) [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-please-on-benefits-to-reducing-or-eliminating-caffeine-in-your-diet/774247/2 "2016-12-09T03:37:05Z")
Life without caffeine would be boring. But, you would do good to get rid of the diet sodas. Any kind. ---
**Author:** ![Mijin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mijin/32/9369_2.png) [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-please-on-benefits-to-reducing-or-eliminating-caffeine-in-your-diet/774247/3 "2016-12-09T03:40:24Z")
> [@harmonicamoon](#): > > But, you would do good to get rid of the diet sodas. Any kind. Why? ---
**Author:** ![BetsQ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/fbc32d/32.png) [@BetsQ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BetsQ)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-please-on-benefits-to-reducing-or-eliminating-caffeine-in-your-diet/774247/4 "2016-12-09T04:55:51Z")
[Caffeine consumption negatively affects sleep quality](http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389945702000151). (I cut out caffeine earlier this year and definitely found that my sleep improved.) ---
**Author:** ![ENugent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/4af34b/32.png) [@ENugent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ENugent)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-please-on-benefits-to-reducing-or-eliminating-caffeine-in-your-diet/774247/5 "2016-12-09T05:38:33Z")
My doctor put me on no more than one cup of coffee a day last year, and my heartburn got noticeably better. ---
**Author:** ![GreenWyvern](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/greenwyvern/32/2834_2.png) [@GreenWyvern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenWyvern)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-please-on-benefits-to-reducing-or-eliminating-caffeine-in-your-diet/774247/6 "2016-12-09T05:42:16Z")
I gave up coffee a couple of years ago. Before that I felt really dull in the morning, and couldn’t start doing anything until I had some coffee. That heavy, dull, tired feeling in the morning is actually\* due to coffee addiction itself\*. If you get over the barrier of the first few days without coffee, then you’ll find that you start to wake up feeling alert and energetic, without the need or desire for coffee. Overall, you will feel more energy and clarity than depending on caffeine hits, which give a temporary burst of energy, and then dullness and tiredness later. Coffee is easier to give up than many other addictive substances. Reduce it over a few days. When you feel a need for coffee, have decaf, or have tea which has less caffeine, then after a day or two cut out the caffeine completely. It doesn’t take very long to get it out of your system. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-please-on-benefits-to-reducing-or-eliminating-caffeine-in-your-diet/774247/7 "2016-12-09T05:52:42Z")
Not the caffeine per se but overall a few cups of coffee a day is strongly correlated with [better](http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/06/15/coffee-may-protect-against-cancer-w-h-o-concludes/) health outcomes. > [@](#): > > An influential panel of experts convened by the World Health Organization concluded on Wednesday that regularly drinking coffee could protect against at least two types of cancer, a decision that followed decades of research pointing to the beverage’s many health benefits. The panel also said there was a lack of evidence that it might cause other types of cancer. … Last year, a panel of scientists that shaped the federal government’s 2015 dietary guidelines said there was “strong evidence” that three to five cups of coffee daily was not harmful, and that “moderate” consumption might reduce chronic disease. Another group, the World Cancer Research Fund International, reported that coffee protects against multiple types of cancer. And several systematic reviews of studies involving millions of people have found that regular coffee drinkers live longer than others. … The agency said it was not clear why coffee seems to protect against at least two types of cancers. But it noted that drinking coffee produced “strong antioxidant effects” in clinical trials, and that it promoted the death of cancer cells in laboratory studies. … The amount of caffeine in the op’s described consumption is under the amount of caffeine in those three to five cups of coffee a day that are clearly not harmful. As **BetsQ** ’s link suggests though: “Individuals who suffer from sleep abnormalities should avoid caffeinated coffee during the evening hours.” Diet soda has its own other controversies, entraining the body to sweet tastes if nothing else. But the caffeine in four sodas is not the issue. There are no clearly established benefits to getting rid of caffeine in one’s diet. ---
**Author:** ![GreenWyvern](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/greenwyvern/32/2834_2.png) [@GreenWyvern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreenWyvern)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 6:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-please-on-benefits-to-reducing-or-eliminating-caffeine-in-your-diet/774247/8 "2016-12-09T06:11:12Z")
Some research showing negative effects of coffee, with sources: > **[20+ Harmful Effects of Caffeine](https://www.caffeineinformer.com/harmful-effects-of-caffeine)** > > Harmful effects of caffeine are often hard to find. Here are 20+ studies that concluded that caffeine could be potentially dangerous to one's health. It has summaries and links for: [ul] [li]More than 4 cups of coffee linked to early death.[/li][li]Caffeine consumption may raise blood pressure.[/li][li]Increased risk of heart attacks among young adults.[/li][li]Caffeine linked to gout attacks.[/li][li]Breast Tissue Cysts In Women.[/li][li]Caffeine could cause incontinence.[/li][li]Caffeine may cause insomnia.[/li][li]Caffeine can cause indigestion.[/li][li]Caffeine can cause headaches.[/li][li]Caffeine could reduce fertility in women.[/li][li]Caffeine and Miscarriage Risk[/li][li]Caffeine may not be healthy for type 2 diabetics.[/li][li]Caffeine Overdose.[/li][li]Caffeine Allergies.[/li][li]Caffeine causes more forceful heart contractions.[/li][li]Worse Menopause Symptoms.[/li][li]Caffeine consumption can lead to increased anxiety, depression and the need for anxiety medication.[/li][li]Caffeine increases the amount of sugary beverages consumed.[/li][li]Caffeine inhibits collagen production in the skin.[/li][li]Caffeine interferes with ossification and could also lead to greater risk of bone fractures.[/li][li]Caffeine Does Not Help With Prolonged Sleep Deprivation[/li][li]Caffeine May Impair Hearing Loss Recovery[/li][/ul] ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 9:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-please-on-benefits-to-reducing-or-eliminating-caffeine-in-your-diet/774247/9 "2016-12-09T09:32:04Z")
… Do not taunt caffeine. I’d advise tapering off rather than stopping abruptly, just because the withdrawal symptoms can be physically uncomfortable (headaches, for example, that seem to resist OTC painkillers) ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-please-on-benefits-to-reducing-or-eliminating-caffeine-in-your-diet/774247/10 "2016-12-09T12:20:47Z")
> [@harmonicamoon](#): > > But, you would do good to get rid of the diet sodas. Any kind. I concur. I believe the artificial sweeteners in the diet colas are causing you a lot more problems than the caffeine. They typically cause a low-grade background headache most of the time. Do you have that? ---
**Author:** ![Frylock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ce7236/32.png) [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-please-on-benefits-to-reducing-or-eliminating-caffeine-in-your-diet/774247/11 "2016-12-09T13:08:38Z")
> [@jtur88](#): > > I concur. I believe the artificial sweeteners in the diet colas are causing you a lot more problems than the caffeine. > > They typically cause a low-grade background headache most of the time. Do you have that? No. This topic has been covered a few times on sdmb I think, and as far as I can tell the research indicates no direct ill effects from any of the currently marketed artificial sweeteners. (There’s the indirect effect that some people end up taking in more calories as a result of a perceived ‘savings’ stored up by using artificial sweeteners.) Sent from my XT1031 using Tapatalk ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-please-on-benefits-to-reducing-or-eliminating-caffeine-in-your-diet/774247/12 "2016-12-09T13:21:01Z")
I’ve heard that artificial sweeteners increase the craving for actual sugar. But my diet is virtually sugar-free except for some fruit. It’s not like I have candy bars lying around, tempting my will power. So if I don’t succumb to the craving, if any, what’s the harm? ---
**Author:** ![Waxwinged](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c2a13f/32.png) [@Waxwinged](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waxwinged)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-please-on-benefits-to-reducing-or-eliminating-caffeine-in-your-diet/774247/13 "2016-12-09T14:21:44Z")
Anecdotally, cutting out caffeine completely does make a positive difference in sleep quality/morning alertness on this end. ---
**Author:** ![DrCube](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a3d4f5/32.png) [@DrCube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrCube)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-please-on-benefits-to-reducing-or-eliminating-caffeine-in-your-diet/774247/14 "2016-12-09T15:38:08Z")
Yes. I love coffee and I’ve yet to hear many significant health problems associated with it, but it definitely makes it about 50% less probable that I’ll get any sleep during my nap on Sunday. And I know many more people who’ve had to lower or eliminate their caffeine intake because it messes up their important nightly sleep. It’s not necessarily unhealthy, but it can screw with your sleep schedules. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-please-on-benefits-to-reducing-or-eliminating-caffeine-in-your-diet/774247/15 "2016-12-09T16:10:15Z")
> [@GreenWyvern](#): > > That heavy, dull, tired feeling in the morning is actually\* due to coffee addiction itself\*. > > If you get over the barrier of the first few days without coffee, then you’ll find that you start to wake up feeling alert and energetic, without the need or desire for coffee. My alarm goes off at 5 a.m. The last thing I want at 5 a.m. is to feel “alert and energetic”. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-please-on-benefits-to-reducing-or-eliminating-caffeine-in-your-diet/774247/16 "2016-12-09T16:58:29Z")
> [@GreenWyvern](#): > > Some research showing negative effects of coffee, with sources: > > [20+ Harmful Effects of Caffeine](http://www.caffeineinformer.com/harmful-effects-of-caffeine) … [ul] [li]More than 4 cups of coffee linked to early death. Yes, more than what the op describes had a 21% increase in all-cause mortality and were also likely to smoke and have poor fitness.[/li][li]Caffeine consumption may raise blood pressure. Mainly in those who do not normally drink it. Why do we care about BP? Because it is a proxy for cardiovascular/stroke disease (CVD) risk. Regular moderate coffee consumption [lowers](http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/129/6/643) CVD risk, “with the lowest CVD risk at 3 to 5 cups per day, and heavy coffee consumption was not associated with elevated CVD risk.”[/li][li]Increased risk of heart attacks among young adults. See above.[/li][li]Caffeine linked to gout attacks. In those with gout who binge.[/li][li]Breast Tissue Cysts In Women. Okay, correlated with more likelihood of a benign condition.[/li][li]Caffeine could cause incontinence. Well … caffeine causes more urine production and triggers bladder contractions so no shock that high intake may cause issues in women at risk. None seen at moderate intake levels. [/li][li]Caffeine may cause insomnia. And if it does don’t drink it at night.[/li][li]Caffeine can cause indigestion.[/li][li]Caffeine can cause headaches. Uncommonly for both especially at moderate levels and if so cut back.[/li][li]Caffeine could reduce fertility in women. The study linked was one mouse model showing contractions in the Fallopian tube and riffing from there. Meanwhile the [consensus expert guidance](http://www.massgeneral.org/about/newsarticle.aspx?id=2864) is that one or two cups a day at least is not likely to have any impact on fertility or on pregnancy outcomes. [/li][li]Caffeine and Miscarriage Risk See above.[/li][li]Caffeine may not be healthy for type 2 diabetics. Coffee consumption [decreases the risk of diabetes](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22458694) and is [not associated with adverse health outcomes](http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/32/6/1043.full) among diabetics.[/ul][/li]So on. Really, this NYT article covered it well. The consensus that[moderate coffee intake is healthy](http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/12/upshot/more-consensus-on-coffees-benefits-than-you-might-think.html?_r=0) is much more solid than most think. ---
**Author:** ![Trom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/958977/32.png) [@Trom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trom)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-please-on-benefits-to-reducing-or-eliminating-caffeine-in-your-diet/774247/17 "2016-12-09T17:59:02Z")
> [@Waxwinged](#): > > Anecdotally, cutting out caffeine completely does make a positive difference in sleep quality/morning alertness on this end. Also, anecdotally, I cut out all caffeine for 6 months and noticed no difference whatsoever. I consumed about what the OP describes. Tangentially, I also became a vegetarian for a year and noticed no differences in my health. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-please-on-benefits-to-reducing-or-eliminating-caffeine-in-your-diet/774247/18 "2016-12-09T19:26:30Z")
> [@jtur88](#): > > I concur. I believe the artificial sweeteners in the diet colas are causing you a lot more problems than the caffeine. > > They typically cause a low-grade background headache most of the time. Do you have that? Cite? ---
**Author:** ![harmonicamoon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/65b543/32.png) [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-please-on-benefits-to-reducing-or-eliminating-caffeine-in-your-diet/774247/19 "2016-12-09T19:31:56Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > My alarm goes off at 5 a.m. > > The last thing I want at 5 a.m. is to feel “alert and energetic”. What is the first thing? ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2016, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-please-on-benefits-to-reducing-or-eliminating-caffeine-in-your-diet/774247/20 "2016-12-09T21:08:52Z")
I note that people in this thread are talking about two different things, coffee and caffeine. It’s possible to have either one without the other. And while coffee, for instance, might well contain antioxidants (many plant products do), caffeinated cola almost certainly does not. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-please-on-benefits-to-reducing-or-eliminating-caffeine-in-your-diet/774247.md?page=2)