Detox Diets and Caffeine Free Detox Drinks

Posted by Kym on June 23rd, 2008 at 09:33am

When starting any type of detox diet program, caffeine should be high on your list of of things you need to cut down on and even eliminate altogether, but don’t just go cold turkey as this could give your body too much to cope with all in one go.

Caffeine is right up there with nicotine as one of the most addictive substances around, and, just like nicotine, it can produce severe withdrawal symptoms when you cut it out. Remember that caffeine is found in fizzy drinks, chocolate and painkillers as well as in tea and coffee.

If you are used to having three or more doses of caffeine a day, you will probably experience withdrawal symptoms when you give it up which could include headaches, irritability, an inability to concentrate, cravings, anxiety, fatigue, a runny nose and, possibly, nausea. Don’t rush to the medicine cabinet for some pain killers, though, or you’ll undo the good work you’ve started as you begin your natural detoxification process.

Use rosemary, peppermint or lavender aromatherapy oils applied to the temples, the pulse points behind earlobes and the back of the neck to relieve headache and nausea. Chamomile tea is also good for the relief of mild to moderate headaches, and Bach flower essence Rescue Remedy can help.

If you are having a real problem with caffeine withdrawal symptoms, you may need to take this stage more slowly. Switch from coffee to green or black tea, which still has caffeine but also contains bioflavonoids and catechin, a substance that protects against heart disease and cancer and boosts the metabolism.

When you are accustomed to drinking tea instead of coffee, cut back gradually by replacing a cup a day with herbal teas - there are lots of delicious varieties you can try. Don’t attempt to start a detox diet program until you have sorted out your caffeine dependence or you will give your system too much to cope with.

Tags: caffeine, detox diet, detox drinks, natural detoxification