Can Decaf Coffee Cause Headaches?

published on: 2022-05-10

Headaches are one of the most common medical complaints, with approximately half of adults experiencing a headache at some point in their lives. While there can be many causes of headaches, some people wonder if drinking decaf coffee can cause headaches.

If you’re wondering if decaf coffee can cause headaches, the answer is: maybe.

It depends on how much caffeine you normally consume and how sensitive you are to caffeine. If you drink a lot of caffeinated coffee and then switch to decaf, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, including headaches. This is because caffeine is a addictive substance and can cause dependence.

Withdrawal symptoms usually peak within the first two days after quitting caffeine and can last up to nine days. So, if you’re experiencing a headache after switching to decaf coffee, it’s likely due to caffeine withdrawal.

Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the symptoms of caffeine withdrawal, including slowly reducing your intake of caffeine over time and drinking lots of fluids. Headaches from caffeine withdrawal usually go away on their own within a week or so.

What Are The Side Effects Of Decaf Coffee?

While headaches are the most common side effect of decaf coffee, there are a few others worth mentioning.

May Cause Heart Complications

Decaf coffee might cause heart complications. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people who drank four or more cups of decaf coffee a day had a higher risk of heart failure than those who didn’t drink any coffee.

The study also found that decaf coffee might increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. However, it’s important to note that this was an observational study and doesn’t prove that decaf coffee causes heart problems.

May Increase The Risk Of Cancer

Decaf coffee may also increase the risk of cancer. A study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that people who drank eight or more cups of decaf coffee a day had a slightly increased risk of bladder cancer.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that this study was small and only looked at a limited number of people. More research is needed to determine if there’s a link between decaf coffee and cancer.

Can Cause Stomach Problems

Decaf coffee can also cause stomach problems in some people. This is because the decaffeination process can remove certain compounds from the coffee that help protect the stomach lining.

As a result, decaf coffee can irritate the stomach and cause indigestion, diarrhea, and nausea in some people. If you have a sensitive stomach, it might be best to avoid decaf coffee altogether.

May Cause Acidity

Decaf coffee can also be more acidic than regular coffee. This is because the decaffeination process can remove certain compounds that make coffee less acidic.

As a result, decaf coffee can irritate the stomach and cause heartburn in some people. If you have a sensitive stomach, it might be best to avoid decaf coffee altogether.

Bottom line: Should You Drink Decaf Coffee?

So, should you drink decaffeinated coffee? Is decaf coffee bad for your health?

In general, decaf coffee is safe for most people. However, there are a few potential side effects that you should be aware of. If you’re concerned about the potential risks of drinking decaf coffee, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.

And, if you’re experiencing any side effects from drinking decaf coffee, such as headaches or stomach problems, it might be best to switch to regular coffee or another beverage.

Filed under: decaf