My 7-Day Coffee Detox (What Happened Will Surprise You!)

Why I Go on a Coffee Detox

Have you ever hit that afternoon slump where another cup of strong coffee feels like it’s doing nothing? That used to be me most of the days. I need my coffee everyday, and easily up to three cups for most days…

Since I have my black coffee without creamer or sugar, it means they’re very low in calories. So it benefits me in my weight management. But during the days I exceeded three cups of coffee, the caffeine consumption becomes a concern.

Caffeine is a naturally occurring central nervous system (CNS) stimulant of the methylxanthine class and is the most widely taken psychoactive stimulant globally.

But recently, I stumbled upon a video claiming coffee addiction is a real thing.

Intrigued and a little skeptical, I decided to attempt a 7-day coffee detox to see if I could break my dependence and maybe even discover some hidden benefits.

Why I Decided to Ditch the Coffee

The video I mentioned suggests that we should completely avoid drinking coffee and live a caffeine-free lifestyle.

The “Coffee Detox” Challenge

Personally, I’m on the stance that Coffee still has its benefits, along with the harm it can bring. But moderation is key for all things, and this includes coffee.

The video ended mentioning people who are addicted won’t be able to go a WEEK without coffee. I just can’t let that slide now!

I think I’ve go on a day at most without coffee and for this challenge it will be for seven days!

Bracing for the Worst: The First 24 Hours

My Withdrawal Symptoms

The first few hours of my morning went Okay, my first coffee starts around 9 AM most days.

Yet, things began to go downward by 10 AM, I’m feeling tired, and my body felt heavier than usual. Usually I’m in front of my screen working away but I’m laying on the sofa, trying to take a break. My eyelids are heavy from feeling tired, and seriously, just lower motivation to push through the day.

Also, I notice less clarity with my thinking, as writing became more challenging than usual.

I seem to have a hard time focusing on my tasks. I’m in a pretty foggy state alright.

By noon I started experiencing headaches, and dozing off around noon even though I had more than Seven hours of sleep.

Now that I’m considering taking a pill for the headache, I do felt that caffeine would have been a better drug indeed.

Conquering the Cravings

I should mind you all that I didn’t go Cold Turkey on Caffeine, but turned to Drinks with lower caffeine content.

For the whole Seven days of my Coffee Detox, I allow myself low-caffeine drinks, drinking ONE Tea (One teabag) per day. And these are mostly Green Tea which I think made the caffeine withdrawal more bearable.

This is the best way for me to manage my withdrawal symptoms.

Even with my noon spent dozing off, I ended up going to bed earlier than usual.

Halfway There: Days 3-4

The Struggle Continues

Around Day 3-4, my headache symptoms became lighter. But they’re still there and I do not feel great in general. The lack of energy is still with me these days. And I didn’t manage to do any exercise at all within the week of my Coffee Detox.

Benefits of Quitting Coffee

But around this time, I noticed that my bloating was gone.

I’ve been getting bloated a lot recently, and it seems that my morning Coffee was the culprit.

My bowel movement was somehow lowered from the Detox, I get less consistent toilet break.

One of the biggest benefits is Improved Sleep, I wake up better rested for these Seven days. Thanks to the lowered caffeine in my system.

The Turning Point: Day 5

Feeling More Energized?

On day 5 the headache disappeared. My mind fog was starting to lift, I’d say I gain better clarity of my sense and surrounding around this time.

My energy level feels…normal, meaning I don’t get the heavy, tired, lack of motivation feeling when I just started.

Now my tasks are much bearable to work on. I may not be as alert and focused during coffee days but they can be done.

Breaking the Mental Crutch

Although I’ve been replacing my Coffee with lower-caffeine content tea, the craving for coffee still hits me at times.

From Day 3 onward the thought of stopping the detox challenge, and just continuing my happy coffee days keep crossing my mind.

Almost There: Days 6-7

Smooth Sailing or Last Minute Jitters?

Seriously, on day five onward all I can think of is how Tea just isn’t cutting it. And I need those coffee fixes.

For the last two days, I have been constantly self-talking with my mind to hold on just for another day or two to complete this ‘simple’ challenge.

Yet when Monday came after my Seven-day detox, I was able to consider not drinking coffee for another day.

The craving seems to have less power over me now. (Just seven days to reach this level)

Sleep Like a Baby?

As I said one of the biggest benefits of this Coffee Detox journey has been my sleep quality. Not only did I fall asleep sooner, but being able to sleep sounding was also very noticeable.

The Verdict: Coffee Detox – Success or Failure?

Did I Kick the Habit?

Since I didn’t even had a single coffee during the challenge, I would say its definitely a small success in my book.

Now I am not planning on kicking the habit entirely, cuz I can see the benefits that coffee can provide to my daily life.

Lessons Learned, the Positive and Negative

Throughout this journey I’ve learned that Coffee Addiction is indeed very real. Our brains are trained to expect its presence day after day.

This causes us to have a dependency on it, specifically to its caffeine content.

That having black coffee on an empty stomach aggravates my bloating problem. And now I should avoid drinking coffee first thing in the morning.

Also to avoid drinking coffee in the evening, which will help me get better sleep quality.

Another thing I noticed as well…it would appear that I get better oral breath without coffee.

Will I Be Back for More Coffee?

It’s been quite a challenging week I had to go through to arrive here with a different view.

I’m still going to have daily coffees, but I now aim to go some days without it.

So while we are given the recommended 3-4 Cups of coffee a day (~400mg Caffeine), drinking less or none at all for a day or two can help balance things out.

Sleeping well for some nights when there’s no caffeine in our body system. Being well-rested can help us build less dependency on Coffee.

Final Thoughts: Is a Coffee Detox Right for You?

Considering a Detox?

So for my readers who are experiencing bloating for unknown reasons, and have been drinking coffee on an empty stomach, try going on a Coffee detox like I did and see if it helps with your condition too.

While some people may be able to sleep even after coffee at night, they could be compromising their sleep quality. Try to avoid drinking your coffee as early in the evening as you can, and you’ll rest better.

For those of you who are recommended by a health professional to stop taking caffeine, listen to your doctor’s advice.

Conclusion

Caffeine Addiction is very much real. And all those who think otherwise should go on this seven-day coffee Detox and see for themselves.

Coffee can be a useful tool in our diet, keeps us alert and improves our focus to help complete our daily tasks.

By limiting our coffee during the day, our sleep can improve. This will give us better energy for the next day. And lead to less dependence on coffee to stay awake and alert.

Have you ever get headache from not drinking coffee for just a day? Don’t you think that’s cuz of the coffee addiction?

References

1. Evans J, Richards JR, Battisti AS. Caffeine. [Updated 2023 Jun 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519490/