Kicking the Caffeine Habit

Coffee and tea trigger flares for many people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). Yet, many don’t know how they would get through the day without them. The caffeine in both of these beverages can be habit-forming, and quitting cold turkey can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and fatigue.

Here are three tips for easing off caffeinated drinks and finding alternative ways to keep energized:

1. Slowly cut back on coffee/tea:
   • Gradually reduce how much you drink each day.
   • Depending upon how much you are drinking, give yourself several days or a week or more to eliminate coffee from your diet.
   • Read about bladder flare strategies.

2. Pick a new beverage:
   • Try a vegetable-based product such as Cafix®, Pero®, Roma, and Postum®.
   • Herbal teas such as chamomile and mint are usually well tolerated by IC/BPS patients.
   • Keep trying until you find a product you like.
   • Just like coffee or tea, you can add milk and/or sugar to any beverage to improve the taste.
   • You can buy coffee and tea substitutes in health food stores, online, and some supermarkets.
   • Fill a small plastic container with individual portions of substitutes that you can mix with hot or cold water when you are away from home.
   • Always check the label to make sure the beverage doesn’t have any caffeine, or any other allergen you may need to avoid.

3. Select an alternative energy booster:
   • Get moving. A brisk 10-minute walk can be very energizing.
   • Don’t skip meals.
   • Eating six smaller meals throughout the day can help keep your energy level up.
   • Stay hydrated. Drink enough water to keep your urine a pale yellow color.
   • Keep your blood glucose levels in check by eating some protein with whole grains at each meal.
   • Get your ZZZs. This is probably the hardest thing to do for an IC patient, but good sleep is essential to maintaining your overall health and energy levels.