Have to stop drinking coffee

1. 80

   Uninvited Writerposted 13 years ago

   I have decided I have to stop. I am so sad. I love coffee; the taste, the smell, how it makes me feel.
   
   But lately I've been having pains in my chest that go away when I don't drink coffee. So, I think I'll have to switch full time to tea. I bought some green tea yesterday and when I was drinking it I was fine.
   
   Maybe it's the caffeine but I don't like decaf coffee at all.
   
   Anyone have any teas to recommend. I bought a blueberry one with ginko and it is very soothing. I also like jasmine tea.

   replyreport
   1. 87

      IzzyMposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Sorry to hear that Susan! Here's hoping it doesn't turn out to anything serious.
      And in answer to your question - I only drink ordinary tea - you know - they type that is full of caffeine!

      replyreport
   2. 0

      PrettyPantherposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Sorry to hear you're having trouble with coffee, because if you're like me, it's a pleasure you don't want to give up!
      
      Moroccan Mint is my all-time favorite tea:
      
      http://www.stashtea.com/products/Morocc … n+Tea.aspx

      replyreport
   3. 61

      tony0724posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Coffee is the only thing keeping my heart pumping.

      replyreport
   4. 0

      Travis_S_Musicposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      The high caffeine could be causing heart palpitations, which, not being something to fear, can be a bother. That is caused usually by anxiety or high blood pressure, which caffeine is sure to do. What I would recommend, if you are a heavy coffee drinker, instead of totally kicking it out, drink only one cup a day at first. If you are still having problems, then limit it to once every other day. If still there  are problems cut to once a week, and if there are STILL problems, then yes it is time to quit. The thing about tea is, it generally has almost the amount of caffeine coffee does. It could very well be the brand you buy, or something else you are adding to your coffee. If you had a lot of sugar that is sure to raise your blood pressure. Lower the amount of sugar added if this is a possibility. I don't recommend completely cutting it if you can avoid it. Being a regular drinker it will have a rather  bothersome side effect to just cutting it cold turkey. If problems seem to get worse, then check with your doctor and see what they think.

      replyreport
   5. 67

      snakebabyposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I share your pain! I love coffee, it makes me feel life is wonderful. But unfortunately I discovered whenever I drank it cold I later felt nauseous, that was 15 years ago. I continued to drink coffee, sometimes it was ok, other times nausea would hit me. Now I don't think I can drink even hot coffee, few sips is all I dare to try. But I constantly drink tea, every single day, it never gives me any problem and will never do. So I personally do not think that is the caffeine playing the role here, it has to be something else specific to coffee. Also I truly believe slowly consuming your cup of coffee plus drinking it cold can be added to the problems.

      replyreport
   6. 58

      Beelzedadposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I am curious, sometimes those chest pains can be an indication of anxiety attacks and the coffee's caffeine can fuel it. Not that I want to sound alarming or assume that is what is occurring, but it is a possibility.
      

      replyreport
      1. 0

         Travis_S_Musicposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         That is most likely what's happening Beelz. It's of course nothing dangerous, most people get anxiety attacks without even realizing that's what it is.

         replyreport
         1. 58

            Beelzedadposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Agreed.

            replyreport
   7. 62

      Greek Oneposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      WHO ARE YOU KIDDING.. YOU CAN'T GIVE ME UP....
      
      

      replyreport
   8. 0

      ssaulposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Sorry to hear that Susan. First write down a plan to stop drinking coffee, then implement the plan. Start by switching to small amount  of herbal tea twice a day, you will still get caffeine but not as much. Do not try to quit abruptly, you might go through withdrawal symptoms, use green tea. After several weeks make the transition to  caffeine free tea, start by drinking some sodas free of caffeine or something. Hope this helps!

      replyreport
2. 70

   wyanjenposted 13 years ago

   My doctor told me last week to stop... I said, "No."
   
   My absolute favorite tea is Earl Grey.
   Good luck

   replyreport
3. 80

   Uninvited Writerposted 13 years ago

   Earl Grey Hot! Love it too.
   
   I know regular tea does have caffeine, but not as much as coffee. I do admit lately I have been drinking a lot more coffee than I used to. When I get stressed I turn to coffee and things have been rather stressful for a few mnnths.

   replyreport
4. 80

   2besureposted 13 years ago

   Well, you would think that chest pains would be all you needed to stop, but I understand addiction.  I remember having to have Pepsi and a Mr. Goode bar every day. 
   
   I would start with watering down the strength of the coffee a little at a time.  That will also give yo body a change to get used to living without it.  Goof Luck!

   replyreport
5. 69

   lrohnerposted 13 years ago

   Wow, UW...I don't know whether to say "I'm sorry" or "congratulations."
   
   The only tea I like is Twining's Irish Breakfast Tea. I usually have one cup of coffee in the AM and one cup of tea in the afternoon. That's it for me!

   replyreport
6. 60

   paradigmsearchposted 13 years ago

   I’ve recently tried implementing the rule of no coffee after 12 noon.
   
   Seems to be working.

   replyreport
7. 87

   IzzyMposted 13 years ago

   I love Tetley's Tea or Scottish blend T-bags but I suppose this end of the world has different teas anyway.
   Susan, you said you've been under stress recently. Maybe that is what is causing your chest pain? You need to relax, hun. I dunno, treat yourself to some time out if you can. Listen to that Beatles album you got or whatever.

   replyreport
8. 60

   Lita C. Malicdemposted 13 years ago

   I only drink decaf coffee or Lipton tea sparingly. So I don't feel any urgent craving for any. I'm diabetic.

   replyreport
9. 62

   Mama Sezposted 13 years ago

   I still drink coffee sparingly.  My favorites are blueberry and passion fruit tea.

   replyreport
10. 84

    camloposted 13 years ago

    I always disliked cereal coffee substitutes, like Nestlé Caro. One day somebody suggested I try it made with milk, and it was delicious. As enjoyable as a café au lait, even though a bit different, of course.
    Too much coffee makes me very jumpy, so I restrict myself to one or two cups in the morning. Instead of coffee during the day, I drink green tea, Sencha being my favourite.
    Stress and coffee do not go well together, so I think you're doing the right thing by cutting the coffee. Hope you can cut back on the stress, too.

    replyreport
11. 61

    saltposted 13 years ago

    I have one store bought coffee per day. No instant. Then tea or chai. Oddly, tea has more caffeine than coffee, yet for some reason instant coffee leaves a more difficult energy???!
    
    Anyway, it works for me!!!

    replyreport
12. 69

    emievilposted 13 years ago

    So sad to hear that. Can't imagine my life without coffee.
    
    As for tea, uhm, I don't exactly like that stuff but if I have to drink one, I'll go for chamomile or just lemon tea or just plain tea (no sugar, no honey ).

    replyreport
13. 89

    gracenotesposted 13 years ago

    UW,
    I'm sorry to hear about the coffee.  I understand.  I have had to give up chocolate in the last week, which is worse.  I've always eaten chocolate, but now it gives me a headache.
    
    I'm a tea drinker and occasional coffee drinker.  I like Assam black tea.  Also any rooibos blend, especially one with lemongrass and other interesting ingredients.

    replyreport
14. 63

    Lisa HWposted 13 years ago

    Not to discourage you from quitting coffee; but I wonder if it's more a digestion thing, rather than a caffeine kind of thing.  A friend who worked in nursing homes once told me they use Maxwell House coffee because it's easier on some of the patients' digestive systems (not that you're in their age range, of course).  (I don't know if you can get Maxwell House or not.  I don't even know how many nursing homes she was talking about.)  Anyway, just a thought...   

    replyreport
15. 85

    rebekahELLEposted 13 years ago

    sorry to hear, Susan. did you have a check-up? perhaps it's the combination of stress and increased caffeine? could you try a cup in the morn and early aft?

    replyreport
16. 57

    KrisnaFlumposted 13 years ago

    As I sit here drinking my special coffee....I started drinking coffee that has buffered caffeine, and my issues with withdrawal and stomach sensitivities went away. I have a murmur in my heart anyway, and read an article that says caffeine reduces the risk of heart failure! It also protects liver cells and promotes blood sugar metabolism! Now I'm assuming that last part about the blood sugar does not include coffee that has a bunch of sugar and creamer in it....
    
    Fortunately, the coffee I drink also helps with my anxiety (mostly because I don't have to give it up!), and actually gives me balanced energy so I don't get jittery or exhausted.
    
    Definitely check out the chest pains though. HUGS!

    replyreport