Signs Your Body Doesn't Tolerate Caffeine Well

You might be used to your daily cup of java, but if you start to notice some weird symptoms after drinking it, it could be a clear sign that your body doesn't tolerate caffeine well (sad, but a real problem). Before putting down the brew, you can definitely speak to a physician to get a better idea of what's to blame and if you can still enjoy your caffeine in smaller doses. Yet, ultimately listening to your body will help you make a proper judgment.

As a certified health coach, I work with clients on figuring out which foods and drinks work well for their bodies and moods. If something isn't agreeable, it might mess with digestion and lead to a slew of nasty side effects. Caffeine consumption can be problematic for some, as it can lead to more anxious, restless tendencies, and it can create a host of withdrawal symptoms once your body has adapted to its daily hit. If you realize your body isn't taking it well and you should quit or reduce consumption, be prepared for a withdrawal, and perhaps taper down your caffeine consumption at a slow pace to not shock the body too much. Here are seven signs that your body doesn't tolerate caffeine well.

1. You Can't Sleep

"Caffeinated coffee at night can wreak havoc on your internal clock, and keep you up tossing and turning. Decaf coffee may not impact your sleep schedule; however, you're still consuming a small amount of caffeine in your decaf coffee," says Lauren Koffler, RD, based in NYC to Bustle. "So, if you're particularly sensitive to caffeine, I'd recommend steering clear," she says. Or, give yourself a cut off.

2. You're Dehydrated

Koffler advises against drinking caffeine when you're not getting enough water in to go with it. Caffeine, in coffee, for instance, can be dehydrating on the body, so if your pee is too yellow or you feel lightheaded (this would be due to the lack of fluids), it could mean drinking coffee is too hard on your body.

3. You Get Anxious

Over email with Bustle, licensed marriage and family therapist Erika Fay, LMFT, a certified Transformational Life Coach, says that it's possible to become anxious and overly stimulated when drinking caffeine. If this happens, cut back and see if you're better with lower doses.

4. You're Losing Bone Density

If you have osteoporosis, you could be at even greater risk. Over email with Bustle, Dr. Lisa Ashe, Medical Director of BeWell Medical Group, says that caffeine can leach calcium away from the body, and this can lead to osteoporosis and loss in bone mass. Ashe says, "Caffeine may also decrease calcium absorption and increase calcium excretion, which can lead to bone loss."

5. Your Heart Rate Rises

"Racing heart, heart palpitations, or feeling jittery," can occur, advises Erin Holley, RD at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, over email with Bustle. If you notice these symptoms, as well as an elevated heart rate, you could be jeopardizing your heart health.

6. You're Peeing Too Much

While you might become super dehydrated, on the flip side, you might find yourself needing to pee too much after drinking caffeine, explains Susan Berkman, a registered dietician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, over email with Bustle. If you're heading to the bathroom with the urge in excess, you might not tolerate caffeine well.

7. Your Bowels Are Too Intense

Caffeine can make you poop, but if you're having poor digestion from caffeine, and you're having intense bowel movements in the day, it could mean that caffeine doesn't sit well in your body. It's natural to go regularly, but just go with how your body feels when doing the deed to be a better judge.

If any of these symptoms are popping up, you might not handle caffeine that well. Unfortunately, saying goodbye might just be what your body needs.