Khaberni - On the first days of fasting in the blessed month of Ramadan, many feel a mysterious heaviness in their head, and a throbbing headache that feels like gentle taps on the brain, as if it's a protest message from the missing cup of coffee.
Some believe the cause is hunger or low sugar, but the scientific truth is more complex: It is symptoms of caffeine withdrawal (Caffeine Withdrawal).
What is "caffeine withdrawal" and why does it cause headaches?
Scientists call this condition "withdrawal headache," which is a natural physiological response that occurs when the body suddenly stops getting its daily dose of caffeine.
Caffeine normally works to constrict the blood vessels in the brain, and when it is suddenly stopped, these vessels expand quickly, increasing blood flow and pressing on the nerves, leading to headaches, along with other symptoms such as irritability, lack of focus, and fatigue.
Scientific research also indicates that the accumulation of "adenosine" in the brain after stopping caffeine plays an additional role in feeling sleepy and having headaches.
Why is the headache so intense during Ramadan?
In Ramadan, refraining from coffee and tea coincides with long fasting hours, making withdrawal symptoms more pronounced, especially in people who consume more than 200 mg of caffeine daily (equivalent to two to four cups of coffee).
Studies indicate that headaches usually start within 24 hours of stopping caffeine and may last several days until the body adjusts to the new situation.
When should you drink coffee after breaking the fast?
After long hours of fasting, some tend to reconcile immediately with a cup of coffee at the Maghrib call to prayer, but nutrition experts advise to wait.
Nutritional recommendations suggest that the best time to drink coffee is one to two hours after breaking the fast, to avoid overwhelming the stomach and nervous system at once, especially with rapid blood sugar rise after eating.
Specialists also warn against breaking the fast with coffee directly and emphasize the importance of starting with water and dates to rebalance fluids and energy before consuming stimulants.
How do you avoid "coffee headache" during Ramadan?
- Gradually reduce caffeine before Ramadan instead of stopping suddenly.
- Drink water first after breaking the fast to replenish fluids.
- Wait an hour or two before having coffee to avoid dizziness and stomach upset.
- Do not exaggerate the amount so you do not return symptoms of headache and stress.
Coffee between habit and biological need
In many Arab homes, breakfast is not complete without coffee, but experts point out that this desire is a mix of social habit and biological dependence on caffeine, making sudden weaning off it a difficult experience for some.
