A perfect cup of coffee will help uplift your mood and energise you. A regular 8-ounce coffee cup will contain around 80 to 100 mg of caffeine.
Although caffeine has some advantages, it also has some disadvantages. Certain people might have to limit their caffeine consumption.
This article will teach you whether you can drink decaf coffee with a concussion.
People with concussions must limit their caffeine intake, which may slow recovery.
Although some doctors mention that coffee is safe during a concussion, it is better to drink an alternative beverage like decaf coffee since it contains a tiny amount of caffeine.
Anyway, it is necessary to get professional advice before drinking decaf coffee.
Concussion
A concussion is a brain-related issue due to a jolt, blow, bump, or rapid brain movement when you accidentally hit the body. This is also called a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Symptoms of a Concussion
- Headache
- Memory loss
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulties with thinking
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Mood Swings
- Sleep issues
- Difficulty concentrating on something
Common Causes of Concussion
- Falls
- Sports injuries
- Vehicle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
A concussion is often called a “mild brain injury.” Although it is not life-threatening, it is always advisable to consult a doctor if you experience any concussion symptoms. The doctor will recommend mental and physical rest to recover from the concussion.
Is It Safe To Drink Decaf Coffee with a Concussion?
As mentioned, decaf or decaffeinated coffee contains a small amount of caffeine, around 2–7 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup of decaf coffee.
Hence, decaf coffee is not caffeine-free but will be an excellent beverage for people trying to limit their daily caffeine intake.
Suddenly, if you know your head or during a vehicle collision, you must avoid consuming certain things if you experience concussion symptoms.
In most cases of concussion, decaf coffee is a safe beverage. Hence, you can drink decaf coffee with a concussion.
Suppose the concussion is severe and becomes life-threatening. In such cases, asking the doctor whether you can drink decaf coffee is necessary.
Although the small quantity of caffeine in decaf coffee will not worsen concussion in certain situations, a doctor might tell you to stop drinking coffee to prevent your health condition from associated risks.
Why Is Regular Coffee Not Good to Drink with Concussion?
You might have heard your mom say not to do certain things when you knock your head accidentally. This is mainly because banging the head may cause mild brain injury symptoms (concussion).
During a concussion, people often say no to regular coffee. Have you ever wondered the reason for this?
A regular cup of coffee contains 80–100 mg of caffeine.
This caffeine content has side effects on both injured and uninjured brains. Therefore, during a concussion, when you drink coffee, the caffeine in this beverage might worsen the concussion, so it is better to avoid drinking it.
Furthermore, caffeine will slow down the healing process during a concussion. Hence, avoiding drinking coffee for at least the first few weeks is better if you want to heal faster.
After a concussion, your brain will already be sensitive, so consuming high amounts of caffeine will cause more irritation.
Effects of Caffeine on the Brain
Caffeine usually boosts attention and memory. Also, it increases alertness. Therefore, to improve your focus, coffee will be an excellent beverage.
On the flip side, excessive caffeine intake will have a negative impact. Suppose you have a concussion.
Since caffeine blocks the release of adenosine, this will reduce the recovery speed. This is because adenosine reduces information and helps with brain healing.
As caffeine blocks the release of this neuroprotective agent, the healing process will slow down. Therefore, it is important to limit caffeine consumption.
Alternatives to Caffeine During Concussion
Decaf coffee is a great option if you are searching for alternatives to caffeine that can help boost your energy level.
The small amount of caffeine in decaf coffee will not impact the healing time, and this beverage will help to keep you refreshed. Intermittent fasting will also help boost brain functioning.
To heal your brain after a concussion, you can consume alternative energy-boosting foods like blueberries, fatty fish, broccoli, nuts, and bananas.
Exercise, healthy sleep, and mind-relaxing activities like yoga will also help promote concussion healing.
Dos and Don’ts During a Concussion
| DOs | DON’Ts |
| Consult a doctor or healthcare professional to examine the severity of the concussion. | Don’t stay in a dark room throughout the day. |
| For the first two days, focus on physical and mental rest. Rest during the daytime and have a proper sleep during the night. | Don’t do any heavy activities or household chores that would stress you. |
| Conserve your energy. | Avoid using any medication other than that prescribed by the doctor. |
| Get professional advice regarding when you go back to work or school. | Avoid consuming alcohol and excess caffeine. |
| Give importance to your basic needs. | Don’t focus on your studies or work as usual. Instead, take a few days off. |
| Manage stress. | Don’t spend time on screening. Reduce your time on your phone, watching TV, and so on. |
Bottom Line
You might understand whether you can drink decaf coffee with a concussion. Regular coffee is also safe during a mild concussion, but if it is severe, then caffeine may worsen the situation.
Therefore, limiting your daily caffeine intake is the best practice during a concussion. If skipping your daily cup of coffee is a big deal, you can switch to a safe alternative like decaf coffee.
As decaf coffee is 97% decaffeinated, it has only around 7mg of caffeine per cup. Hence, it is safe to consume decaf coffee with a concussion. 4
Moreover, other energy-boosting drinks, exercise, and yoga can help you heal from a concussion faster.
We hope this blog was informative!
FAQs
When Can I Start Drinking Regular Coffee After a Concussion?
It is best to stop your regular coffee consumption with a concussion, as this will help quick healing. Hopefully, after a few weeks, you will return to normal and be able to drink your regular coffee.
In contrast, if the concussion is severe, it is best to ask the healthcare professional for how long you must skip the coffee or when you can start drinking it again.
Can I Drink Alcohol with Concussion?
There is no point in consuming alcohol during a concussion. Therefore, for better and quicker healing, it is best to avoid drinking alcohol with a concussion.
Will Decaf Coffee Promote Brain Functioning?
Both regular coffee and decaf coffee will promote brain functioning. Some studies also mention that decaf coffee helps improve cognitive performance.
