For millions of people, the day doesn't truly begin until that first cup of coffee hits. In the United States, around 85% of adults consume caffeine daily—most of it from coffee, but also from tea, soda, and energy drinks. It's part of the culture. But what happens when you stop? Whether you're cutting back or quitting cold turkey, giving up caffeine can bring real changes to your body—some uncomfortable, some surprisingly beneficial.

For once let's face it, caffeine is literally everywhere and in most of what you consume daily. In your morning coffee, afternoon tea, energy drinks, even chocolate! Most of us depend on it to power through the day but have you ever noticed what happens when you skip it for a day or two? The headache creeps in, your energy drops, and suddenly, everything feels harder. That’s not just in your head. It’s your body responding to withdrawal. And while it might feel rough at first, quitting caffeine can lead to some surprising (and honestly, pretty great) benefits—if you stick with it long enough to see them.

Why People Quit Caffeine in the First Place?

Caffeine, at its core, is a stimulant. It boosts alertness by interfering with adenosine, the brain’s sleep-inducing chemical. That can be helpful—especially if you’re battling an early morning meeting or a long commute. But for some, that stimulation crosses a line: triggering anxiety, insomnia, acid reflux, or digestive issues. People with conditions like hypertension, GERD, IBS, anxiety, or sleep disorders may actually feel worse with regular caffeine intake.

Others quit caffeine to manage their sugar intake—especially if their caffeine comes in the form of caramel-drenched lattes or sodas loaded with high-fructose corn syrup.

Is Caffeine Withdrawal Real?

Skip your usual morning cup and you might feel it within hours. Caffeine withdrawal is common and can be surprisingly intense. It’s serious enough to be listed in the DSM-5 (the medical bible of psychiatric diagnoses). Typical withdrawal symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Fatigue or sleepiness
• Trouble concentrating
• Low mood or irritability
• Nausea or flu-like symptoms

These symptoms usually begin 12–24 hours after your last dose and may last anywhere from two to nine days, depending on how much caffeine you normally consume. Those used to multiple cups per day tend to feel it more.

The fix is only gradual reduction. Experts suggest cutting down by half a cup a day or swapping out one regular coffee for a decaf. Going slow gives your body time to recalibrate without plunging into full-on withdrawal mode.

What Happens to Your Body Without Caffeine?

In the short term, less caffeine can mean mental fog, slower reaction time, and decreased productivity. That’s because caffeine boosts levels of adrenaline, dopamine, and norepinephrine—neurotransmitters responsible for energy, mood, and focus.

Over time, your brain adjusts. People who quit caffeine long-term often report feeling more emotionally balanced, less anxious, and more in tune with their natural energy rhythms. In fact, caffeine can worsen anxiety in many individuals by overstimulating the nervous system. For those prone to panic attacks or jitteriness, cutting back may feel like lifting a weight off their shoulders.

Your Sleep Might Finally Improve

Caffeine has a half-life of about five to six hours, which means if you drink coffee at 3 p.m., half of it is still active in your system at 9 p.m. For slow metabolizers, the effects can linger even longer, disrupting deep sleep or delaying sleep onset.

Quitting caffeine may lead to more restful, uninterrupted sleep—even if it takes a few weeks for your sleep patterns to normalize. You may also find that waking up feels more natural, rather than an emergency in need of immediate coffee intervention.

Good for Digestion and And Not So Much For the GI Tract

Caffeine speeds up motility in the GI tract, which is why some people rely on their morning cup to “get things moving” but for individuals with IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome) or GERD, caffeine can make symptoms worse.

In people with GERD, caffeine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter—the valve that keeps stomach acid from rising. This can increase reflux, heartburn, and indigestion. Removing caffeine from the diet can help reduce these symptoms, especially if your go-to drinks are coffee, tea, or soda.

You Might Lose Weight

If you’re quitting caffeine by giving up sweetened drinks like soda, energy drinks, or sugary coffee concoctions, chances are you’ll see a difference on the scale. For example, a grande Salted Caramel Mocha from Starbucks contains 470 calories and 59 grams of sugar—more than twice the recommended daily sugar intake.

Swapping these for decaf herbal tea or simply water can lead to weight loss without much effort. However, if your caffeine came from black coffee or unsweetened tea, don’t expect dramatic weight changes just from going caffeine-free.

No More Coffee-Stained Teeth

One benefit people don’t always expect? Whiter teeth. Coffee and soda (both caffeinated and decaf) are acidic and stain enamel over time. Going caffeine-free often means drinking fewer acidic beverages, which can protect tooth enamel and improve dental appearance. The American Dental Association lists coffee and cola among the top culprits for enamel erosion.

You’ll Probably Feel More Relaxed

Caffeine ramps up heart rate, adrenaline, and cortisol. That’s part of why it’s effective—it mimics a mild stress response but if you’re already feeling overwhelmed, caffeine can amplify feelings of tension or restlessness.

Once you quit, you may feel calmer and less reactive during the day. The irritability that sometimes comes from blood sugar spikes (if you drink sweetened drinks) or caffeine crashes may fade as your energy stabilizes.

Should Everyone Quit Caffeine?

Not necessarily, for most healthy adults, up to 400 mg of caffeine per day (about four 8-ounce cups of coffee) is considered safe, according to the Mayo Clinic. In fact, moderate coffee consumption has been linked to lower risks of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and certain cancers—especially when consumed without added sugars or creamers.

However, pregnant individuals should limit caffeine to less than 200 mg daily, and people on medications like decongestants or certain antidepressants should consult their doctor. If you have a history of insomnia, anxiety, IBS, or GERD, cutting back might make you feel better overall.

If you’re thinking about cutting caffeine, remember it’s a personal decision—one best approached gradually. Whether you’re trying to reduce anxiety, sleep better, or finally ditch that soda addiction, the short-term discomfort is usually worth the long-term benefits.

Just don’t expect immediate enlightenment, give your body time to adjust, and your mind time to find its new rhythm. You might just like the version of you that isn’t running on caffeine.

Tiktok fibremaxxing wellness trend: There is no shortage of wellness trends online that claim to transform your health, but a new one has taken over social media with a focus on gut health. It’s called “fibremaxxing,” and its premise is simple: eat more fibre to improve digestion, metabolism, immunity, and lower the risk of disease. On TikTok and Instagram, the trend often appears as colourful lentil bowls, chia puddings, and smoothies loaded with leafy greens and flaxseeds. But how much of this viral trend is actually backed by science?

Also Read: Hong Thai Herb Inhaler Recalled: Thai FDA Flags Popular Brand Over Contamination — All You Need To Know

The idea of increasing both soluble and insoluble fibre isn’t new, yet fibremaxxing has made it trendy again—and this time, for good reason. Fibre is vital to everyday health, supporting everything from steady blood sugar to regular bowel movements. Here’s what experts say about this growing movement and why fibre truly matters.

What Is Fibremaxxing?

Fibremaxxing is a social media movement that encourages people to boost their fibre intake by adding more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains to every meal. The goal is to improve digestion, promote fullness, and support long-term health. According to Dr. Urvi Shah, a board-certified hematologist-oncologist and physician at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the concept behind fibremaxxing is largely rooted in scientific evidence. Dr. Shah, who is leading multiple studies on high-fibre plant-based diets, notes that the approach aligns well with established nutrition research.

Is ‘Fibremaxxing’ Good Or Bad For Your Gut?

High-fibre diets are consistently linked to a wide range of health benefits, from lowering the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and colon cancer to aiding weight control and gut function. That’s why Dr. Shah believes fibremaxxing gets several aspects right.

She explains that including a wide variety of plant-based, high-fibre foods is essential because “different fibre types feed different microbes.” A diverse diet helps nurture a balanced microbiome. She adds that the trend’s emphasis on whole foods rather than processed or fibre-enriched items is a major plus. “Whole plants provide fibre, polyphenols, and micronutrients that work together to support the gut,” she says. Prebiotic-rich foods also help shape a healthier microbiota and increase the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which has “anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.”

Simply put, upping your fibre intake through natural, unprocessed foods, rather than supplements, can make a real difference to gut health.

What’s The Daily Recommended Amount of Fibre Intake?

Experts suggest that adults should consume between 25 and 30 grams of fibre each day. Men typically require more (around 38 grams), while women need about 25 grams. These numbers can vary depending on age, sex, and calorie intake, but a general guideline is 14 grams of fibre for every 1,000 calories eaten, according to Harvard Health.

How To Add Fibre To Your Diet?

Plant-based foods are the easiest way to increase your fibre intake, this could mean starting your morning with oats or simply adding more vegetables to your meals. Dietitian Laura Tilt notes that several everyday foods are surprisingly high in fibre:

• Rolled porridge oats – 4.5g per 50g (half cup)
• Canned chickpeas – 7g per half can
• Seeded bread – 5g per two slices
• Canned lentils – 6g per half can
• Frozen peas – 4.5g per 80g (3 tbsp)
• Frozen raspberries – 5.5g per 80g (3 tbsp)
• Wholemeal pasta – 6.5g per 75g serving
• Dried apricots – 3g per 3–4 pieces
• Reduced salt/sugar baked beans – 7.5g per half can
• Mixed milled seeds (flax, pumpkin, chia) – 4.5g per 25g

Is Fibremaxxing Helpful?

There’s no doubt fibre plays an essential role in maintaining good health. But like any nutrient, too much of it can cause problems if not balanced properly. A sudden surge in fibre intake without enough water can lead to bloating, gas, constipation, dehydration, or even trigger IBS symptoms. Over-focusing on fibre might also cause you to overlook other nutrients your body needs. The key is moderation, fibre is beneficial, but it works best as part of a balanced, varied diet.

If you landed here, the reason is that you are also someone who cannot tolerate milk, but loves yogurt, and are probably wondering why is that?

The logic is that if you have lactose intolerance, you won't be able to digest any dairy product, but with yogurt, your life is easy. The answer lies in the components of the two various dairy products that come from the same source.

Why Can't You Digest Milk?

The reason is because you are lactose intolerant. This is a condition that makes it hard to digest the sugar in milk and milk products, called lactose. People with lactose intolerance could have diarrhea, gas and bloating after they consume milk. While this condition is usually harmless, it can cause discomfort.

This happens because the enzymes in the small intestine, called lactase is responsible for lactose intolerance. If someone has too low levels of lactase, the person can become lactose intolerant.

The small intestine and colon are parts of the digestive tract, which processes the foods you eat. The intestine pull out nutrients from the food and whatever is not absorbed by the intestines continues along the digestive tract and is expelled as stool during a bowel movement.

But Why Can You Digest Yogurt, If You Cannot Digest Milk?

The answer to this lies in the fermentation process that turns milk into curd and breaks down much of the lactose, which is the sugar, that is often difficult to digest. The probiotic bacteria used to make curd contain their own lactase, which helps in the breakdown of lactose, and this can further help with digestion even for those who do not produce enough lactase on their own.

Furthermore, during fermentation, the bacteria in curd, called the Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus convert lactose into lactic acid, which is easier for the body to process. This helps your body to digest curd easily over milk. Since the bacteria contains lactase, which the milk lacks, some people may find it easier to digest curd or yogurt over milk.

The bacterial cells also physically protect their lactase, and it can work to break down the lactose from the curd as it passes through the digestive system.

Why Is Curd Gut-Friendly?

The key to a healthy gut health is lactobacillus, a kind of probiotic, which helps in digestion, suppression of disease-causing bacteria and treats constipation. It also is beneficial in treating irritable bowel syndrome. It breaks down sugar into lactic acid.

A study by a Bhubaneswar-based professor Balamurugan Ramdas also revealed that Bengal or Odisha's popular breakfast Panta Bhaat, which includes fermented cooked rice, also releases the same bacteria, that fermented milk releases and so it contains short-chain fatty acids, which are responsible for improving gut health and boosting immunity.

Furthermore, curd is known to balance the gut flora, probiotics improve digestion, and the absorption of nutrition. They also help in the breakdown of food, reducing issues like bloating, gas, and constipation. The probiotics in curd can help restore the natural balance in your gut, which can soothe an upset stomach and alleviate discomfort from indigestion. A healthy gut is closely linked to a strong immune system, and the probiotics in curd help to boost gut health, which in turn can enhance immunity.

While people do take eating healthily seriously, many people forget to take the timing into consideration. Many studies have shown that eating late at night or midnight snacking is bad for your metabolism and makes you gain weight, but does the same logic apply to how early you eat your breakfast? A new published in Communications Medicine explains why the timing may be important, even for breakfast.

The time you eat breakfast could play a surprising role in your overall health and even influence how long you live. New research suggests that for older adults, meal timing, especially when they eat their first meal, may reveal important clues about their health status. The study found that eating breakfast later in the day was linked to higher rates of health issues like depression, fatigue, and dental problems, along with a greater risk of early death.

Experts believe that changes in an older person's meal schedule, particularly breakfast time, could be an easy way to check on their general health. He suggests that encouraging older adults to stick to regular mealtimes could be an important step in promoting healthy aging and a longer life.

How Does Breakfast Timing Affect Health?

The research followed almost 3,000 adults in the U.K., aged 42 to 94, for over 20 years. The people in the study reported their usual times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with details about their health.

Meal Times Shifted Later with Age

As the participants got older, both their breakfast and dinner times gradually became later. For every ten years of life, breakfast was delayed by about eight minutes and dinner by four minutes.

The Serious Connection

Most importantly, delaying breakfast was linked to having more long-term health problems and a higher chance of death during the study period. For every hour breakfast was delayed, the risk of death went up by 8–11%.

Experts emphasized that eating later, especially delaying breakfast, is tied to both health problems and a higher risk of death in older people. This finding gives new weight to the old saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially for seniors.

Why an Early Breakfast is Better for Your Health

While this study can't definitively prove that eating earlier directly causes a longer lifespan, experts agree that the evidence strongly supports a regular, early breakfast habit.

Work with Your Body's Clock

Experts recommend having breakfast within one to two hours of waking up. Experts also explained that our body's ability to process food is best right after we wake up.

Avoid Health Risks

Skipping or heavily delaying breakfast can lead to dangerous spikes in blood sugar later in the day. These spikes can hurt blood vessels, increase body inflammation, and raise the risk of serious illnesses like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Keep Your System in Sync

Eating early helps keep your body's internal 24-hour clock (circadian rhythm) working correctly. This proper timing supports better metabolism and better sleep patterns throughout the day.

The Importance of Routine

Health experts strongly emphasize that the consistency of your mealtimes is just as important as the time itself. Eating at regular times helps keep the body's natural 24-hour rhythm strong, which controls everything from digestion to hormones.

A healthy life includes a routine of exercise, good sleep, social connections, and healthy eating habits, which means being thoughtful about what you eat and when you eat it.

By regularly eating breakfast and dinner earlier, you match your eating pattern with your body's natural cycle. This can help you avoid eating too much late at night and supports better sleep. Having a simple, consistent breakfast may be one of those small, daily choices that add up to a longer, healthier life.