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Caffeine Allergy: Top 20 SymptomsBy Caffeine Informer Staff

Some people have asked if people can be allergic to caffeine. Yes, people

can in some sense allergic to caffeine, but it’s not a true allergy. And, it’s not

something a lot of doctors have been known to look for when people are

exhibiting unexplained symptoms.

Sometime ago, we published a short post entitled “Yes, You Can Be Allergic

to Caffeine“.

That post received hundreds of comments from those who claim to have

experienced some type of adverse reaction to caffeine.

We have painstakingly sifted through all those comments and have derived

the top 20 caffeine allergic reactions in order from most common to least

common.

In most cases these symptoms were reported after only having a little to

moderate amount of caffeine through coffee, tea, soda and/or energy drinks.

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Most Common Allergic Reactions to Caffeine1. Skin problems such as hives, eczema, rashes, acne, severe itching.

2. Headaches/ migraines .

3. Anxiety and panic attacks.

4. Can’t focus or concentrate

5. Tongue, glands, or throat swelling.

6. Heart racing/ palpitations .

7. Angry, irritable, bad mood.

8. Fatigue.

9. Dizziness.

10. Extreme jitters.

11. Chest Pain.

12. Depression.

13. Numbness in face, hands, or feet.

14. Muscle pain .

15. Shortness of breath/ tightness of chest.

16. Delusions/ hallucinations.

17. Flu/ cold like symptoms.

18. Vision problems .

19. Cold sweats.

20. Eyes swollen shut.

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Is this Scientific Evidence?Learn More

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There is genetic   evidence  regarding the inability to process caffeine as some

people lack the genes responsible for this or the genes aren’t being expressed

as they should be. This allows caffeine to build up in a person’s body rather

than being broken down properly.

The above data is entirely based on anecdotal evidence, so don’t take it as

gospel or scientific, but rather consider these caffeine allergy symptoms as

possible since they were reported by a large number of people. If a person

suspects a caffeine allergy, he/she should cease caffeine consumption

immediately and then assess as to whether it was indeed the caffeine. The

symptoms should subside  after caffeine is eliminated.

Did you know that rutaecarpine can remove caffeine from your system

faster? Find out how here.

There is a fine line between what would be called caffeine sensitivity and what

would be called caffeine allergy, but overall we’re dealing with the body not

being able to correctly process the caffeine molecule, so whether it’s called

sensitivity or allergy is up for debate.

Skin rashes are common.

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Most people on the original article reported several of the above symptoms

and some of the caffeine allergy symptoms were quite bizarre. The symptoms

that were the strangest included itchy ears & anus suffered by one poor soul

and a sweaty butt crack reported by another…

Caffeine allergy has also been linked to a form of ADD and dementia in

adults. The claim is that caffeine induced anaphylaxis impairs people’s

abilities to concentrate and remember things. (Src.)

What To Do If You Are Suffering

If you’re suffering from the above symptoms try doing a type of elimination

diet.

1. Explore our extensive Caffeine   in Food  database as well as ourCaffeine

in Beverages database in order to be aware of all the products that have

caffeine listed as an ingredient along with the amount they contain.

2. Eliminate   these products from your diet . There may be a period of

caffeine withdrawal where you actually feel worse.

3. Assess whether your symptoms have disappeared. It may take up to 2

weeks for all of caffeine’s effects to wear off. 

Please note: A surprising number of products contain caffeine, and some

have a lot more than what you think.

Even decaffeinated drinks still contain caffeine – although only a small

amount such as decaf brewed coffee.

Education is best way to prevent an allergic reaction to caffeine.

Useful?

http://www.caffeineinformer.com/caffeine-allergy-top-20-symptoms