Dr Oz: Addicted To Caffeine? + Detox & Caffeine-Free Alternative

Dr Oz: Are You A Caffeine Addict?

Just how dependent are you on caffeine? If you’re anything like me, your day doesn’t begin until you’ve had at least one cup. You can take Dr Oz’s quiz below to find out just how caffeine-dependent you truly are.

1. How often do you drink a caffeinated beverage?
   1. One in the morning and an occasional cup in the afternoon
   2. I refill my cup at least 3-4 times
   3. I need an IV drip because my cup is never empty
2. How do you feel when you wake up in the morning?
   1. Full of energy and ready to start your day
   2. Groggy and dreading getting out of bed
   3. Wake up? I sleep through my alarm clock
3. After your first caffeine boost of the day, do you feel:
   1. Very alert
   2. A little buzzed
   3. Normal
4. What would a day without caffeine be like?
   1. Full of happiness
   2. Full of grumpiness
   3. The end of the world

If you answered mostly number 1’s, you’re the caffeine conscious type. If you answered mostly number 2’s, you’re the caffeine committed. Finally, if you answered mostly number 3’s, you’re the caffeine crazed. While the last type needs it most, all three could potentially benefit from a caffeine detox. Maya Feller, a nutritionist, explained that when a person drinks a cup of coffee and suddenly feels wonderful, it’s because the caffeine is “stamping out” the fatigue, brain fog, and headache. You then have someone who needs a cup of coffee just to feel normal.

Dr Oz: How To Wean Off Caffeine

But what if you don’t want to give up the caffeine? Dr Oz had a great solution that would help people feel like they’re drinking the real thing.

Maya likes a seven day detox because it allows you to give your body some time to wean off the caffeine. To begin backing off the caffeine, cut back by 1/4 the amount you usually drink. Replace 1/4 of your caffeine with decaf coffee, then two days later try 1/2 regular and 1/2 decaf. Then cut back to just 1/4 regular two days later before going to all decaf.

Another great tip to successfully wean off caffeine is to maintain your caffeine ritual. If you can’t stand the thought of giving up your soda, try replacing it with seltzer. It still allows you to enjoy the carbonation without the caffeine. If you still want the comfort of a cup of coffee without the caffeine, you can still enjoy that ritual. The key is to replace your morning coffee with an herbal caffeine-free coffee made with chicory root. It truly tastes delicious and you’ll hardly be able to tell the difference.