Does coffee really relieve headaches?

Headaches have a debilitating effect on the entire body. People seek immediate relief, mainly through medications like paracetamol, but in some cases, relief from the pain lies in a cup of coffee.

Does coffee relieve headaches?

Coffee's headache-busting abilities stem from caffeine. But before we can uncover caffeine's role in headache prevention, experts say we need to understand how headaches occur.

The pain occurs when the body releases a substance known as adenosine, which causes inflammation in the blood vessels. Caffeine works immediately by inhibiting the production of this substance, narrowing the blood vessels.

Another theory about caffeine's role in headaches is that it speeds up the rate at which painkillers are absorbed into the body.

This is why many painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications contain caffeine.

There are different types of headaches

This includes headaches from sinusitis, allergies, colds, and even migraines.

Naturally, the question arises whether caffeine is effective against all types of headaches. Experts say that caffeine is good for headaches, even migraines.

However, coffee is a short-term solution to pain and it does not cure the problem that causes the headache.

Caffeine can be addictive like any other substance. If you overdo it with caffeine then the body will become dependent on it. Giving up caffeine can then become very difficult.

Symptoms of quitting coffee are:

Headaches,
Fatigue and lethargy,
Irritability,
Anxiety,
Nausea.
People who drink more than five cups of coffee a day for a long period are more likely to become addicted to it. Other healthy sources of caffeine are: chocolate, tea and cocoa./ AgroWeb.org