February 2023 • Page 4 Of 4 • BoatBasinCafe

How to Counteract Caffeine: What to Do When You’ve Drunk Too Much Coffee

Posted on February 2, 2023February 6, 2023 by John Bird

Shaky hands, cramps, and an overall jitteriness. If you ever drank too much coffee you know the feeling. Sometimes, when people have trouble sleeping, they make up for the incoming drowsiness by drinking an extra cup or two of coffee or tea.

But instead of keeping you awake and alert, this might cause a number of issues. Too much caffeine can give you unpleasant symptoms, the most notable being caffeine nausea and having the jitters.

If you’ve drunk two (or three or even four) cups of strong coffee, and you’re feeling unwell, you will have to flush out the caffeine. This article looks at the ways how to counteract caffeine safely and get back to feeling normal again.

How to Counteract Caffeine

caffeine nausea

A cup of tea or coffee can energize you when you’re feeling sluggish, but too much can bring forth a myriad of nasty symptoms. These range from palpitations and shaking hands to headaches, nausea, and diarrhea.

While a cup or two of coffee every day is fine for most people, it is important that you stay within the limits and not overdose on caffeine. While tolerance levels may differ from person to person, it is generally agreed that 400mg (about 4 cups of strongly brewed coffee) is the cutoff point.

Because of this, it is recommended that you drink no more than 3 cups of coffee a day, as exceeding the 400mg limit will leave you feeling sick. But if you’ve gone overboard with your favorite cold brew, you can do these things to counteract all the caffeine you consumed.

Drink Water:

Teas and coffee are known to have slightly drying properties and can cause dry mouth for many people. Because of this, caffeine and nausea are often seen going hand in hand. This can also cause headaches and dizziness. To counteract these effects, drink lots of water.

The caffeine will eventually leave your system but in the meantime, keep sipping from a large bottle of water. This will reduce the feelings of nausea and keep you feeling too sick.

Get Moving:

No, we aren’t talking about a full workout. But walking and even jogging can help deal with caffeine jitters. A gentle workout will get your blood flowing and help you feel less unsettled. If you don’t like the idea of walking or exercise, you can try something like yoga or Pilates.

Meditate:

Looking for how to reverse the effects of caffeine? If you want something more calming than yoga, meditation can help combat nausea and anxiety, soothing jitters and antsy feeling in your hands and feet.

Combining meditation with the deep breathing exercises mentioned below is also useful for many people. Meditating for 5-10 minutes will increase the supply of oxygen to the brain, calming your thoughts and making you feel alert, and soothe your nerves.

Take a Deep Breath:

Besides the jitters, too much caffeine symptoms can also manifest in anxiety. Deep breathing exercises or techniques are the easiest ways to counter caffeine. This will reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, making you feel much more relaxed.

A quick breathing exercise involves lying down, then breathing through your stomach as deeply as possible. Once your chest rises, hold your breath for a few seconds and then slowly exhale through your chest then your stomach.

Replenish Your Electrolytes:

If all that caffeine upset your stomach, drinking water alone won’t help. You need to make up for the electrolytes that your body has lost, as well as water.

You can drink something like Pedialyte to restore your body’s electrolyte imbalance. You can also drink smoothies, milkshakes, juice, or Gatorade to stave off dehydration.

Alternative Methods for Counteracting Caffeine

As someone who is knowledgeable on the topic of reducing caffeine intake, let me share my thoughts on the matter. For those who seek to lower their caffeine consumption or alleviate the consequences of caffeine, there are several options available.

For example, herbal remedies such as chamomile tea, passionflower, and valerian root have been found to have a relaxing effect on the nervous system, potentially mitigating symptoms like anxiety and restlessness that can be brought on by caffeine.

Additionally, lifestyle changes such as stress-reduction through exercise and relaxation techniques, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a nutritious diet can help to counteract the effects of caffeine.

Finally, replacing caffeinated drinks with decaf options or choosing caffeine-free energy sources such as herbal tea or water can also aid in reducing overall caffeine intake.

How to Get Caffeine Out of Your System

drank too much coffee

One way to counteract caffeine is to flush it out of your body. If you’re trying to get your shaking hands and throbbing headache under control, knowing how to get rid of caffeine can help you out. Try one or a combination of these methods for quick relief:

Stop Consuming Caffeine:

And we mean all kinds of caffeine. This includes things like green tea, chocolate, chocolate-covered coffee beans, soda, energy drinks, and even certain desserts or ice creams.

This might seem like a no-brainer but you might feel like snacking to feel better, introducing more caffeine into your system.

Stay Hydrated:

Drinking lots and lots of water will help you feel better as you wait for the caffeine to leave your body. It can even help speed up the process slightly while counteracting the diuretic effects of caffeine. So, if you feel like you’ve drunk too much coffee, drink a few glasses of water.

Eat Fiber-Rich Food:

There is some evidence that consuming foods with lots of fiber will absorb some of the caffeine in your system. Others suggest that it will slow down the release of caffeine.

Either way, grabbing a piece of fruit will help you wait out the caffeine wave. You can also consume lentils, starchy vegetables, whole-grain baked goods, and even snack on nuts and seeds.

Wait It Out:

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just ride out the effects. A caffeine overdose is a bit like a hangover; you just have to wait for it to go away. This can last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours, but this will depend on the strength and amount of coffee consumed, your weight, and overall caffeine tolerance.

If you are caffeine sensitive, this can take even longer. So bear down, grit your teeth and just wait for the caffeine to leave your body by itself. In the meantime, stay hydrated, get your blood pumping, and try to relax with some deep breathing exercises and meditation.

Having a light, but healthy meal will also slow down or decrease the effects of caffeine. Best of all, get some exercise to use up that jittery, nervous energy that comes with a caffeine overdose.

The Long-term Impact of Caffeine on the Body

Caffeine, a stimulant that affects the central nervous system, increases attentiveness and energy. However, excessive caffeine use may have a number of detrimental consequences on the body, including increased heart rate/blood pressure, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and an increased risk of osteoporosis. It may also cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms in rare cases.

It is important to recognise that caffeine’s effects vary from person to person and may be influenced by factors such as body weight, tolerance, and heredity.

Recommended Daily Intake of Caffeine

Age/Group	Recommended Daily Limit	Equivalent to
Adults	400 mg	4 cups of coffee
Pregnant Women	200 mg	2 cups of coffee
Children (4-6 years old)	100 mg	1 cup of coffee
Children (7-9 years old)	2.5 mg/kg body weight	Depends on weight

The recommended daily caffeine consumption varies depending on individual parameters such as age, weight, and general health.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the usual safe limit for most individuals is 400 mg, which is similar to 4 cups of coffee. Caffeine use should be limited to 200 mg per day for pregnant women owing to correlations with increased miscarriage risk and other harmful consequences.

The suggested limit for children and teens is significantly lower, with a ceiling of 100 mg for 4 to 6-year-olds and 2.5 mg/kg of body weight for 7 to 9-year-olds.

Got More Questions?

Below you’ll find answers to questions we get asked the most about counteracting caffeine.

01. How Long Does the Effects of Caffeine Last?

The effects of caffeine last for 4-6 hours after the compound is absorbed into the bloodstream.

02. How Can I Counteract Caffeine to Sleep?

Drinking plenty of water, having a filling meal, exercise, and meditation can all help minimize the effects of caffeine. Deep breathing techniques, meditating, and yoga can help you sleep after a caffeine overdose.

03. What Foods Counteract Caffeine?

Food with high water content (like watermelon or cucumbers) helps reduce the effects of caffeine. Fiber-rich foods, such as apples, celery, and whole grains also help. You can also quell coffee-induced headaches with things with a high potassium content, like bananas.

04. How Can I Cure Caffeine Sensitivity?

This can be dealt with by consuming lower levels of caffeine. Swap out your coffee for things like green or white tea. Herbal teas will also energize you without all the caffeine. You can also eliminate coffee from your diet entirely.

05. What are the Symptoms of a Caffeine Overdose?

According to medical professionals, the common symptoms of too much caffeine include things like:

nervousness or jitters
headache
shaking hands
dizziness
irritability
diarrhea or an upset stomach
irregular heartbeat or heart palpitations

In a Nutshell

Overdoing the coffee can spell disaster, and have you feeling worse than the exhaustion of little sleep. It can be difficult to focus at work or school with a pounding heart and shaking hands. Knowing how to counteract caffeine in advance means that you will be prepared to counteract the effects.

So the next you realize your fourth cold brew will cause you misery in 30 minutes, fill up your water bottle, get something to eat, and put on your running shoes. It’ll be a tough couple of hours, but these tips will help you face the worst of it.

The good news? In around 5 hours you’ll start to feel like yourself again.

5 Must-Try Cold Foam Drinks From Starbucks [2023]

Posted on February 1, 2023February 1, 2023 by John Bird

Coffee lovers have been talking about Starbucks Cold Foams lately. But what exactly is cold foam? What type of cold foam does Starbucks have? And which drinks come with this delicious topping?

Here we’ll discuss all you need to know about Starbucks cold foams – from what they are to the best drinks that feature them. We’ll also share some tips on how to make your own homemade version. So whether you’re a fan of iced coffees or frappuccinos, there’s something here for everyone who loves their coffee served up with an extra touch of creaminess.

5 Must Try Cold Foam Drinks From Starbucks

What is Cold Foam?

Cold foam is a type of frothy, creamy foam made from milk or cream that has been aerated and chilled. It adds a smooth texture and flavor to the drink while also providing a unique visual presentation. Cold foam is often used as an alternative to traditional whipped cream in coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and iced coffees.

The process of making cold foam involves using steam to create tiny bubbles in the liquid which are then cooled down quickly by chilling it with ice cubes or refrigeration. This creates a light yet creamy consistency that can be poured over your favorite hot or cold beverage for added flavor and texture. The result is an airy layer of velvety goodness on top of your drink that looks almost too good to sip.

You might have noticed Starbucks’ signature “cold foam” topping on some drinks such as their Iced Cappuccino or Nitro Cold Brew Latte. The cold foam adds an extra layer of deliciousness to the beverage. Starbucks’ version is made with nonfat milk but they offer other variations including almond milk-based options for those looking for something lighter or dairy-free alternatives.

Nitro Cold Foam?

I used to think that there were two types of cold foam – classic which was made using a frother, and nitro which uses nitrogen gas. But I was wrong.

Nitro refers to the brewing process itself, whereas cold foam is only the layer of foam on top. So no, there is no Nitro Cold Foam.

To summarize, cold foam is a unique and delicious way to enjoy coffee, and Starbucks has a variety of cold foams available for you to try. Let’s take a look at what type of cold foam Starbucks offers.

Key Takeaway: Cold foam is a light and creamy topping made with milk or cream that can be added to coffee drinks for extra flavor and texture. Making your own at home requires heavy whipping cream, sugar (optional), an electric mixer and whisker, plus some patience.

What flavors of Cold Foam Does Starbucks Have?

Starbucks currently offers three common flavors of cold foam that are available all year round and three flavors for the winter holiday season. However, the availability still depends on your location, so make sure to check with the barista or with the Starbucks app!

When ordering, you can choose how much foam you want, in terms of “light”, “medium”, and “extra“. Some flavors have a dairy-free alternative option too – those start with “Substitute”, you’ll have to let the barista know which non-dairy milk to use.

Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam

Made with nonfat milk aerated and chilled for a light, creamy texture. Can be used in any drink from the menu including lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, etc. Adds subtle sweetness and smooth texture.

Non-dairy substitute is available for this flavor.

Chocolate Cream Cold Foam

A summer special turned permanent! This foam has a smooth, creamy, rich chocolate taste – it’s a must-try treat!

Dairy-free substitutes can be chosen with this flavor.

Salted Caramel Cream Cold Foam

A popular choice if you want a drink that is not all sweet tasting. Salted Caramel Cream is a combination of creamy vanilla sweet cream and rich flavors of caramel with a pinch of salt. This is what I usually go for when seasonal flavors aren’t available.

Irish Cream Cold Foam

Irish cream is made with a rather simple syrup using various nuts, and cocoa/chocolate. It is especially creamy.

Peppermint Chocolate Cream Cold Foam

Add the taste of festivities with this popular flavor. Personally not a huge fan of cool mint, but I do occasionally pick it when I want something a little more refreshing.

Pistachio Cream Cold Foam

If you prefer a rich, creamy, roast, nutty flavor, this is the one to go for. It’s my favourite flavor when it’s in season.

However, since pistachio is a cashew, you may want to avoid it if you have nut allergy.

Best 5 Starbucks Drinks With Cold Foam

01 Pistachio Cream Cold Brew

SBX20221230 Starbucks Winter Promo FY23 2

The Starbucks® Cold Brew in the new handcrafted Starbucks Pistachio Cream Cold Brew is sweetened with vanilla syrup. It is topped with smooth pistachio cream cold foam and salted brown-buttery sprinkles.

The Pistachio Cream Cold Brew builds on the fact that customers love the Pistachio Latte and that cold coffee is popular all year round.

Avoid if you have a nut allergy!

02 Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew

Vanilla Sweet Cream Nitro Cold Brew

This drink is served cold, directly from the tap, and is topped with a float of house-made vanilla sweet cream. As a result, there’s a waterfall of silky coffee that’s more drinkable than ever. Contains 70 calories and 4 grammes of sugar. Perfect for ladies!

03 Nitro Cold Brew with Cascara Cold Foam

Nitro Cold Brew with Cascara Cold Foam

This drink is a unique combination of Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew and Cascara Cold Foam and contains only 80 calories. The Nitro Cold Brew, which is the base of this drink, has a reputation for being smooth, naturally sweet, and lacking bitterness because of its slow-steeping process and being served cold. The addition of nitrogen only adds to its texture and taste, making it creamy and iced without the need for actual ice. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also less watery, more substantial, richer, and has a velvety smooth texture that makes it perfect for a leisurely sipping experience.

04 Irish Cream Cold Brew

Irish Cream Cold Brew

In this creamy classic, Irish Cream Cold Brew is mixed with Irish cream syrup and topped with a cloud of sweet cream cold foam with a hint of cocoa. In Canada, customers can get a hot version called Irish Cream Americano. It is made with rich, caramel-flavored espresso, Irish cream-flavored syrup, hot water, steamed milk, and a small amount of cocoa.

5 Almond Milk Honey Flat White with Cold Foam

SBX2020106 Almondmilk Honey Latte

We started with the coffee. Starbucks Blonde Espresso pairs well with the lighter texture of milk alternatives, especially almondmilk. It’s a little bit nuttier, so it complements the almond-based milk.
Raegan Powell (Starbucks Product Developer)

Hot coffee with COLD foam? YES! Try it! The Almond Milk Honey Flat White is made with shots of Blonde Espresso, a Honey Blend, and steamed almond milk. It is topped with the choice of cold foam, which is the Flat White’s signature.

Obviously, don’t get this if you have nut allergies, though.

How do you order cold foam from Starbucks?

Did you know that you could order a hot coffee topped with cold foam? Doesn’t make it a good idea though, since the foam would melt into oblivion the moment the barista puts it on. Maybe we could make this a challenge? #ColdFoamOnHotCoffeeChallenge, go wild!

In all seriousness though, the menu already has a list of cold drinks that have cold foam on top, so you can simply order those that start with a flavor listed above. For example, Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew.

Alternatively, you can start by selecting your favorite espresso beverage. Then ask the barista to add a layer of cold foam on top. The barista will use an espresso machine with a special steaming wand to create the creamy texture and microfoam that makes up the cold foam. Once they have finished creating it, they will pour it over your drink for you to enjoy. Cold foam adds an extra layer of flavor and texture that is sure to delight any coffee lover.

How To Make Your Own Cold Foam At Home

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try making your own homemade version. You’ll need a milk frother like this ElitePro one or a blender.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup (70 ml) 2% milk (or plant-based)
Ice
1 tbsp sugar/sweetener (optional)
1/4 tbsp vanilla extract or other flavoring syrups (optional)

Steps:

Brew coffee using your preferred method and pour over ice.
Mix milk, sugar/sweetener, and your chosen flavoring extract into a pourable container
Froth milk mixture for 30-60 seconds
Pour the foam over your coffee and enjoy

Make sure not to over-whisk/blend the mixture as this can cause it to become too thin. If this happens simply add more milk/cream until it reaches the desired thickness again. Additionally, if you find that your homemade cold foam isn’t sweet enough feel free to add more sugar until it meets your taste preferences.

You can try different flavoring syrups to create unique flavors such as using cocoa powder to create chocolate mocha foam or adding different types of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for an extra kick.

Key Takeaway: Making your own cold foam at home is easy and rewarding. All you need is nonfat milk or cream, an electric whisk blender, ice cubes, sugar (optional), flavoring syrups (optional) and experiment with spices for extra flavor. Don’t over-whiskblend the mixture and add more sugar if needed.

FAQs

What are the cold foams at Starbucks?

Cold foam is a frothy, creamy topping made from cold milk and non-dairy alternatives. It can be used to top iced coffee drinks, lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and more. Starbucks offers two types of cold foam: classic (made with 2% milk) and coconut milk. Both are lightly sweetened for a smooth finish that won’t overpower the flavor of your favorite espresso beverage. Cold foam adds texture and creaminess without the extra calories or sugar of traditional whipped cream toppings. Try it on your next iced latte for an indulgent treat.

What is in Starbucks’ plain cold foam?

Starbucks Cold Foam is a light and creamy foam topping made with nonfat milk. It has no added sugar or flavors, making it the perfect addition to any beverage. The combination of air and nonfat milk creates a velvety texture that’s both sweet and refreshing. Topped on iced coffee drinks, cold foam adds a layer of flavor without overpowering the taste of your favorite espresso beverages. Enjoy it on its own or as a topping for your favorite cold beverage.

Does Starbucks sell cold foam?

Yes, Starbucks does sell cold foam. Cold foam is a type of frothy milk that can be added to coffee drinks for an extra creamy texture and flavor. It’s made by blending non-dairy milk with air and other ingredients like sugar or vanilla syrup. The result is a light, velvety topping that can be used in lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, and more. Customers can also customize their cold foam order with different flavors such as caramel or cinnamon dolce.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Starbucks cold foams are a delicious and unique way to enjoy your favorite drinks. Whether you prefer the classic Cold Foam Cascara Latte or something more creative like an Iced Vanilla Bean Coconutmilk Latte with Cold Foam, there’s something for everyone. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic techniques, you can even make your own cold foam at home. So next time you’re in the mood for something special from Starbucks, don’t forget to ask for that extra layer of creamy goodness – it’ll take your drink up a notch.

Are you tired of your morning coffee routine? Ready to try something new and exciting with your daily cup of joe? Look no further than Starbucks Cold Foams! Our everyday kitchen, BBQ, and coffee tips will help guide you in making the perfect cold foam that is sure to wake up even the groggiest mornings. Try it out today for a delicious way to start off every day!