Why Your Coffee Makes You Jittery
By Dr Daniel Min, Naturopathic Doctor
Ever notice how some people can drink coffee and stay alert, while others feel anxious, jittery, or crash later in the day?
A lot of it comes down to how your nervous system responds to caffeine and whether it’s supported with the right habits and nutrients.
L-theanine, a natural compound found in tea, can help you stay calm, focused, and energized without the usual spikes or crashes from coffee.
If you’re in Port Coquitlam and want to understand your energy patterns or why fatigue keeps creeping in, this guide will walk you through how L-theanine works, why it matters, and ways people commonly use it safely.
What is L-Theanine and How It Works
L-theanine is an amino acid naturally found in tea leaves, especially green tea. It helps your brain and nervous system by:
Boosting alpha brain waves, which support calm, focused attention
Reducing overstimulation caused by caffeine
Supporting balanced stress responses, helping your body stay regulated
Think of it like this: caffeine is pressing the gas pedal, while L-theanine eases the brakes. You stay alert without feeling on edge.
Many of my clients notice that pairing caffeine with L-theanine allows them to work efficiently through meetings or creative tasks without the usual jitteriness.
Why Caffeine Alone Can Backfire
Caffeine can temporarily mask fatigue, giving you a false sense of alertness. But your body’s energy stores aren’t really recharging, it’s like driving with the fuel gauge ignored.
Over time, caffeine alone can lead to:
Jitteriness or a racing heart
Anxiety or scattered thoughts
Midday crashes that leave you drained
Adding L-theanine helps your nervous system stay balanced, so you can enjoy real focus and steady energy without those disruptive spikes.
Step-by-Step Guide: Using L-Theanine for Calm Focus and Energy
Step 1: Start Small
Many people find that around 100–200 mg of L-theanine with their morning coffee or small caffeine source helps smooth energy and focus
Step 2: Observe Your Response
Pay attention to how your body feels. Some notice less jitteriness, more consistent alertness, and smoother energy throughout the morning.
Step 3: Combine with Foundation Habits
Sleep, hydration, balanced meals, and movement all support your nervous system. L-theanine works best when paired with these foundational habits.
Step 4: Experiment with Green Tea
Green tea naturally combines L-theanine and caffeine in a gentler ratio, which can provide calm, sustained focus for many people.
Step 5: Pair with Mindful Practices
Short walks, light stretches, or deep breathing exercises can amplify L-theanine’s calming effects and help maintain focus and clarity throughout the day.
Small, consistent adjustments (rather than chasing instant fixes) often lead to the best long-term results.
Curious why caffeine affects you differently, or what’s really behind your fatigue? Book a free Meet & Greet with me in Port Coquitlam, and we’ll explore your unique energy patterns, uncover root causes, and create a clear path toward more consistent energy, focus, and balance.
DR DANIEL MIN, ND
I believe in an integrative, evidence-based approach to getting to the root of my patients’ health concerns. I’ve seen the effectiveness of both eastern and western medicines first-hand, and how the body has an amazing capacity to heal if its given the right environment to thrive.
If you’re ready for a truly personalized approach to health, let’s connect for a free health strategy session at EvokeLife.co at the Pomme Clinic in Port Coquitlam, BC!