Coffee is excellent. Some love it for the aroma; some love it because it makes them feel good. And truly, only a few things can beat the feeling you have when you sip a cup of Coffee. A morning cup of coffee makes it easier to start the day. The caffeine content in coffee gives the drink its awakening properties. It helps us relax. The day’s stresses seem to drift away simply by sitting down with a great cup of Coffee and closing your eyes while you take that first sip.
It’s Not Good for Everyone
As with everything, Coffee also has disadvantages, especially when taken in excess. Caffeine use may be safe for adults, but it’s not a good idea for children. Adolescents and young adults must be cautioned about excessive caffeine intake and mixing Caffeine with alcohol and other drugs. In addition, women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant and those who are breastfeeding should talk with their doctors about limiting caffeine use to less than 200 mg daily. Even among adults, heavy caffeine use can cause unpleasant side effects. And Caffeine may not be a good choice for people who are highly sensitive to its products or take certain medications.
How much is too much?
In general, it is advised that 400 milligrams of Caffeine- around four to five cups of Coffee each day can be part of a healthy diet. However, some people could be more sensitive to Caffeine’s stimulant effects. If you take certain medications, such as antidepressants and anticoagulants, you should talk to your healthcare team to learn how much Caffeine is safe. Also, pregnant people, breastfeeding or becoming pregnant, should consume no more than 200 milligrams of caffeine daily.
Be careful if you’re taking medication.
Some medications and herbal supplements may interact with Caffeine. Examples include: Mixing Caffeine with Ephedrine — used in decongestants — which might increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke or seizure. Theophylline, used to open up bronchial airways, tends to have caffeine-like effects. So taking it with Caffeine might increase the adverse effects of Caffeine, such as nausea and heart palpitations. Echinacea, sometimes used to prevent colds or other infections, may increase the concentration of Caffeine in your blood and may increase Caffeine’s unpleasant effects.
Caffeine has many effects on your body’s metabolism:
- It stimulates your central nervous system, which can make you feel more awake and boost energy.
- It is a diuretic, meaning it helps your body get rid of extra salt and water by urinating more.
- It increases the acid release in your stomach, sometimes leading to an upset stomach or heartburn.
- It may interfere with the absorption of calcium in the body.
- It increases your blood pressure.
Within one hour of eating or drinking Caffeine, it reaches its peak level in your blood. However, you may continue to feel the effects of Caffeine for four to six hours.
Symptoms of Too Much Caffeine
Consuming slightly more than 400 milligrams of Coffee increases the risk of side effects, such as:
- Nervousness
- Jitters
- Heart racing
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Not being able to fall asleep
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
Addiction
People can develop a dependence on Coffee and other Caffeinated beverages quite quickly. This is due to the chemical changes sustained consumption produces in the brain. If someone drinks Caffeine daily, they will develop a tolerance just as they would to other drugs or alcohol. After a while, the user requires more and more Caffeine to produce the same effects of alertness. Regular Caffeine drinkers become acclimated to the wake-up impact that the substance makes and gradually require higher amounts to achieve the same result. If you have been consuming Caffeine regularly and then suddenly stop, you may have caffeine withdrawal. Symptoms can include:
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Irritability
- Nausea
- Trouble concentrating
These symptoms usually go away after a couple of days.
How to Cut Back
Try to reduce caffeine consumption over days or weeks gradually. For example, if you’re drinking four cups of coffee daily, you may reduce it by one cup per week. You might substitute one cup with decaf or blend in some with each cup.
Remember to discuss any significant lifestyle or dietary changes with your healthcare provider first, as changes may affect your mood or medical conditions.
