Are you one of those who can hardly make it through a day without at least a couple cups of coffee? If yes, then, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), you’re a part of the 80 percent of adults in the United States who consume caffeine on a daily basis. Sure, caffeine is delicious, but it is one psychoactive substance whose excessive consumption can be unhealthy.
Have you heard about methylxanthines and what they do? No? They act as adenosine as inhibitors in the central nervous system. And caffeine is a methylxanthine!
Generally, caffeine is found in coffee and tea-based beverages, chocolate-based beverages, carbonated drinks, energy drinks, pain relievers, and workout supplements.
Now, let’s talk about what caffeine can do for you. Avid coffee drinkers, read up!
Positive effects of caffeine consumption
When taken in small quantities, caffeine can have therapeutic impact on memory and can protect against Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline. However, remember that quality sleep is essential for Alzheimer’s prevention too, especially if you’re caffeine-sensitive.
Caffeine also enhances productivity and decreases your perception of effort. In other words, you can achieve so much for what seems like the same amount of input and for longer.
It also helps to reduce swelling, block the perception of pain in the brain and treat some types of hyperactivity disorders.
Negative effects of caffeine consumption
Okay, write this down: Too much caffeine can cause anxiety, irritability, jitters, and insomnia, wreak havoc on a sensitive stomach, induce painful headaches and ultimately really dehydrate you. Plus, cultivating a latte-a-day caffeine habit can be rather expensive, too!
Also, in a study by Medical News Today, findings indicate that consuming 300 mg of caffeine a day during pregnancy may increase the risk of low birth weight babies.
Other researches have also suggested that drinking four cups of coffee daily may increase the risk of early death.
Other claims against caffeine
The negative health effects from caffeine consumption may also include:
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat
- Hallucinations
- bone loss
Tips for kicking your caffeine addiction
There are myriad reasons why kicking caffeine might be a good move. We understand how hard that can be, but we found you some easy tips.
Drink lots of water
For a caffeine addict, this might be initially difficult, but if you can force yourself to drink a glass or two when you wake up, you’ll notice an instant boost of energy. It’ll also help replace some of the water you naturally lose from consuming caffeine.
Go for green tea
We know you’re going to say green tea contains a trace of caffeine. True, but of course, it isn’t caffeine! Plus, drinking a cup of green tea in the morning can actually mimic the ritual of drinking a cup of coffee.
Exercise
As you kick caffeine addiction to the curb, you’re going to need replace it with jolts of energy. The best way to do this is to engage in exercises! The trick is to make gradual efforts—and you’ll find yourself feeling mentally energized after every routine.
Get some help
Make this easy by doing it with someone else who understands your struggle and share in the experience. Find a friend, relative or loved one who’s also willing to give up caffeine and go in on it together.
Caffeine withdrawal symptoms
Deciding to quit taking caffeine may come with some withdrawal symptoms. The most common symptom of caffeine withdrawal is a chronic headache. These headaches can be so intense that they feel similar to a migraine, lasting up to 2 days. Other withdrawal symptoms include fatigue, malaise, lethargy, irritability, anxiety, and nervousness.
Bottom line
Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it should be consumed within daily safe limits. The standard amount of caffeine to consume varies depending on factors like on sensitivity, weight, age and health history.
Several researches may have suggested that caffeine consumption is safe, but there are a handful of research studies that reveal the potentially harmful effects of caffeine. And so, it’s best to know about the amount of caffeine to consume as well as the dangers associated with consuming too much. This will then help consumers make informed and responsible decisions regarding intake.
It is also vital to know of any pre-existing health condition that may worsen due to caffeine’s negative effects.
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