Caffeine is known to be an energy booster that keeps people awake. However, it is a stimulant for the central nervous system that affects the body in various ways.
Caffeine Explained
Several people worldwide depend on coffee for an energy boost. In fact, caffeine is widely available, to the point that around 80% of US adults consume a form of caffeine each day.
Caffeine does not have any nutritional value or taste, so its presence may not be detected in food. Certain medications may even unknowingly contain caffeine.
Caffeine almost always triggers specific symptoms. At a minimum level, one may feel more energetic due to its intake. However, as time passes, excessive caffeine could lead to withdrawal symptoms.
The Mayo Clinic recommends sticking to a limit of 400 milligrams of caffeine daily.
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How Caffeine Affects the Body
Caffeine is a stimulant for the central nervous system. When it arrives at the brain, its most apparent effect is the state of being alert.
Studies have also revealed that individuals who regularly drink coffee have a lower risk of dementia, Alzheimer's, and even suicide. These cover individuals who drink high-octane coffee rather than decaf.
Caffeine can also boost stomach acid amount and lead to an upset stomach or heartburn. Excess caffeine also does not get stored in the body. Instead, it gets processed within the liver and leaves the body through urine. This explains why people may urinate more after drinking coffee.
The stimulant can also cause a short-term blood pressure spike. Such an effect is believed to be attributed to an adrenaline increase or temporary hormone block. Caffeine intake does not lead to chronic blood pressure effects for most individuals. However, for individuals with irregular heartbeats, caffeine could cause the heart to work harder.
A caffeine overdose could also result in breathing troubles and heartbeat irregularities. There are rare cases where a caffeine overdose could lead to death because of an irregular heartbeat or convulsion.
In large amounts, caffeine could also affect calcium metabolism and absorption. This could contribute to osteoporosis or bone thinning. Too much caffeine consumption could also lead to muscle twitching.
As for pregnancy, excess caffeine could lead to slower fetal growth and increased miscarriage risk. In most cases, minimal caffeine intake is safe when one is pregnant.
Caffeine Tolerance & Withdrawal
As one continues to consume caffeine daily, the body develops a tolerance to it. Other factors, such as body mass and age, could also affect caffeine tolerance. To decrease caffeine intake, it is recommended that consumption be reduced slowly.
It is also essential to keep in mind that there are also symptoms associated with caffeine withdrawal. Since the brain's blood vessels get used to the effects of caffeine, a headache could be triggered if one suddenly stops drinking coffee. Caffeine withdrawal symptoms may also include drowsiness, anxiety, irritability, or even tremors.
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