Caffeine is a socially acceptable substance, yet research is conflicting about its safety and long-term impact. Before reaching any judgments about what caffeine is, let us know about it. The kick of caffeine not only energises you but also keeps sleepiness at bay. Most people use it as an energy booster to stay focus on their work. Caffeine is a stimulant primarily found in tea, coffee, and cacao plants. You get instantly more energy as it works by stimulating the brain and central nervous system. It is safe for consumption only if it is taken in a moderate amount. This substance will boost your mood, metabolism, and mental, physical performance.
As per the study 2019 of university students, people who consume caffeine nearly 173 milligrams per day were their moderate intake. And is if it is taken in average intake, it can promote a variety of health benefits like lower risks of certain cancers, brain conditions, and liver problems.
Is caffeine good?
Caffeine contains also carries several risks. Too much intake can be harmful to your health. Here we will analyse the potential health benefits and adverse effects of caffeine consumption. A natural energiser originates from over 60 various plant sources, including coffee beans, tea leaves, cacao seeds, and cola nut seeds. The intake is usually safe if taken in moderation. But if you consume it more, it can have unfavourable effects as well.
Benefits of caffeine
After consuming coffee, it reaches our stomach and is then swiftly absorbed into the bloodstream. Then it travels to the liver and is broke down into compounds that can affect the functions of various organs, primarily the brain. It blocks the effects of adenosine, which is a neurotransmitter that can make you feel tired. it also increases the neurotransmitter dopamine and norepinephrine activity, which helps you be more alert and focused. Thus it makes you feel less sleepy and more energetic. Some studies have also associated caffeine consumption with positive effects on the brain.
Furthermore, the broad majority of caffeine consumers use the item daily without possible harm. Hence it is a substance that everyone can use without worrying about suffering any negative consequences.
Causes of caffeine
In general terms, not only caffeine but also if you consume any substance in high dose or inadequate quantity, it will harm you negatively. If you consume more than 400 gm of caffeine per day can bring side effects like:
Insomnia
The most prized quality of caffeined drink is that it helps to keep you awake when you really can’t. While taking it too much, it can make it challenging to get enough restorative sleep. Studies have found out that higher caffeine intake appears to increase the time it takes to fall asleep. Significantly in elders, I might decrease the total sleeping time. You may not realise that too much caffeine interferes with your sleep if you underestimate the amount of caffeine you’re taking in.
Although coffee and tea are the most intensive roots of caffeine, it is also found in soda, cocoa, energy drinks and various types of medicines. The amount of caffeine you consume without affecting your sleep will depend on your genetics and other factors.
Research shows that while caffeine remains in your system for an average of five hours, the period ranges from one and half hours to nine hours, depending on the individual.
Anxiety
It increases our alertness by blocking the effect of adenosine, a brain chemical that makes you feel tired. While at the same time, it triggers the release of adrenaline, the fight-or-flight hormones associated with increased energy.
Caffeine-induced anxiety disorder is one of four caffeine-related syndromes listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Rapid breathing and increased stress levels are seen when it is consumed all at once. An adequate quantity of drink should not to taken in one sitting. Please take it in small doses with the required breaks. If you notice that you often feel nervous or jittery, it might be a good idea to look at your caffeine intake.
Digestive Issues
Some people find that a morning cup of coffee benefits getting their bowels flowing. Coffee’s laxative conclusion has been connected to the discharge of gastrin, a hormone in the stomach effects that speed up activity in the colon. Decaffeinated coffee has been shown to create a similar response.
Caffeine itself seems to stimulate bowel movements by increasing peristalsis – the contraction that moves food through your digestive tracks. It’s not unusual that large portions of caffeine may lead to loose stools or steady diarrhoea in some people.
Since coffee can significantly affect digestive function, you may want to cut back on the amount you drink or switch to tea if you experience any issues.
Muscle breakdown
Rhabdomyolysis is a critical condition in which broken muscle fibres enter the bloodstream, driving kidney failure and other difficulties. General causes of rhabdomyolysis involve trauma, infection, drug abuse, muscle strain, and injuries from poisonous serpents or insects.
Further, numerous reports of rhabdomyolysis related to excessive caffeine consumption, although this is comparatively unusual.
Addiction
Despite all of caffeine’s health benefits, there’s no denying that it may become habit-forming. Although caffeine triggers certain brain chemicals similar to how cocaine and amphetamines do, it does not cause classic addiction in much severe form.
High dosage can lead to psychological or physical dependency. Even though the compound does not seem to cause true addiction, if you regularly drink a lot of coffee or other caffeinated beverages, there’s a perfect chance you may become dependent on its effects.
Bottom Line
Light to moderate caffeine consumption seems to provide impressive health benefits in many people. On the other hand, the high dosage can create side effects that will interfere with your day-to-day living and cause serious health issues.
To benefit from caffeine, consume it in a moderate amount and keep track of your health like sleep, energy, and other factors and reduce the intake if it is affecting you.
My day starts with a cup of coffee and I never knew that caffeine can have adverse effects. I got to know about a few benefits of caffeine, but the downsides will overshadow the plus points.
It helds multiple health risks like:
Insomnia: disrupts the sleep cycle
Anxiety: triggers feeling unease
Poor Gut Health
Can Cause Muscle Breakdown
After reading these drawbacks, I’ll surely restrict the consumption of caffeine. Overall the article was informational. Keep Writing!