How Caffeine Can Affect You
Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed stimulants in the world. A stimulant is a drug that speeds up the processes of the brain, resulting in alertness and increased overall body activity.
Found in foods, beverages, and even used in medicines and dietary supplements, caffeine can be found virtually anywhere. Studies have shown that nearly 85% of the U.S. population consumes caffeine beverages at least once per day.
Is Caffeine Good For You?
Before people began seeking out caffeine for its energizing effects, it was initially used for health benefits. When used appropriately, without exceeding recommended amounts, caffeine has the ability to:
Improve Mood: Through its energy-raising effects, caffeine improves alertness, reaction time, and has been shown to lower the risk of depression and suicide.
Improve Brain Health: Studies have reported that sufficient caffeine intake may reduce the risk of brain diseases like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's up to 60%.
Promote Weight Loss: As it stimulates the central nervous system, caffeine has the ability to increase an individual's metabolism by up to 11% and the ability to burn fat by up to 13%.
Protect Against Various Diseases: Caffeine consumption has been linked to a decrease in the risk of heart disease, liver cirrhosis, liver and colorectal cancer, multiple sclerosis, and other internal disorders.
Can You Have Too Much Caffeine?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that 400 milligrams of caffeine is an appropriate amount to consume daily with no reported adverse effects. For all the health benefits that caffeine has to offer, there are downsides if consumed in excess. Side-effects of too much caffeine include:
Irregular Heartbeat: Caffeine blocks the chemical compound adenosine, which is produced by the body and helps deter signals in the heart that would cause irregular rhythms.
Insomnia: People often use caffeine for its ability to keep them awake. It would make sense, then, that too much caffeine can result in staying awake for more extended periods of time.
Digestive Problems: Caffeine increases peristalsis, the movements of your intestines that push food through the digestive system. This could lead to loose bowel movements or diarrhea.
Stay Alert with Full Spectrum Emergency Room and Urgent Care
Caffeine can be safe and beneficial to your health if consumed appropriately. While there can be adverse effects, it is usually due to over-consumption. If you are experiencing worrying side-effects from caffeine intake like irregular heartbeats or difficulty breathing, come see the team at } today. With years of combined experience, we will take on almost any emergency condition and get you back to feeling healthy!
To learn more about the services we offer, call us today at (210) 429-8313 or visit us online.