It may not seem as if there are drawbacks to the consumption of caffeine. Especially in the morning, when you’re tired and that cup of coffee, shot of espresso, etc., tastes incredible, warm and comforting.
And for those among us who consume caffeine in a reasonable amount (400 mg/day), there shouldn’t be any health drawbacks, although how caffeine affects the body will vary from person to person.
But there are drawbacks to caffeine use over 400 mg/day, and there are drawbacks when children consume caffeine. Children should never, ever be encouraged to drink highly caffeinated beverages (unfortunately, most highly caffeinated beverages are packaged and advertised to youth), because children are much more susceptible to the adverse effects of caffeine.
Luckily, however, reasonable levels of caffeine are well below the threshold of the morning coffee. 8 oz. of coffee should contain between 100 and 165 mg of caffeine, depending. So, you don’t have to deprive yourself.
The amount of caffeine in tea varies widely, although teas and other drinks, cold-brewed coffee and tea-infused energy drinks, will have considerably more caffeine, and the amounts within the can/bottle should be listed.
The side effects of caffeine, especially when consumed at levels above 400 mg. vary, although the most common are headache or migraine, insomnia, indigestion (GERD), tremors, and fluttering heartbeat.
These symptoms will usually lessen in time. But if you experience the symptoms of caffeine every day, then it may be best to consume less, or, if you choose to quit caffeine, you should quit it gradually.
Yes, you can quit caffeine totally, “cold turkey”, but there are other side effects, temporary but often uncomfortable, that can accompany “cold turkey”.
The lesson is that it’s important to know and understand your body. And if you plan to make certain lifestyle changes, and you need or want the assistance of a medical professional, then contact Central Wellness today.
