How Caffeine Affects Your Body
- Dietitian.Lauren Hmede
- May 7, 2019
- 3 min read
Wakes You Up
We all know that caffeine boosts energy level and makes you alert.Well this is good while you are going to your work and you need something to boost your energy level. Caffeine can affects your body up to 6 hours after swallowing as your body cannot sotres caffeine. Too much caffeine can be worse and can make you feel anxious.
Interferes With Sleep
Too much caffeine can affect the quality of sleep even in moderate amount and especially if you drink it close to bedtime. This may get worse as you age. It is better to have your cup of coffee in the early morning and avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening. Just remember that caffeine is not only in coffee or tea you can find it also hidden in chocolate, energy drinks, and other prepackaged foods and drinks.
Raises Heart Rate
Caffeine is a stimulant which cause your heart to beat little faster. For most people this is not a problem but for people who consume too much caffeine or they are sensitive this can lead to very high pulse or heart palpitations. Some people say it feels as if their ticker skips a beat.
Causes a Headache
Daily caffeine consumption lead to tolerance. Once you stop caffeine at one time or may miss your cup of coffee this lead to a rebound headache. So it is better to reduce caffeine intake rather than do it at one time.
Makes You Pee
Caffeine is a diuretic which makes you pee more. Water loss is minor and is unlikely to cause dehydration as long as you are otherwise healthy. The diuretic effect can fade if you get the same regular daily dose of caffeine because you build up tolerance.
Boosts Sports Performance
If you do "endurance" sports, like running, biking, or swimming, caffeine might help you go faster and with less muscle pain. It seems to work best in a non-liquid form, like a pill, taken about an hour before you exercise so that your body can absorb it completely. Around 200 to 400 milligrams (2 to 4 cups of coffee) should do it. More than that doesn't seem to help further.
Helps You Recover From a Workout
According to some studies caffeine could help in recovery after exercise as it helps in restoring glycogen. It is best when combined with carbohydrates source like sports gels, sports bars, and drinks.Dont overdo with caffeine as it can interferes with sleep quality.
Raises Blood Pressure
Caffeine could spike blood pressure on short term but it could do it on long term.
Caffeine block the hormone that keeps arteries wide and blood pressure down or it could cause your body to release more adrenaline the hormone responsible for high blood pressure.
Always consult with your doctor if you are suffering from high blood pressure caused by caffeine.
Protects Against Disease
Caffeine seems to help prevent gallstones and inflammation, among other medical problems. Some studies show that regular caffeine might help keep away certain neurological diseases, like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Huntington's, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy. Still more research is needed.
Affects Menopause
Caffeine can worsen the sudden body heat and sweats, known as hot flashes that often happen at this time of life. The symptoms can go on for 10 years or more. Your doctor may be able to help you with hormone therapy if they get in the way of your everyday routine.
How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?
Caffeine intake depends on your weight, diet, medications and overall health. But in general 400 mg of caffeine daily is acceptable for healthy adults. A dose greater than 600 mg daily is too much.
If you notice stomach problems, headaches, muscle twitches, or heart palpitations, it might be time to cut back. If you are pregnant ask your doctor about the safe doses.
Sources:
Comments