Dan rushed into the room admit fear and tension and then searches frantically for his bag and textbook. His friend John noticed his countenance and asked what the problem was. " I have a test on a very bulky course and I need to read. This reading is till day break. No sleeping at all. I can't afford to take any chances". With this, he sipped a cup of coffee to prevent sleep as he reads along.
He does this for three days without having adequate rest due to busy schedules and all during the day. He broke down.
These and many other scenarios are the adverse effects of too much caffeine intake.
Caffeine is majorly found in substances and drinks which can be injested such as coffee, tea, cola and others. Who haven't had a cup of coffee or beverages related to coffee to Kickstart their day? These drinks are so widely consumed as they are used to increase mental activity, alertness and also better performance. According to a research study carried out by Mitchell, Knight, Hockenbery, Teplansky and Hartman(2014), American adults of about 85% consume about 164mg of caffeine daily. This is to tell you how on a right rate caffeine is consumed.
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and parts of the autonomic nervous system. In a day, the average adult is required to consume about 400mg of caffeine while that of children and adolescents should not be more that a 100mg. It is also advised that pregnant women should watch their intake of caffeine.
Consumption of caffeine at normal doses can help with enhancement of cognitive performance and promotes concentration and coordination. It also helps in decreasing fatigue and promoting muscular strength and other benefits. However, people have excessively consumed it that it now serve as danger to health just like Dan in the above scenario. Consuming too much of caffeine can cause several effects such as
ANXIETY
Adenosine is blocked or inhibited by the action of caffeine triggering the release of adrenaline. When caffeine is excessively taken, the above mechanism becomes more prominent leading to heightening of senses, nervousness, increased breathing, high levels of adrenaline, jittery. All these exacerbate anxious feelings.
INSOMNIA
Over consumption of caffeine can cause sleep deprivation and difficulty. Adenosine is a natural tranquilizer to allow sleep take its course. Too much caffeine intake inhibits this chemical and therefore the time one takes to sleep is increased. Lack of sleep can cause drowsiness and performance is affected.
FATIGUE
This is another effect of overconsumption of caffeine. The wearing off of caffeine in the body can have an opposite effect of fatigue occurring. In a study carried out, participants were observed to be tired the following day after increased alertness from consuming caffeinated drinks beforehand.
INCREASED HEART RATE
Increased caffeine intake causes the heart to beat faster than the normal rate. The rhythmic heartbeat of the heart can also be altered. It has been however noted that this might not occur in everyone.
INCREASED BLOOD PRESSURE
This occur as a result of over release of adrenaline as a result of effect on the nervous system. Stroke and heart attack can result from this high blood pressure in the body. This can be a temporary occurrence.
OTHER EFFECTS OF EXCESSIVE CAFFEINE INTAKE
- Over consumption can lead to addiction
- Heartburn can develop
- Prolong intake can cause muscle spasm
- Frequent passing of urine
- Dehydration
- Occurrence of headache
- Caffeine intoxication leading to coma
In conclusion, moderation is key in the consumption of caffeine in the sustenance of a healthy well-being.
Thank you for reading. Till I come your way next time.