How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?

July 20, 2010

The most difficult challenge when determining when you need to curb your coffee drinking habit is actually determining how much caffeine is too much. There are positive effects that caffeine has on the body, but when the amount of caffeine present in your body is beyond its normal dose, then you could be at risk too. You will learn some tips below.

When Must You Cut Back On Coffee?

Several people drink coffee due to the stimulating effects that keep one mentally and physically alert. On average, an individual consumes moderate doses of caffeine, such as 200-300 milligrams of caffeine each day or equal to 2-4 cups each day. However, there are some who exceed this amount such that it could lead to serious health risks.

You can learn more about when you need to re-evaluate your caffeine intake and what you can do about it.

Health Risks of Too Much Caffeine

Simply put, caffeine is not bad for you. But when you consume too much caffeine that is when it begins to affect your health. Those who drink 4 to 7 cups of coffee or 500-600 milligrams daily are at most risk. There are several effects that could be experienced by those with excess caffeine in their body:

* nervousness
* irritability
* irregular heartbeat
* headaches
* insomnia
* restlessness
* nausea
* gastrointestinal conditions
* muscle tremors
* anxiety

Lack of Sleep

Adults need up to 8 hours of sleep each night to stay healthy and to functional optimally. But when you are chronically losing sleep, it begins to affect your performance and overall health. Too much caffeine intake can lead to sleep deprivation due to its stimulating effects that keep you mentally and physically alert.

As a result of excessive caffeine intake, you shorten the amount of sleeping hours each night. Due to lack of quality sleep, you feel tired as you wake up next day and this could produce long term side effects to your health.

Jittery Feeling

Not all people are sensitive to caffeine. If you are, even the smallest amounts of caffeine can result to unwanted effects like irritability, anxiety, restlessness, and lack of sleep. The extent of your bodyís reaction to caffeine is dependent on the amount of caffeine you regularly consume. So, if you are noticing any of the above noted side effects, make sure to take immediate actions before it could develop into more serious complications in the long run.

Reactions to Medications and Supplements

One of the reasons why individuals are recommended to monitor their caffeine intake is due to the its possibility to cause a negative reaction with some medications or supplements that you are taking.

The most common type of medication that could negatively react with caffeine are antibiotics, notably Noroxin and Cipro. These antibacterial medications interfere in the process of breaking down antibiotics inside your body, which is further worsen with the buildup of caffeine in your body. Meanwhile, Theophylline is a type of medication intended to open up your bronchial airways but create caffeine-like effects. It is therefore advised against intake alongside caffeine intake due to the risk of developing the following side effects: heart palpitations, nausea, and vomiting.

Curbing Your Caffeine Habit

Reducing your coffee habit can both be good for your health and practical on the budget, especially knowing the current prices for coffee. However, those who are regular coffee drinkers can find quitting or curbing this habit a challenging one. Try to adapt the following tips to gradually eliminate caffeine off your diet:

1. Learn how to read labels to monitor the amount of caffeine you consume each day, noting not just coffee but also other sources of caffeine.
2. Do not shock your system by completely taking out caffeine from your diet. Instead, do it gradually starting by reducing the amount of coffee you drink per day, until your body is accustomed to it.
3. Look for natural or healthier alternatives such that you can get the same taste and stimulating effects that coffee has, without the risks to your health.

Your ability to pay attention to your body and willingness to assess just how much caffeine is too much for your body can take could save your health from its disastrous and fatal consequences.

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