We all love drinking coffee, whether we're working, studying, or just relaxing. It can improve mood, metabolism, and both mental and physical performance because of one key compound-caffeine.
When ingested in low- to moderate amounts, it is safe for the majority of individuals. High quantities of caffeine, however, may have unfavorable and even harmful side effects.
Our level of tolerance to it is greatly influenced by our genes. Some people can drink a lot more coffee than others without becoming sick from it. Additionally, even after drinking what is normally thought of as a modest quantity, those who are not acclimated to caffeine may develop symptoms.
Here are some issues it could lead to:
1.) Sleeplessness
One of the most valued properties of caffeine is its capacity to keep users upright. However, excessive coffee use might make it challenging to achieve adequate restorative sleep.
According to studies, consuming more caffeine seems to lengthen the time it takes to fall asleep. Additionally, it could make people sleep less on average, especially the elderly.
In contrast, persons who are regarded as "excellent sleepers" or even those who self-report having insomnia don't appear to be much affected by low or moderate doses of coffee.
If you underestimate how much caffeine you're consuming, you might not be aware that it's keeping you up at night.
2.) Insufficient sleep
Even in the afternoon, caffeine might disrupt your sleep. Sleep deprivation of any kind can accumulate over time and affect your attentiveness and productivity during the day.
Caffeine used to cover for lack of sleep might lead to an undesirable cycle. For instance, if you have problems staying awake during the day, you could take caffeinated drinks.
However, caffeine reduces the amount of time you spend sleeping at night by preventing you from dozing off.
3.) High blood pressure
Caffeinated coffee consumption may raise blood pressure in those who already have the condition. However, it doesn't seem that those who routinely use caffeinated goods experience this.
4.) Stress
We know that caffeine makes people more attentive.
It functions by counteracting the effects of adenosine, a brain neurotransmitter that contributes to fatigue. At the same time, it causes the "fight-or-flight" hormone adrenaline, which is linked to greater energy, to be released. However, with greater dosages, these effects could be more overt, causing anxiety and jitteriness.
Most people experience uneasiness, jitteriness, and similar symptoms from extremely high daily intakes, especially at work, although caffeine-sensitive persons may have the same symptoms with even a modest dose.
Additionally, little amounts when drunk all at once, can speed up breathing and raise stress levels. This effect is enhanced if you work at a desk all day.
5.) Addiction
While coffee activates some brain chemicals comparable to cocaine, it does not lead to traditional addiction in the same way drugs do.
However, especially at high dosages, it may result in psychological or physical dependence. Additionally, it appears that caffeine use frequently affects dependence.
High-dose daily users get more headaches, exhaustion, and other withdrawal symptoms than other users.
How to stop your caffeine addiction?
Cutting back on caffeine can be difficult. Withdrawal symptoms including headaches, weariness, irritability, and trouble concentrating may occur if caffeine intake is abruptly reduced. Fortunately, these symptoms are typically not severe and go away after a few days.
Try these tips to break your caffeine habit:
- Follow up: Start monitoring the amount of caffeine you consume daily from food and beverages, including energy drinks. Examine labels thoroughly.
- Reduce consumption gradually: Have a cup of coffee or soda less frequently. Alternatively, abstain from consuming caffeinated drinks in the afternoon. This will decrease any potential withdrawal symptoms by assisting your body in adjusting to the lower caffeine levels.
- Choose decaf: Most decaffeinated beverages resemble and taste nearly identical to their caffeinated counterparts.
- Use the wholesome meal as a tool: If you have a strong urge for coffee, use one of the wholesome meal shake recipes from Supply6 like choco mocha, super cocoa, or even oreo meal. Just one or two teaspoons of coffee should be added to the shake. It reduces your coffee intake while also satisfying your appetite!
Wrapping up
In many people, a light to moderate caffeine intake appears to provide some health advantages. However, consuming too much coffee at work might cause all the issues mentioned above!
Conduct an honest evaluation of your sleep, energy levels, and other elements that may be influenced to get the advantages of caffeine without experiencing any negative effects, and limit your intake as necessary.