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Effects of Caffeine
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Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant and the most widely used psychoactive substance in the world today. Caffeine can be found in coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate, and is often an ingredient in many over-the-counter medications. The effects of caffeine on the body and the mind are powerful, causing caffeine to be both physically and psychologically addicting.
The effect of caffeine varies from person to person, and is influenced by several factors including weight, age, smoking habits, pregnancy, and general health. A single cup of coffee contains enough caffeine to boost the metabolism, increase blood pressure and heart rate, and raise the level of hormones secreted by the adrenal glands.
Experts agree that a moderate amount of caffeine (about 300 mg or 3 cups of coffee per day) is not harmful for most people. Some individuals are extremely sensitive to the effects of caffeine,
however, and will develop symptoms of overdose after only one cup of coffee. A few common symptoms of caffeine overdose include nervousness, nausea, sweating, anxiety, poor concentration, changes in heart rate, and insomnia.
Tolerance to caffeine develops quickly, which results in the need for higher levels of the stimulant to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, irritability, and depression generally occur as soon as 6-18 hours after last consumption. Fortunately, the physical symptoms caused by caffeine withdrawal generally subside in a week or less.
It takes only a few minutes following caffeine consumption to produce a stimulant effect on all the tissues and organs in the body. Various organs react differently to the effects of caffeine, with the brain, heart, stomach, skeletal muscles, and kidneys being the most stimulated.
The brain is the first organ in the body to be reached by caffeine. Small amounts of caffeine stimulate brain cells and help to reduce fatigue and drowsiness. Reactions are speeded up and
concentration is improved. Too much caffeine can result in symptoms of overstimulation, including insomnia, anxiety, irritability, and restlessness.
The cardiovascular system is also stimulated by caffeine. The heart beats more quickly and with more force, causing an increase in blood pressure for a short period of time. Overstimulation of the heart muscle can result in palpitations. Doctors may advise patients with heart conditions to avoid caffeine completely.
The stomach releases increased levels of acid in response to caffeine. Small amounts of caffeine may help to aid digestion by increasing stomach acid, but too much can lead to abdominal pain,
nausea, and possibly ulcers.
The effect of caffeine on the kidneys causes an increase in urine output due to its action as a diuretic. Caffeine also prevents the kidneys from reabsorbing adequate amounts of calcium, which can cause a reduction in bone density and result in conditions such as osteoporosis later in life.
To reduce the negative effects of caffeine on the body, consumption should be limited to 300 mg or less each day. To avoid experiencing withdrawal symptoms, the amount of caffeine should be reduced gradually over several days or weeks. Adding extra calcium and water to the diet is beneficial in limiting the damage to bones caused by high levels of caffeine.
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