What are the Effects of Caffeine on Your Body
The majority of adults, and even teenagers, rely on a few cups of coffee to start up their day. Caffeine, for the most part, helps us “wake up” and feel more energized. This is why it has become a staple drink for most of us in our everyday lives. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that about 80% of adults consume any type of caffeine every day.
Caffeine is much more than just to keep you awake. It also affects your central nervous system because it is a stimulant that can affect your body in several ways. Take note that caffeine may affect your body in both positive and negative ways, depending on how much you consume every day.
What is Caffeine?
Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant that is present in tea, coffee, and cocoa plants. It works by activating the brain and central nervous system, which keeps you awake and prevents fatigue.
How Does It Affect Your Body?
Brain Alertness
With caffeines’ natural stimulant effect on the brain, you will become alert right away once it reaches the brain, which will also temporarily relieve fatigue and drowsiness. So, getting your morning coffee will make you awake and less tired.
Heart Palpitations and Increased Blood Pressure
Caffeine raises your blood pressure for a brief period. A surge in adrenaline or a temporary block on the hormones that naturally widen your arteries are thought to be responsible for this impact. It has a very little long-term effect on blood pressure in most individuals, but it may make your heart work harder if you have irregular heartbeats.
Caffeine overdose can result in a rapid or irregular heartbeat as well as respiratory problems. Caffeine overdose can cause death in rare circumstances due to seizures or abnormal heartbeat. This being said, make sure to ask your doctor if caffeine is safe for you if you have high blood pressure or other cardiac problems.
Stomach Problems, Diarrhea, Nausea, and Vomiting
Caffeine causes heartburn and upset stomach by increasing the quantity of acid in your stomach. The caffeine that is consumed in large amounts is not stored in the body. It’s broken down in the liver and then excreted through the urine. This is why, just after consuming it, you may notice an increase in urine.
Overdosing on caffeine may also result in nausea and vomiting. And although caffeine may be good for when you’re constipated, just make sure to take in normal amounts of it as it may cause diarrhea if you consume too much.
If you have stomach issues such as acid reflux or ulcers, consult your physician to see if it is safe for you to consume.
Headaches
Caffeine may be a good fix for when you’re feeling tired and sleepy, however, it still has some drawbacks to it such as headaches. Overdose on this chemical can cause headaches. Withdrawal is the most common cause of this. It also causes the blood vessels in your brain to become accustomed to its effects, therefore abruptly discontinuing to drink caffeine can result in a headache.
Bottomline
Caffeine, just like the majority of things is normal to have in normal amounts. However, if you begin to abuse this, your body will most definitely suffer its effects.
