People swear by caffeine for its ability to put a pep in your step. It’s true that your daily cup of coffee, soda, or tea can boost energy and alertness, but while caffeine may seem like your lifeline on early mornings and afternoon slumps, there are some definite downsides. Before you get into a full-blown caffeine addiction, read the cons below.
CAFFEINE CONS
• It can make you jittery and shaky. This is because caffeine is a stimulant that causes your body to release adrenaline, triggering the “fight or flight” response.
• It can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
• It can cause headaches. While caffeine can often reduce the effects of migraines, consuming too much, or cutting back too abruptly, can cause headaches.
• It can cause dizziness. Along with increased mental alertness, drinking too much caffeine can cause you to become dizzy and even anxious.
• It can cause heart palpitations – the sensation that your heart is pounding or racing.
• It can cause dehydration. Because caffeine is a mild diuretic, it can make you urinate more often.
*Did you know: Caffeine is defined as a drug because it stimulates the central nervous system, causing increased alertness, temporary energy, and a mood boost.
In addition to these negative effects, consuming too much caffeine can have a snowball effect – over time, it can make you dependent so that you need to drink even more caffeine to keep from getting withdrawal symptoms.
But there is good news – you don’t have to give up caffeine altogether! According to the National Institutes of Health, the amount of caffeine in two to four cups of coffee a day is not harmful to most people. Some people are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than others, so make sure you determine what amount is healthy for you.
