Side Effects of Too Much Caffeine

The adenine and guanine bases of deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid (RNA) are chemically related to caffeine, a bitter, white, crystalline purine that is a methyl xanthine alkaloid. It can be found in the seeds, fruits, nuts, or leaves of a variety of plants that are native to Africa, East Asia, and South America. By preventing the germination of nearby seeds, it aids in protecting these plants from herbivores and competition while also promoting consumption by certain animals like honey bees. The coffee bean, the seed of the coffee plant, is the most popular source of it.

Sources of caffeine

More than 60 plants naturally contain the bitter chemical known as caffeine, including:

• Coffee beans
• Leaves of tea
• Kola nuts are used to flavour cola soft drinks.
• Chocolate goods are made from cacao pods.
• Synthetic (man-made) coffee is also available and is added to several medications, meals, and beverages. Synthetic caffeine is present in various painkillers, cold remedies, and over-the-counter alertness medications, for instance. Likewise, “energy-boosting” gum, snacks, and beverages.

Effects of excessive caffeine intake

Its common negative effects can include:

• Having a more awake or aware feeling
• Feeling jittery, worried, or aggravated
• Body temperature rising
• Dehydration
• Headache
• Quicken breathing
• More rapid heart rate

Caffeine overdose symptoms can include:

• Extremely rapid or erratic heartbeat
• Shakiness
• Feeling queasy or throwing up
• Confusion
• Anxiety attack

Risk factors

Coffee and alcohol combined can have several negative effects.

Although caffeine makes a person feel more awake, alcohol is a depressive and can be partially masked by it. Combining alcohol and energy drinks may increase a person’s propensity for binge drinking.

It cannot be readily broken down by a foetus or newborn. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists advises pregnant women to keep their daily caffeine intake to 200 mg or fewer, or about 1 to 2 cups of coffee.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Trusted Source claims that breastfeeding mothers shouldn’t experience any negative effects from consuming low to moderate amounts of coffee.

Depending on factors including overall health, age, weight, and height, coffee has varied effects on different people. Caffeine’s effects may be felt more strongly by someone who does not routinely drink coffee than by someone who does.

Recommendations for caffeine consumption

According to dietary recommendations provided by the US government, adults can have up to 400 mg of caffeine per day in their diets. This amount is comparable to three to five 8-ounce cups of coffee.

It’s unclear how stimulants like coffee affect kids and teenagers. This explains why the American Academy of Paediatrics recommends against caffeine consumption by children and adolescents.

Treatment

A drug’s half-life is the time it takes for half of it to depart the body. It has a 3 to 5-hour half-life. It’s possible to suffer negative side effects like restlessness or dehydration that are unpleasant but not alarming. Usually, these adverse effects disappear in 3 to 5 hours. A person can take the following actions at home in the event of minor side effects:

• Avoiding additional caffeine intake
• Hydrating oneself with water
• Walking to burn off energy and quell restlessness

Prevention

High caffeine intake regularly may result in long-term health issues, such as:

• Peptic ulcers
• Trouble sleeping
• Concern and sadness

The majority of people are unlikely to experience an overdose or long-term health issues from its use. Those who routinely ingest caffeine become tolerant to some of its adverse effects. Coffee consumption in moderation may also be healthy. Knowing how much coffee is in your food, drink, and supplements can be helpful.