The caffeine It is a psychoactive substance with a bitter taste that acts as a stimulant of the central nervous system, so when consumed in excess, it can bring with it a series of harmful consequences for the body. Furthermore, it is the primary component of coffeeconsidered one of the three most marketed drinks in the world.
According to Federal Drug Administration (FDA)the US agency responsible for food and drug regulation, up to 400 mg of caffeine are supposedly tolerated by the body no problem. Therefore, it is considered excess caffeine from 400 mg of caffeine, which exceeds four cups of coffee a day. These numbers may vary depending on the individual’s metabolism.
Some side effects of drinking too much coffee, according to the North American agency, are the stimulating effect of caffeine that promotes nervousness and anxiety. “In very high doses, this effect of coffee can be harmful, seriously increasing the feeling of stress. In addition, it can alter the heart rhythm to such an extent that tremors and tachycardia may appear,” said a study by the University of Cambridge.
Another of the best-known effects of caffeine is Sleep disturbance. This is related to the previous effect, since being nervous and restless is what causes the desire to sleep to disappear and makes it more difficult to fall asleep. Additionally, when people consume caffeine regularly, they become tolerant to it and need a higher dose to produce the same effects.
On the other hand, coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages are known to increase energy levels. But, if taken in excess, it can cause a rebound effect after the body absorbs this substance and leads to a feeling of fatigue. This review of 41 studies conducted in Los Angeles showed that caffeinated energy drinks increased alertness for several hours, but the participants were more tired than normal the next day.
The laxative effect can be diarrhea, abdominal pain and even conditions such as colon irritation. According to specialists, due to its laxative nature, caffeine also contributes to an increase in the amount of acids in the stomach, causing gastric reflux.
Finally, caffeine does not increase the risk of heart disease or stroke in most people, but it has been shown in several studies to can increase blood pressure due to its stimulating effect on the nervous system. High blood pressure can damage your arteries over time and increase your risk of heart damage.