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For most of us, mornings just wouldn't be the same without a hot cup of coffee. However, it is possible to get too much of a good thing. Too much caffeine can result in a number of unpleasant short and long-term side effects. Worried that you might be overdoing it? Here are some common signs of excessive coffee consumption.
One of the most well-known, and often most desirable coffee side effects is increased alertness. However, being too alert can sometimes turn into anxiety. If you are finding that you have panic attacks or that you are spending a lot of time in an anxious mental state, your coffee habit could be to blame. Caffeine-induced anxiety disorder is one of four caffeine-related syndromes listed in the DSM, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Experts say that consuming more than 1,000 milligrams of caffeine a day can cause nervousness and jitters. In people who are sensitive to caffeine, anxiety is common even at lower levels.
Coffee is acidic, which can worsen issues like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Choosing lower acid varieties or drinking less may help with discomfort. You can also seek alternatives like caffeine-free herbal teas. Coffee's laxative effect is also well known. The effect comes from the release of a hormone called gastrin, which speeds up the pace at which your bowels work. While this is a caffeine side effect that many people seek out, too much can lead to intestinal discomfort or diarrhea.
Many people rely on coffee for alertness in the morning, particularly after nights where they haven't gotten enough sleep. Drinking coffee too late in the day or drinking too much of it can keep you from falling asleep at night. Caffeine suppresses the effects of a chemical in your brain called adenosine, which makes you feel sleepy at the end of the day. Curtailing your use in the afternoons can help you avoid this caffeine side effect.
Do you experience headaches, grogginess and bad moods if you do not have your morning cup of coffee? One of the health risks of too much caffeine is developing caffeine dependence. People who drink it daily often become physically addicted.
It may seem counterintuitive, but, too much coffee can actually lead you to feel fatigued instead of energized. This is because people who consume large amounts of caffeine experience a rebound effect when it leaves their system. Studies have shown, when people consume caffeine, they feel energized for several hours afterward. However, when the caffeine side effects ware off, they end up feeling more fatigued than people in a control group who had not consumed caffeine.
As with most things, moderation is key. A cup of coffee in the morning can be a pleasurable ritual that adds a bit of energy to your morning. By avoiding overconsumption, you can enjoy coffee without the health risks of excessive caffeine. For those looking to cut down on coffee consumption, there are plenty of healthy coffee alternatives including teas and lemon water. For information on healthy morning habits, visit CareSpot Urgent Care online today.