It’s 6:00 AM. Your alarm went off for the first time only to be followed by two more “BEEP, BEEP, BEEP” at five minute intervals. You pick your sleepy head off your warm, inviting pillow and sit up straight only to look in the mirror and see the bees nest that is supposed to be your “hair”... You throw on your cleanest pair of black leggings and the hoodie you’ve been wearing since Monday and you make your way downstairs to the kitchen. The first smile of today cracks across your face as you stare at your lovely, polished Keurig and the Christmas blend K-Cups your mom express shipped to the house. Today is looking a bit brighter than you anticipated.
As much as we may enjoy medium roast, breakfast blend aromas and the warmth of a hot beverage, coffee merely serves as a caffeine delivery system for a sleepy brain. According to NPR, approximately 80 percent of caffeine is consumed in the form of coffee. The other 20 percent is made up of tea, soda and other beverages, (and even chocolate)! Although some times it seems we’d rather hook up a straight intravenous drip of your favorite Starbucks blend, caffeine has the potential to affect a persons overall health when not consumed in moderation.
This blog is going to examine the effects of caffeine among the various forms it can enter your body! The fact is, caffeine is a drug. Addiction to caffeine is more common than people think. If this sounds outrageous to you, try to stop drinking your morning coffee for one week. Because, that is all it takes. In order to fight caffeine addiction and rid your body of the drug, you must exercise caffeine prohibition for exactly one week.
For now, let's check out more information on what caffeine is, where it's found and what it can do to you (both good and bad).
FOOD SOURCES WHERE CAFFEINE IS FOUND...
- Coffee - 100 mg per cup
- Tea - 14 mg to 60 mg per cup
- Chocolate - 45 mg in 1.5 oz. bar
- Most colas (unless they are labeled "caffeine-free") - 45 mg in 12 oz. drink
- Candies, energy drinks, snacks, gum - 40 to 100 mg per serving
HOW CAFFEINE WORKS...
According to Stephen Braum, medical writer who has conducted extensive research on caffeine, the drug works by blocking receptors for adenosine, a compound in the brain that allows people to feel tired. Braum writes that consuming caffeine is like "putting a block of wood under one of the brain's primary brake pedals."
However, there are several factors to take into consideration when examining how caffeine affects the body.. These range from:
- Genetics
- Tolerance
- Metabolism
According to Medline Plus,
- “Caffeine is absorbed and passes quickly into the brain. It does not collect in the bloodstream or get stored in the body. It leaves the body in the urine many hours after it has been consumed.
- Caffeine stimulates, or excites, the brain and nervous system. It will not reduce the effects of alcohol, although many people still believe a cup of coffee will help a person ‘sober-up.’
- Caffeine may be used for the short-term relief of fatigue or drowsiness.”
Hear that, college kids. Coffee does not physiologically, “sober” you up. Sleep and hydration sober you up, no other way around it!
MORE THAN 500 TO 600 MG OF CAFFEINE A DAY CAN CAUSE:
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Stomach upset
- Fast heartbeat
- Muscle tremors.
DON’T WORRY.... THERE IS A SOLUTION...
Moderation. Caffeine has potential health affects as well when consumed in appropriate quantities! It is recommended that a person drink no more than 400 mg a day.
According to MayoClinic...
Parkinson's disease: A number of studies have shown that coffee drinkers benefit from a protective effect against Parkinson's disease.
Asthma: Coffee may reduce asthma symptoms.
Gallstones: Coffee may reduce gallstone formation.
Cognition: Coffee increases alertness. That's why it's the morning wake-up call for many people. Studies also have shown that coffee can improve cognitive performance. Results from at least four studies suggest that coffee drinkers have a decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Mental health: Three studies have shown a decreased risk of suicide with moderate coffee consumption. The reason for this isn't clear.
Liver disease: Coffee seems to offer a protective effect against liver disease including cancer, especially among those who drink alcohol.
Ultimately, the message here is: MODERATION. You’re body will take care of you, if you take care of it.
I can relate to this blog in so many ways because I used to be an avid coffee drinker. But after reading the health risks with caffeine I decided to lay down the coffee beans. Great informative blog about caffeine.
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