"The Silent Killer of Success"
Does caffeine get you through the day, or has it become a part of your daily routine? Majority of the U.S population is dependent on caffeinated beverages most commonly known as coffee, energy drinks and soda. With that being said, many of us quickly forget that caffeine is a legal common drug that is present in many of our foods and drinks. While caffeine may have some health benefits such as providing you with more energy, improve your mental functioning as far as comprehension and focus, it also has a significant amount of negative effects on your body and your brain.
Quality of sleep
Studies have shown that there is a prevalence of poor sleep quality found to be 48.1% which in turn also supports the fact that the use of Energy drinks have been associated with daytime sleepiness weekly ‘jolt & crash’ episodes. It is important to note that caffeine has a SIX hour half life which means that it takes 24 hours to get out of your system. If you are having more than one cup of coffee a day, or wake up & start your day with coffee, essentially you are not allowing caffeine to leave your body. This reduces your REM sleep (dreaming) and causes you to wake up with an emotional handicap.
High consumption
It has been advised that those who are sensitive should NOT consume 400mg a day in order to avoid symptoms such as headaches, drowsiness, anxiety and nausea.
A U.S study has found that 73% of children consume caffeine on a given day.
Energy Drinks
Energy drinks have been associated with behavioral problems and a number of serious health complications.
Behavioral problems include:
- Risk taking behaviors
- Smoking, drinking, alcohol use, use of illicit prescription drugs & marijuana.
- Sexual risk taking, fighting, seatbelt omission & taking risks on a dare.
- Violent behavior & conduct disorders.
Stress | anxiety | depression
Caffeine is known to be a coping mechanism used by college students typically to have more energy throughout the day to work, play sports and most importantly, to meet those academic deadlines. Although low doses of caffeine have been shown to REDUCE anxiety and elevate mood, mania can be induced by a high intake of caffeine. With that being said, negative effects are in relation to excessive intake.
Caffeinism: a condition where symptoms include anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, insomnia, excitement, psychomotor agitation, dysphoria, and rambling flow of thoughts & speech.
Excessive intake of caffeine may interfere with recovery patients with bipolar disorder and manic-type mood episodes.
Major depressive disorder is known to range from .4-8% in adolescents and about 30% reporting at least one current symptom of major depressive episode with caffeine consumption.
If someone drinks large amounts of coffee daily, they develop more adenosine receptors; a chemical that lets our brain know that we are tired & it’s time to sleep. Excessive amounts of caffeine can also produce baseline anxiety as well as increase the likelihood of high blood pressure and heart attacks.
WITHDRAWALS
For those who have caffeine on a consistent basis, and changes the intake amount to a lesser dosage will experience short-term caffeine withdrawal.
Coming off of caffeine reduces your cognitive performance and has a negative impact on your mood. Caffeine triggers the release of adrenaline. Adrenaline is the source of our “fight/flight” responses. In an hyper aroused state, your emotions overrun your behavior.
ALTERNATIVES
Here are some alternatives to limit the amount of caffeine intake.
Limit caffeine intake weekly.
Stick to a sleep schedule that works for you!
Try to commit to implementing foods with natural energy ingredients like fruits in vegetables.
Increase daily water intake and exercise!
All in all, we all just desire to feel better. So lets do it the healthier way ❤️
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