So many people are drinking excessive amounts of caffeine without realising what it does to the body. Its not just found in coffee but also in tea, all types of chocolate, colas and even in some painkillers.
Benefits:
It stimulates the heart and central nervous system and can help to enhance mental performance. It also aids digestion and dilates the airways to the lungs.
Drawback:
- It is a diuretic and increases the rate of excretion of calcium.
- It has been associated with a increased risk of osteoporosis (brittle bone disease).
- Potentially habit forming. As little as one cup of coffee can cause an addiction.
- Thought to cause stunted growth in children. Keep it for special ocasions.
- High amounts in pregnant women can cause miscarriage.
- Restlessness, anxiousness, depression and irritability.
- It may also keep you from sleeping well and cause headaches, abnormal heart rhythms.
You could get withdrawal symptoms. They can begin 12 hours after your last intake and be at its worst after 24 hours and even last for up to a week. These symptoms include muscle stiffness, restlessness, irritability, headaches, chills and concentration problems.
Excessive caffeine intake can cause anxiety, headaches, insomnia, nausea, sweating, tremors and paplitations.
A safe amount of caffeine to drink is none. Why not switch to decaffeinated drinks or herbal teas? If you do want to cut down on your caffeine intake and avoid the associated symptoms try and cut back by half a cup per day.
The list of drawbacks does seem to out way the benefits. If your reason for drinking caffeine is for a stimulant effect to keep you awake in work, there are alternatives. Take regular breaks if you feel tired and get up and walk around the office. Open the window and get some fresh air. On your lunch break go out for a walk. Don't have the heating up too high or your just going to feel sleepy.
About Christina:
I am a freelance mobile holistic therapist serving the Greater Dublin area of Ireland. For more information on my qualifications and services please see my main website.
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