Health Awareness: Excessive consumption of bitter kola (part 2)
Cola nut has health benefits for most people when consumed in appropriate amounts.
As its seen in the previous post (part 1), that when an appropiate amount of bitter kola is consumed, it can cure diseases in the lungs, increase sexual performance etc (see part 1 for details).
As we all know that too much of everything is dangerous. Likewise here, When cola nut is used medicinally in larger amounts or for a long period of time, it is possibly unsafe for our health due to its caffeine content. Excessive consumption of bitter cola can lead to series of problems.
The caffeine in cola nut can cause insomnia, nervousness and restlessness, stomach irritation, nausea and vomiting, increased heart rate and respiration, and other side effects.
Chewing cola nut is associated with an increased risk of mouth cancer and gastrointestinal cancer. Also, due to its caffeine content, large amounts of cola nut might cause headache, anxiety, agitation, ringing in the ears, and irregular heartbeats. Stopping the use of caffeine suddenly can sometimes result in headaches, irritation, nervousness, anxiety, and dizziness.
Taking cola nut by mouth in very large doses is LIKELY UNSAFE due to its caffeine content. Very high doses of caffeine can cause death. The fatal dose is estimated to be about 10-14 grams; that’s 150-200 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight.
NOTE:
○ Children: Cola nut is LIKELY SAFE for children when taken by mouth in amounts found in foods.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Cola nut is POSSIBLY SAFE when consumed during pregnancy and breast-feeding in food amounts. But larger amounts are POSSIBLY UNSAFE, as larger doses might provide too much caffeine for both pregnant and breast-feeding women. Mothers should keep caffeine consumption below 200 mg per day. This is similar to the amount of caffeine found in about 2 cups of coffee. Consuming larger amounts during pregnancy might increase the chance of miscarriage, early delivery, and low birth weight. Caffeine passes into breast milk, so nursing mothers should closely monitor cola nut intake to make sure it is on the low side. Caffeine from cola nut can cause sleep disturbances, irritability, and increased bowel activity in breast-fed infants.
○ Anxiety disorders: The caffeine in cola nut might make anxiety disorders worse.
○ Bleeding disorders: Cola nut contains caffeine, which might slow blood clotting. This makes some experts worry that cola nut might make bleeding disorders worse.
○ Heart conditions: Caffeine in cola nut might cause irregular heartbeat in certain people. Use cola nut with care if you have a heart condition.
○ Diabetes: Cola nut contains caffeine. Some research suggests that caffeine may affect the way the body uses sugar and might worsen diabetes. But the effect of caffeinated beverages and herbs has not been studied. Use cola nut with caution if you have diabetes.
○ Diarrhea: Cola nut contains caffeine. Caffeine, especially when taken in large amounts, can worsen diarrhea.
○ Glaucoma: The caffeine in cola nut might increase pressure inside the eye. The increase might occur within 30 minutes and persist for at least 90 minutes.
○ High blood pressure: The caffeine in cola nut might increase blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. However, this doesn't seem to occur in people who regularly consume cola nut or other products that contain caffeine.
○ Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Cola nut contains caffeine. Caffeine, especially when taken in large amounts, can worsen diarrhea and might worsen symptoms of IBS.
○ Weak bones (osteoporosis): The caffeine in cola nut might increase the amount of calcium that is flushed out in the urine. If you have osteoporosis or low bone density, caffeine should be limited to less than 300 mg per day (approximately 2-3 cups of coffee). It’s also a good idea to get extra calcium to make up for the amount that may be lost in the urine. Older women with an inherited disorder that affects the way vitamin D is used should use caffeine with caution. Vitamin D works with calcium to build bones.
○ Surgery: Cola nut might affect blood sugar levels. There is a concern that it could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using cola nut at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
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