CAFFEINE, HOW IT AFFECTS OUR BODY: BY @kelvincole
Once again,it feels good to be back on this platform with another educative piece on CAFFEINE, and how it affects our body.
Our consumption of caffeine depends on our body weight, diet, medications as well as overall health. Why some people are not too sensitive to it, others are very much sensitive. Thus, whenever you notice stomach problems, headaches, muscle twitches or heart palpitation, it might be time to cut back. 400 Milligrams of Caffeine a day may be okay for most healthy adults, but over 600 Milligrams daily is probably too much.
HOW CAFFEINE INTAKE AFFECTS THE BODY
Interferes with Sleep: Too much consumption of caffeine can make it hard to nod off when you go to bed at night. Even moderate amounts can cause insomnia in some people, especially if they have it too close to bed time. The situation may get worse as you age. It is advisable to avoid Caffeine in the Afternoon and Evening if you notice it affects your sleep. It is also important to note that Caffeine is not just present in tea or coffee, but also in chocolate, energy drinks and some prepackaged foods and drinks.
Cause a Headache: Consuming Caffeine everyday, whether in a pill, energy bar, or cup of coffee, you build up tolerance, then without your daily dose, you might get a 'rebound' headache. Your head may feel better if you reduce the caffeine intake little at a time rather than completely and all at once which may make you get worse.
Wake you Up: Regular consumption of Caffeine boast your energy and mood as well as makes you more alert. This can sometimes be helpful,especially in the morning or when you are trying to work. In as much as our body does not store Caffeine, it can affect the individual for up to 6 hours after he swallows it. Too much can push you over the line from alert to jittery and anxious, hence its advisable not to consume too much.
Raises Heart Rate: Caffeine being a stimulant,can cause your heart to beat a little faster as it wakes you up. However, for most people, it is not a problem, but if you have too much Caffeine or you are overly sensitive, your pulse may go up too much or stay high too long. It may even feel like your heart beats in a weird rhythm(heart palpitation)
Makes you Pee: Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it can make you urinate more. About 300 Milligrams of caffeine, the amount in three cups of coffee, is enough to do it for those who are not used to it. Water loss is minor, and its unlikely to cause dehydration as long as you are healthy. The effect of the diuretic can fade if you get the same regular daily dose of caffeine because you build up tolerance.
Boast sports performance: For those who engage in endurance sports like running, biking, or swimming, Caffeine might help you go faster and with less muscle pain. It seems to work best in non-liquid form,like pill, taken about an hour before you exercise so that your body can absorb it completely.
It helps you recover from a Workout: Some studies show that Caffeine can help your body recover more quickly after hard exercise by making and restocking a stored form of fuel called glycogen and it seems to do it best if you combine it with carbohydrates, like in certain sport gels, sports bars and drinks. We just need to take care not to overdo the caffeine, which could have the opposite effect on recovery or performance if it interferes with your sleep.
Affects Menopause: Women pass through menopause around age 50, a phase that brings an end to their monthly cycle. Caffeine can worsen the sudden body heat and sweats, known as hot flashes, that often happen at this time of life and the symptoms can go on for 10 years or more.
Protect Against Disease: Caffeine seems to help prevent gallstones and inflammation, among other medical problems. Some studies show that regular caffeine might help keep away certain neurological diseases, like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's etc.
Thank you.