Caffeine is a stimulant drug found in many popular beverages, such as coffee and energy drinks. It is also an ingredient in some pills marketed to promote alertness or weight loss. Caffeine physiologically effects the body in a manner similar to other stimulant drugs such as amphetamines and can have dramatic effects on various body systems.
Cardiovascular System
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant drug, according to the University of Michigan. As such, caffeine strongly affects cardiovascular system. Caffeine increases heart rate rapidly after consumption, and can also increase blood pressure as well as blood flow to the skin. This often results in feeling "wired," and flushing of the body or face. Additionally, caffeine can increase blood sugar levels.
Diuretic Effects
Another primary physiological effect of caffeine has to do with the stimulant drug's diuretic properties. As a diuretic, caffeine can stimulate the production of urine, resulting in the need to use the restroom more frequently. This particular effect of caffeine on the body is responsible for the drug's popularity as an ingredient in over-the-counter weight loss drugs; increased urination encourages a drop in water weight, but can also lead to an increased risk of dehydration.
Muscles and Motor Activity
The National Center for Biotechnological Information reports that caffeine relaxes the body's smooth muscle tissue while stimulating the activity of cardiac muscle, including the heart. Numerous nutritional supplements containing caffeine are marketed to enhance athletic performance, since caffeine's effect on the body's muscle can provide a temporary "boost" during exercise or sports. The inclusion of caffeine in such supplements is often concealed in proprietary formulas containing green tea, yerba mate or kola nut extract, all substances that contain significant amounts of caffeine. Caffeine also affects the body's motor activity and can produce a period of improved body coordination, according to Carnegie Mellon University.
Physiological Side Effects
While caffeine brings about stimulant effects in the body that can be used for an overall physical boost, the drug also produces a host of less productive, and often unpleasant, physiological side effects. Side effects of caffeine on the body include hand tremors, headaches, restlessness or feeling "jittery," and unwanted high blood pressure. Also, caffeine is an addictive drug, states Carnegie Mellon, and abrupt cessation of caffeine use leads to enhanced side effect symptoms such as strong headaches and an overall feeling of sluggishness, or the inability to "get going" without the stimulant drug.
Member Comments