Caffeine is a drug that is found in many different substances, including some soft drinks and coffee. The caffeine content varies in soft drinks; some drinks have little or no caffeine, whereas others contain high quantities of this chemical. Caffeine is safe in small quantities, but consuming a high number of caffeinated beverages may lead to negative effects on your body.
Nerve Stimulation
Caffeine stimulates your nervous system. This stimulation causes the nerve signals to be transmitted more quickly and efficiently throughout your body. In small doses, this may help improve your energy, focus and concentration. However, larger doses of caffeine may cause nerve signals to become unusually strong, which may result in different side effects. If you consume more than 500 to 600 mg of caffeine per day, you may develop muscle tremors due to over-stimulation of motor nerves, MayoClinic.com notes. Too much caffeine may also over-stimulate parts of your brain that involve emotions and mood, resulting in anxiety, irritability and restlessness. The stimulation of your nervous system may also make it difficult for you to sleep, resulting in insomnia.
Increased Blood Pressure
Caffeinated drinks affect the blood vessels, causing an increase in blood pressure. It also causes the heart to pump more quickly and with more force, which further raises blood pressure, MyCaffeineAddiction states. High blood pressure puts extra strain on your heart and may lead to heart failure. Chronically elevated blood pressure is also linked with increased development of atherosclerosis.
Increased Gastric Acid Production
The amount of acid produced by your stomach is increased by drinking caffeinated beverages. This may cause stomach irritation, nausea or pain. Increased amounts of stomach acid may also trigger gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, resulting in heartburn and damage to the esophagus.
Pancreatic Stress
Your body is prompted to release some of its stored glucose and lipids into your blood after you consume caffeine. Although this can provide a temporary boost in energy, due to the fact that more sugar and lipids are available for your body to use as fuel, it also stresses the pancreas. The pancreas is responsible for making the hormone insulin, which helps prevent blood glucose levels from getting too high. The caffeine-induced increase in blood glucose forces the pancreas to make more insulin, which may result in an increased risk of pancreatic disease.
Member Comments