Caffeinated beverages are among the most widely consumed beverages in the world. Yet, too much caffeine can lead to negative effects on your health. Also, the addictive nature of caffeine makes quitting difficult, because the withdrawal process may lead to unpleasant symptoms. At the same time, continual consumption may lead to adrenal imbalances in your body.
Adrenal Fatigue
Caffeine stimulates your adrenal glands, which trigger the release of glycogen by your liver to temporarily raise blood sugar levels. Glycogen is an emergency supply of sugar released to help prevent insulin shock, or low blood sugar levels. As a result of this sugar release, you may feel shaky, weak, sweaty and have a rapid heartbeat. The continual stimulation of your adrenal glands by regular caffeine consumption may place your body in a stressful fight-or-flight state that, if experienced too often, may cause the adrenals to become fatigued. The symptoms of adrenal fatigue include feeling worn out even after a sufficient amount of sleep, depression and weight gain.
Dependence Anxiety
Dependence on caffeine occurs since caffeine addiction is difficult to break, even when you are faced with negative outcomes after consumption. Caffeine addiction may lead to similar outcomes as those with other mood disorders, such as anxiety. Anxiety may occur as a result of wanting to quit but failing to do so, according to an article published in January 2009 in "Drug and Alcohol Dependence."
Withdrawal
When caffeine consumption is immediately ceased, this may cause increased blood flow in your brain, which may lead to headaches. A study published in July 2009 in "Psychopharmacology" found that caffeine cessation led to withdrawal symptoms in study participants. Specifically, the people in the study reported feelings such as tiredness, fatigue and sluggishness. They were less likely to report feelings described as energetic, friendly and vigorous.
References
- "Psychopharmacology"; Caffeine withdrawal, Acute Effects, Tolerance, and Absence of Net Beneficial Effects of Chronic Administration: Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity, Quantitative EEG and Subjective Effects; Stacey C. Sigmon, PhD, et al.; July 2009
- "Drug and Alcohol Dependence"; Caffeinated Energy Drinks -- A Growing Problem; Chad J. Reissig, et al.; Jan. 1, 2009
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