Caffeine is a substance that is found in plants, but can also be manufactured and added to food and beverages. It acts as a central nervous system stimulant and a diuretic--meaning it helps to eliminate fluid from the body. Caffeine provides a temporary energy burst that can last up to six hours, which is favored by teenagers.
Possible Dehydration
Because caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it helps to eliminate fluids from the body, it is best for teens to avoid drinking caffeine during workouts and hot days to avoid potential dehydration. Although the website Kids Health reports there is no conclusive research to prove dehydration results from caffeine use, it is sensible to restrict caffeine use in higher risk situations.
Bone Density
Caffeine may be responsible for leeching calcium from the body, leading to potential osteoporosis over time. Teens may also be choosing to drink a caffeinated beverage over milk, which further increases the potential calcium deficit.
Loss of Sleep
The National Sleep Foundation reports teens need an average of 9.25 hours of sleep a night. Caffeine, with its stimulant properties can cause difficulties getting to sleep and staying asleep for some teens. The Mayo Clinic website reports that sleep loss is cumulative, and using caffeine to counteract a loss of sleep by artificially boosting energy has a rebound effect of not allowing the body to slow down, rest and sleep when it's time, increasing the amount of lost sleep and the need for more caffeine. Try eliminating caffeine intake overall or limiting and restricting caffeine use in the afternoon to help eliminate sleeping difficulties due to caffeine use.
Unwanted Side Effects
Caffeine is known to produce anxiety, headaches, insomnia, restlessness, irritability and irregular or fast heart beat in some people. It can also make existing heart problems worse and interact with certain medications being taken. Teenagers are busy growing, learning and going through puberty, caffeine may produce some unwanted side effects that interfere with the quality of daily life.
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