Caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world. It is found in coffee, tea and many carbonated beverages. It is generally used for its effects on the central nervous system as a stimulant but can also be administered for other reasons. Doctors sometimes administer intravenous caffeine to treat some forms of headache. Acute heavy caffeine intake has a more profound effect on the body systems than chronic intake, because the body becomes accustomed and adapts to some of the effects. Consult a physician, dietitian or other health-care professional for appropriate dietary plans and the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Nervous System
Caffeine is used for its effects on the nervous system. Caffeine causes increased alertness and ability to concentrate, according to a 2010 article in the "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews." It may also improve learning and memory, and also appears to influence other aspects of thinking and mood. However, the effects vary depending on the group of people being studied. Some negative effects can include anxiety, insomnia and irritability.
Cardiovascular System
The cardiovascular system includes the heart and blood vessels. Caffeine has variable effects on the blood pressure, though it tends to increase blood pressure in those who are not accustomed to it, and stiffens the walls of the arteries. These effects are not seen in those who ingest caffeine regularly. Caffeine may also provoke rhythm disturbances in those people who have had irregular heart rhythms or palpitations in the past.
Endocrine System and Kidneys
Caffeine may, over the short term, increase blood glucose and decrease the effectiveness of insulin. Over the long term, it appears to have the opposite effect and may help protect against and improve type 2 diabetes, according to a 2007 article in "Metabolism." In addition, it can increase urine output.
Caffeine and Health Studies
According to a 2010 article in the journal "Up To Date," caffeine may have an effect on a number of diseases. Caffeine may have a small protective effect against Alzheimer's. There is stronger evidence that it decreases the risk of Parkinson's disease. Intravenous and oral caffeine is sometimes used to treat headaches, but it can also cause headaches in some people, particularly from caffeine withdrawal. Caffeine may also protect against heart disease, including heart attacks. Caffeine appears to protect against liver cirrhosis as well. It may decrease bone mass and increase rates of osteoporosis in some women, however. Its effects on cancer are unclear.
References
- "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews"; Caffeine for the Prevention of Injuries and Errors in Shift Workers"; Ker et al; 2010
- "Basic and Clinical Pharmacology"; Bertram Katzung, Susan Masters, and Anthony Trevor; 2009
- "Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease"; Vinay Kumar et al; 2009
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Anthony S. Fauci et al; 2008
- "Metabolism"; Metabolic and Hormonal Effects of Caffeine: Randomized; Double-blind, Placebo Controlled, Crossover Trial; MacKenzie et al; 2007
- "Up To Date"; Benefits and Risks of Caffeine and Caffeine Beverages; Kabagambe, Wellons, Lipman, Eamranond; 2010
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