The foods that you eat have an effect on the amount of stress you experience and on your physical health. Unfortunately, this is a vicious cycle, and during times of stress we also make bad food choices. Those choices lead to further anxiety and stress. When your body is under stress it releases cortisol, also called the "stress hormone" which can make people crave foods that are high in salt, sugar and fat. These foods can also elevate your stress levels. Another food that has drug like effects is caffeine, included in soda, chocolate, coffee, power drinks and tea.
Coffee and Caffeine
Caffeine is found in the leaves and seeds of more than 60 different plants, according to MedlinePlus. Those plants include tea leaves, coffee and cocoa beans. When it is ingested it is absorbed very quickly from the stomach and is distributed through the body and into the brain. Caffeine does not accumulate nor is it stored in the body. The kidneys filter it from the bloodstream and excrete it through the urine hours after you have ingested it. Each cup of regular coffee contains approximately 75 milligrams of caffeine, according to MayoClinic.com. For most people who routinely drink coffee, 200 to 300 mg of caffeine, or two to four cups of brewed coffee each day, do not cause symptoms.
Effects of Decaffeinated Coffee
Decaffeinated coffee does not have the same effects on irritability and anxiety that caffeinated coffee presents. However, in a study presented to the American Heart Association in Dallas TX in 2005, research led by Dr. Robert Superko found that decaffeinated coffee raises low density lipo-proteins in the blood and cholesterol levels. Caffeinated coffee does not have the same effect. However, decaffeinated coffee may not be caffeine free. A study published in 2006 by researchers from the University of Florida, documents that most decaffeinated coffees do contain a measure of caffeine.
Caffeine Effects on Nervous System
Caffeine is the drug in coffee that causes irritability and anxiety in users. It is a central nervous system stimulant. Caffeine can increase alertness, cause insomnia, headaches, nervousness and dizziness. In massive doses it is deadly according to Washington University. MayoClinic.com notes that 600 mg of caffeine per day is considered heavy use of caffeine.
The Effect of Caffeine on Brain Neurotransmitters
Caffeine interferes with adenosine, a neurotransmitter in the brain, according to Elmhurst College. This chemical influences an excitatory response and increases the effect of norepinephrine in the brain, notes the Women to Women website. The caffeine takes the place of the adenosine in the receptor in the brain and causes the nerve cells to speed up, resulting in symptoms of irritability, anxiety, nervousness, headaches and insomnia.
References
- MedlinePlus:Caffeine in the Diet
- MayoClinic.com: Caffeine: How Much is Too Much?
- TheHeart.org: Decaf Coffee Raises LDL Cholesterol
- ScienceDaily; Decaffeinated Coffee is not Caffeine-Free
- Washington University: Effects of Caffeine on the Nervous System
- Women to Women: Caffeine pros and cons: effects of caffeine on your body
