Coffee contains caffeine, a natural stimulant that affects the central nervous system. While the effects coffee has on people differs widely, researchers have identified several key effects that caffeine has on the central nervous system.
Coffee and Caffeine
The effect coffee has on your central nervous system differs based largely on the amount of caffeine the coffee has. According to MayoClinic.com, the amount of caffeine in coffee differs widely. For example, a 16 oz. cup of brewed coffee from a nationwide doughnut restaurant has between 143 and 206 mg of coffee, while generic brewed coffee has between 95 and 200 mg. An espresso from a national coffee chain has between 58 and 75 mg of caffeine, while generic brewed decaffeinated coffee has between 2 and 12 mg.
Positive Effects
Caffeine affects numerous bodily system, including the central nervous system. According to the University of Utah College of Pharmacy, ingestion of caffeine results in effects such as an elevated sense of well-being, elevated mood, decreased perception of fatigue and drowsiness, increased flow of thoughts, reduced boredom and increased endurance, both mental and physical.
Negative Effects
Caffeine also has a range of negative side effects that impact the central nervous system. Coffee drinkers commonly experience negative side effects such as insomnia, agitation, restlessness, headache and tremors in the extremities. People who drink more than 10 cups of coffee a day, or more than 1,000 mg, can develop caffeinism, a syndrome that closely resembles extreme anxiety, according to the University of Utah College of Pharmacy. Those with the syndrome exhibit symptoms such as agitation over small matters, rapid breathing and even visual hallucinations.
Cautions
Apart from the negative effects on the central nervous system effects, caffeine can also impact the gastrointestinal tract and the renal system. MayoClinic.com recommends that people who experience caffeine related health issues, or who ingest between 500 and 600 mgs of caffeine per day, should consider cutting back on their daily consumption. If you don't know how much caffeine you ingest per day, keep track of all your food and drink intake and determine the caffeine content of each.
