A cup of coffee helps you face the world every morning, but worry about the potential side effects of caffeine might end your morning ritual. Ubiquitous in Americans' diet, caffeine is a drug nonetheless, and it alters the way your body works. In addition to coffee, caffeine occurs naturally in some substances such as black teas, and as an additive in others, such as sodas and energy drinks.
Blood Supply
Caffeine stimulates your nervous system, promoting increased respiratory and heart rate, among other effects. It also acts as a vasoconstrictor, meaning it causes your blood vessels to narrow. Constricted blood vessels limit blood flow, and when you already have narrowed cardiac arteries due to existing conditions, further constriction might impinge blood flow to your heart. The situation can worsen when you exert yourself after caffeine intake, because your heart beats harder in response to the demands of exercise, which in turn increases your heart's need for oxygenated blood.
Intake
Daily consumption of between 200 and 300 mg of caffeine is considered moderate. An 8-oz. cup of brewed coffee has 95 to 200 mg of caffeine, depending on its strength. Over-the-counter pain relievers can contain caffeine, as well, and your doctor might advise you to avoid them if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or are on medications that can have negative interactions with caffeine. Reading ingredient lists on the label or in product information inserts helps you make informed decisions about pain relievers and potential side effects.
Heartbeat/Blood Pressure
Caffeine stimulates your nervous system and can cause heart palpitations or noticeable beats in sensitive people. Although the palpitations could be harmless, you might feel alarmed by them, and the anxiety can increase your blood pressure. Medical professionals agree that caffeine temporarily raises your systolic and diastolic blood pressure, or both the top and bottom readings of your blood pressure readings, though, the exact mechanism behind the increase remains a matter of debate. Ordinarily, the increase doesn't do any harm, but increased blood pressure can put a strain on your cardiovascular system if you have existing heart disease or narrowed blood vessels.
Alternatives
Decaffeinated coffee provides you with an alternative to regular brews, and allows you to enjoy the taste of coffee after dinner without risking a good night's sleep. Herbal teas contain no caffeine, and soda manufacturers also offer soft drinks formulated without the stimulant. Suddenly stopping habituated caffeine use can result in moderate to severe headaches, so stop intake gradually if you want to wean yourself from use.
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