Caffeine has many side effects; some are good, while others are bad. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea and energy drinks. While this substance can cause a laxative effect, only over-consumption will cause diarrhea. Many people get their caffeine from coffee, which is consumed daily by around 54 percent of American adults. Coffee is also the second most traded commodity after oil.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Caffeine can cause the stomach to produce more gastric juice, which may trigger the symptoms of heartburn. It also relaxes the esophageal sphincter muscle, which can cause acid reflux or heartburn. Caffeine can also cause stomach contents to prematurely enter into the small intestine before they are completely digested, which can cause pain. Caffeine has a diuretic effect as well. It creates a laxative effect, stimulating the wave-like movements of the gastrointestinal tract to empty its contents.
Diuretic Effects
Caffeine has been shown to affect men and women differently, with caffeine having more of a diuretic effect on women. According to a 1990 study published in the British Medical Journal, "results confirm the common belief that coffee promotes the desire to defecate. This response, which can also be induced by decaffeinated coffee, is seen in about a third of the population, predominantly women." However, the popular belief that caffeine causes dehydration is medically unfounded. Caffeine only causes increased urination or diarrhea when it is consumed in large quantities. According to Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., "caffeine only has a diuretic effect if you consume large amounts of it -- more than 500 to 600 mg (4 to 7 cups of coffee) a day."
Other Considerations
Apart from its mild laxative effects, caffeine can cause the formation of ulcers and gastritis. It also permits the absorption of two chemical compounds into the body -- kahweol and cafestol -- that are linked to increased cholesterol. It does have a number of positive side effects as well. Studies have shown that caffeine may decrease your risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease and liver cancer, according to Dr. Donald Hensrud, a Mayo Clinic preventive medicine specialist.
Excessive Intake
Coffee in moderate amounts does not usually produce negative side effects, but excessive consumption can cause health problems. Too much caffeine can cause insomnia, restlessness, nervousness, a fast heartbeat, muscle tremors and irritability. For especially sensitive individuals, as little as two cups of coffee can cause similar effects.
References
- Hemorrhoid Information Center: Coffee
- Mayo Clinic: What Does the Research Say About Coffee and Health?; Donald Hensrud; May 2010
- Mayo Clinic: Caffeine: Is it Dehydrating or Not?; Katherine Zeratsky R.D.
- British Medical Journal: Effect of Coffee; S R Brown et. al, 1990
- Coffee Research: Coffee Consumption Statistics in the United States
- Mayo Clinic: Caffeine: How Much is Too Much?
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