Caffeine is a stimulant that is naturally found in more than 60 plants, according to EveryDiet. You may known it best as the compound that makes your heart race and feel more alert every time you enjoy a cup of coffee or soda. Although your body does not need caffeine for survival, it can become accustomed to a certain daily intake, which can cause withdrawal symptoms if you do not consume this amount. Understanding how caffeine affects your body can help you determine the right amount for you.
The Stomach
When you consume caffeine, it moves to your stomach and small intestine. At this time, it starts to enter your bloodstream, a process that can occur in as fast as 15 minutes, according to EveryDiet. Caffeine takes about 45 minutes to completely enter the bloodstream, where it then takes various effects on your body.
Chain Reaction
When caffeine enters the bloodstream, it sets off a chemical chain reaction within your body. Caffeine starts by preventing a chemical called phosphodiesterase -- PDE for short -- from breaking down a chemical called cAMP. Preventing cAMP's breakdown can amplify some reactions in your body, which includes releasing chemicals that make your heart beat faster and your blood vessels open wider. This increases blood flow to your brain and tissues, making you feel more alert and energized.
The Brain
If you consume caffeine frequently, your brain can become accustomed to its effects and become desensitized, meaning that you may need to drink increasing amounts of caffeine to experience the same effects as you did when you first started drinking it. For this reason, some people consider caffeine an addictive drug. However, you can consume about three cup of coffee per day without experiencing adverse health effects, according to EveryDiet. This is considered moderate caffeine consumption and is not associated with harmful side effects. Drinking more than this amount, however, can cause symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, headaches, nervousness and dizziness.
Elimination
Caffeine is not as quick in absorption as it is in release. Your body eliminates about half the caffeine you ingest in one sitting every 6 hours, according to EveryDiet. If you drink caffeine consistently throughout the day, a fairly significant amount can build up in your bloodstream. As caffeine is absorbed and subsequently released, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as muscle pain, fatigue, irritability, nervousness and poor sleep habits.
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