Caffeine is used by millions of people daily and it’s not just morning ritual anymore. The consumption of energy drinks has seriously sky-rocketed over the last ten years.
Unfortunately, that’s not a good thing because having too much caffeine is definitely unsafe. Let’s look at how much is safe and the effects of having too much of a decidedly good thing.
According to The Mayo Clinic, healthy adults should only consume up to 400mg of caffeine per day. Keep in mind that this number is for healthy adults. Ideally, children under the age of 12 should not consume caffeine at all. Intake by adults and adolescents should be monitored.
Caffeine is a drug, not a food group. When you put that in perspective, you realize the importance of just how much attention you should be paying to your use of caffeine. No matter what age you are, caffeine overdose can result in severe symptoms.
These include gastrointestinal distress, heart arrhythmia and increased heart rate. Some of these symptoms can even lead to seizures or cardiac arrest.
If you are drinking the equivalent of 4 cups of coffee per day (approx. 95mg per 8-ounce cup), you should consider reducing the amount of caffeine you consume daily. Although you may not have a seizure or go into cardiac arrest, caffeine can present undesirable side affects.
Symptoms can include restlessness, irritability, nervousness, muscle tremors, frequent urination and upset stomach.
Some medical conditions have been linked to too much caffeine, including migraine headaches and insomnia. There are also certain herbal supplements and medications which can cause adverse effects if used in conjunction with caffeine. Ephedrine, theophylline and echinacea, to name a few.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking any type of medications or supplements, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to them about how caffeine may affect your health and medications.
