Caffeine Side Effects

Found in drinks like coffee, tea, chocolates and many soft drinks, caffeine is a psychostimulant which is naturally produced in the leaves, beans and seeds of many plants. The effect of caffeine on the nervous system results in warding off drowsiness and restoring alertness. This makes it a popular additive in many foods and even in certain medicines like pain relievers and appetite suppressants. In fact, according to an estimate it is believed that 90% of Americans consume caffeine products daily. However, what people fail to realize is the harmful side effects which are induced by the excessive consumption of this bitter, white crystalline xanthine alkaloid. Here is a list of the common caffeine side effects in men and women.

Side Effects of Caffeine Consumption

In large doses and usually over a period of time, consumption of caffeine (less than 600 mg/day) present in tea and coffee can trigger "caffeinism". The condition in turn is characterized by not only an excessive caffeine addiction but also mental and physical conditions like anxiety, restlessness, irritability, muscle twitching and caffeine induced sleep disorders. In fact, the negative effects of caffeine on the body include anxiety and panic attacks and may also result in heart palpitations. It has also been reported that chronic, heavy caffeine ingestion may be associated with depression, dizziness, headaches and impotence in men.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects: Gastrointestinal side effects associated with caffeine include gastrointestinal distress, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and cramping after consuming caffeine.

Psychiatric and Nervous System Effects: Psychiatric side effects have included confusion and psychotic symptoms such as anxiety, light depression and fatigue. The side effects on the nervous system associated with caffeine consumption include central nervous system stimulation such as nervousness, irritability, restlessness, and a jittery feeling.

Cardiovascular Side Effects: The most common cardiovascular side effect or caffeine side effect on the heart includes an increased heartbeat and heart rate along with an elevated blood pressure. Research has also qualified the effect of caffeine in exerting an acute unfavorable effect on aortic stiffness in treated hypertensive patients. To know more about the effects on blood pressure read more on effects of caffeine on blood pressure.

Endocrine Side Effects: A decrease in insulin sensitivity in individuals was observed following excessive caffeine consumption. The mechanism leads to elevated serum epinephrine levels.

Renal Side Effects: Excessive caffeine consumption results in increased urine flow, creatinine clearance, and sodium and calcium excretion.

Caffeine and Pregnancy: Studies have also shown that excessive caffeine during pregnancy may lead to increased chances of a miscarriage. In addition to that caffeine causes constricted blood vessels of the placenta, leading to reduced blood flow. Also, caffeine may directly affect the developing cells of the baby as it crosses the placenta.

Other caffeine side effects in women include the occurrence of fibrocystic breast disease, which was seen to have a positive correlation with average daily consumption of caffeine. In fact it was observed that women who consumed 31 to 250 mg/day of caffeine were reported to have a 1.5 times increase in odds to have the disease. It is also found that women who drink a lot of coffee and eat a lot of chocolates tend to experience pre-menstrual syndrome more acutely than others. This leads to acuter headaches, bloated feeling and belly cramps.

Like adults, caffeine side effects in children include obesity and weight gain, dehydration, jitteriness, upset stomach, nervousness and difficulty in concentrating and sleeping. However, a sudden withdrawal from caffeine can trigger certain caffeine withdrawal symptoms like cravings, apathy, constipation and throbbing pressure headaches. So the best course of action in this case would be to limit caffeine intake. When consumed in moderation, caffeine speeds up our metabolism and also increases the breakdown of fat thus freeing fatty acids, which are used in energy production during exercise. It can also increase stamina and help in fighting diseases like diabetes and Parkinson's disease.