11 Effects of Caffeine on The Body

Caffeine is big business. There are new coffee shops popping upall over the place. You can't go far without running into aStarbucks. "Let's get together for coffee. Time for a coffeebreak. Coffee pot goes off before my feet hit the floor. Travelmugs for sipping coffee on your way to work. I'll just have thischocolate bar to pick me up this afternoon." Caffeine - It'severywhere! It's everywhere!

Many people have grown so accustomed to having their morningcoffee or soda that they don't even consider the damaging effectscaffeine has on the body. On the contrary, most will tell youthat they NEED their jolt to get them moving in the morning or tokeep them upright throughout the day. Caffeine is present notonly in coffee, but also tea, soda, chocolates and in certainpain relievers, such as aspirin or acetaminophen. It is alsosometimes used in combination with an antihistamine to overcomethe drowsiness caused by the antihistamine.

If you don't think it's addicting, try going off caffeine, coldturkey. See if you don't have a headache for two to nine days. That's caffeine withdrawal! You don't need to be a coffeeholicto experience negative physical symptoms. Even as little as oneto two cups a day can negatively affect you.

You may be experiencing a number of physical ailments that couldbe caused solely from caffeine. The most common side effects ofcaffeine include dizziness, headache, irritability, muscletension, nausea, nervousness, stuffy nose, unusual tiredness andjitters.

Too much (overdose) of caffeine can give you all sorts of griefsuch as stomach pain agitation, anxiety, restlessness,confusion, seizures, dehydration, faster breathing rate, fastheartbeat, fever, frequent urination, increased sensitivity totouch or pain, irritability, muscle trembling or twitching, vomiting, sometimes with blood, fibrocystic breast disease,ringing or other sounds in ears, seeing flashes of "zig-zag"lights, and trouble in sleeping. If you are diabetic or insulinresistant, caffeine causes your body to produce more insulin andyou don't want that. Caffeine makes all aspects of a menstrualcycle worse. Isn't that bad enough some months?

The next time you experience any of the above symptoms, trycutting back on caffeine. That may be all it takes to take careof the problem. Reduce caffeine intake gradually to prevent anysymptoms of withdrawal. Cut back on your intake or combine amixture of caffeinated and decaffeinated beverages until you'retotally weaned off. People can, and do, survive ridding theirbodies of all caffeine. And they're feeling much better forit!

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.