Negative Effects of Too Much Caffeine

Caffeine naturally occurs in many types of plants. It stimulates the central nervous system and helps you feel energized and awake. However, drinking too much caffeine can cause ill effects on your health. Caffeine can affect the brain, cause heartburn, increase blood pressure, cause pain and affect your sleep.

Caffeine and Calcium Excretion

Caffeine can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb and metabolize calcium, which can contribute to osteoporosis. Additionally, too much caffeine can cause muscle twitches, muscle spasms and an increased incidence of fractures.

Stress Hormones and Caffeine Usage

The stress hormone cortisol is produced in the adrenal glands. This hormone is responsible for blood sugar regulation, the regulation of blood pressure and a plethora of other function. However, when you have too much cortisol in the body, inflammation can occur.

Caffeine, the Digestive Tract and Abdominal Pain

Caffeine increases the amount of hydrochloric acid in the stomach and can cause heartburn, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Caffeine can irritate the lining of the digestive tract, including the stomach and small intestine. When this occurs you can experience abdominal cramps, pain and elimination problems. If you suffer from digestive problems, limiting your intake of caffeine can help lower the acid in the stomach and may help relieve many of your digestive woes.

Caffeine and Inflammation and Fatigue

Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase energy levels; however, this affect only lasts for a short time. When the caffeine leaves the body, your energy levels will wane and cause you to experience fatigue. In order to increase energy levels, most people reach for another caffeinated beverage, which starts the whole cycle to occur again.

Caffeine can also cause inflammation to occur throughout the body. Caffeine is a diuretic, which causes increased urination. As you urinate more frequently, your body becomes dehydrated. Dehydration can cause inflammation throughout the body. To fight this effect, drink at least 64 ounces of water a day and limit your caffeine intake.

Caffeine Causes Insomnia and Irritability

Anxiety and irritability are two of the most common complaints of caffeine drinkers. When you ingest caffeine, it causes the adrenal glands to release adrenaline. Adrenaline causes the body to become hyper-aroused and allows your emotions to take control of your thought processes, often resulting in irritability and anxiety.

Because of its stimulant properties, caffeine can cause sleeplessness, insomnia and poor sleep. Caffeine can stay in the body for six hours or longer. In order to improve your sleep, set a bedtime and stick to it, avoid caffeine and sleep in a cool room.

Increased Heart Rate Caused by Caffeine

Did you know that caffeine could raise your blood pressure? Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase your heart rate, increase blood pressure and may even cause heart palpitations. In fact, one study completed by the Mayo Clinic found that as little as two cups of coffee can elevate your blood pressure for two to three hours.