Too Much Coffee: Effects of Caffeine Addiction

Caffeine is a white crystalline solid form the class as xanthine alkaloid. The taste of caffeine is bitter and it is classified as a stimulant drug. There are only a few plants in the flora kingdom that possess caffeine in the leaves naturally. Caffeine acts as a natural pesticide because it can kill and paralyze the insects that consume it. Humans can become addicted to caffeine and consume it in the form of coffee and tea. Nowadays, people consume coffee every now and then to keep themselves awake and alert, especially working professionals. Caffeine directly acts upon the central nervous system and thereby helps the individual to regain alertness and overcome drowsiness. Many people are psychologically dependent on caffeine, which is also known as a psychoactive drug. Beverages like tea, coffee, soft drinks, and energy drinks contain a certain amount of caffeine. On a daily basis, about 90 percent of adults consume caffeine in North America.

Medical Definition of Caffeine

Caffeine can be defined as a drug that stimulates the central nervous system. The scientific name of caffeine is 3,7-dihydro-1,3,7-trimethyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione. This stimulant is responsible for reducing drowsiness and regaining alertness. Caffeine is also known to cause many different physical effects. The adverse effects of caffeine on the human body are as follows:

• Stimulates heart and respiratory system along with the central nervous system.
• Increases the level of fatty acid in the blood.
• It causes the messages to pass along the nervous system more quickly.
• It helps to increase blood pressure and stimulate blood circulation.
• Caffeine also causes the stomach to produce more acids thus causing irritation to the stomach lining
• It adversely affects the digestive system.
• The cortex of the brain is stimulated by caffeine, intensifying mental activity.
• Caffeine reaches breast milk so it can affect the nursing infant.
• Caffeine: General information about caffeine.
• What is Caffeine?: The webpage offers an overview of caffeine.
• About Caffeine: A look at how it’s used, its appearance, long-term effects, and more.
• Facts: Outlines some of the things you should know about caffeine.
• Information on Caffeine: Here’s a god place for kids to learn about caffeine.
• Caffeine Confusion: Clears the air for kids who may be confused about caffeine.
• Neurologic Effects: An overview of the neurologic effects of caffeine.
• Caffeine Effects: The article discusses some of the effects of caffeine.

Sources of Caffeine

There are a variety of sources from which caffeine can be derived or consumed. The major sources from which human beings consume caffeine are tea, coffee, soft drinks, some energy drinks, and chocolates. Caffeine is naturally found in the leaves of certain plants, beans, and some fruits and it acts as a natural pesticide to protect plants from insect attacks.

• Sources: The article provides information on the sources of caffeine.
• Worldwide Sources: A list of caffeine sources in the world.
• Caffeine Shockers: Highlights some products with high caffeine content.
• Best Sources: A list of sources with amount of caffeine per 100 grams.
• Hidden Sources: Some not so well-known sources of caffeine.
• Caffeine in Food: What are some foods that contain caffeine?
• Caffeine in Diet: An overview of caffeine with focus on sources of caffeine.

Health

Though caffeine acts as a stimulant, it has a negative effect on health as well. A high intake of caffeine leads to a situation called caffeinism, which is more commonly known as caffeine dependence. Caffeine consumption during pregnancy leads to caffeine getting mixed in the breast milk. There are a few psychological disorders that occur due to caffeine including caffeine intoxication, caffeine-induced sleep disorder, and anxiety disorder.

On the other hand, some benefits of caffeine include lowering the risk of cancer and generally not being associated with any cardiovascular diseases. If the intake is moderate, it also reduces depression and thus lowers the risk of suicide. If the consumption of caffeine is stopped abruptly, people may suffer from some unpleasant mental and physical discomfort. In extreme cases, these withdrawal symptoms can be life threatening as well.

• Bad for Health?: The PDF explores if caffeine is bad to the health.
• Pregnancy: A look at the effects of caffeine on pregnancy.
• Myths & Facts: Do you believe in everything you know about caffeine?
• Benefits & Risks: Outlines the health benefits and risks of caffeine.
• Coffee Health Risks: Discusses the health risks of caffeine.
• Caffeine: An overview with section on effects of caffeine.
• Caffeine & Health: The PDF highlights how caffeine can affect your health.

Treatment

Caffeine is known as a psychoactive drug, because it is able to alter mood and perception. It is not impossible to reduce the intake of caffeine. In the beginning of your treatment for caffeine dependence, it’s natural that you may encounter certain withdrawal symptoms. In this light, the best way is to slowly cut down the intake of caffeine and reduce caffeine dependence.

• Caffeine Dependence: Describes how people can become dependent on caffeine.
• Caffeine & Students: The PDF explores the use of caffeine in schools.
• Caffeine Addiction: The PDF discusses the problem of caffeine addiction.
• Caffeine Awareness: An organization dedicated to helping people who are addicted to caffeine.
• Caffeine & Your Body: The PDF explains how caffeine can affect your body.
• Caffeine: In this PDF, you will find an overview of caffeine with some tips to quit.
• Questions: Answers some questions about caffeine, including how to reduce intake or quite.