Physical Effects
A person who drinks a lot of coffee is often referred to as being a “coffeeholic”. While drinking coffee has its own set of health benefits and risks, too much coffee can have an adverse effect on a person’s body. People who drink a lot of coffee may experience an increase in their blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature. Additionally, intestinal irritation, jitteriness, and nervousness are also common side effects for those who are heavy coffee drinkers.
Caffeine overdose is another serious concern for those who imbibe in excessive amounts of coffee. Overdosing on caffeine is defined as consuming more than around 600 milligrams of caffeine in one sitting. This amount of caffeine is equivalent to around 12 to 13 cups of coffee. Symptoms of caffeine overdose include dizziness, headaches, difficulty concentrating, as well as feeling anxious and moody. In more serious cases, symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and irregular heartbeat.
Psychological Effects
Aside from physical effects, coffee drinkers may also find themselves impacted psychologically. Those who drink a lot of coffee might become increasingly dependent on the drink to function properly mentally. Studies have also found that coffee can lead to feelings of moodiness, as well as depression and anxiety. Additionally, a dependency on coffee can make it difficult to sleep due to the effects that caffeine has on the central nervous system.
Community Concerns
There are also concerns in a community setting. Coffeeholics can be disruptive to those around them. Drinking an excessive amount of coffee can lead to an inability to concentrate, anxiousness, and jitteriness, which can all have an impact in both personal and professional settings.
Long Term Effects
The long-term effects of drinking excessive amounts of coffee are also a concern. Long-term effects of drinking a lot of coffee can include liver damage and digestive problems. Additionally, regular and prolonged exposure to caffeine can lead to changes in normal cells within the body that increase the risk of cancer.
Ways To Manage Coffee Consumption
If a person finds themselves drinking a lot of coffee and wishes to manage their consumption, it is important to understand why they are drinking it in the first place. Is it out of habit or necessity? Identifying the underlying factor can help to better manage their situation. Additionally, if a person finds themselves unable to cut back on their coffee consumption, speaking with a doctor about ways to safely manage their caffeine intake is suggested.
How To Cut Down On Coffee Intake
One way to help cut down on the amount of coffee a person consumes is to switch to decaf coffee. Decaf coffee still contains caffeine, but it is in much smaller amounts than traditional coffee. Additionally, a person can gradually reduce their consumption of coffee over time. While this may be a difficult task, it will help to avoid any sudden and harmful caffeine withdrawals. Also, a person can look for other healthier and stimulating drinks to replace their coffee consumption.
Health Benefits of Reducing Coffee Intake
Reducing their consumption of coffee can also reduce the overall risk of cancer, diabetes, and other diseases related to prolonged consumption. Additionally, it can lead to a decrease in anxiety, irritability, and other common side effects of drinking too much coffee. Finally, cutting back on coffee can also lead to better sleeping patterns, more steady energy levels throughout the day, and an overall improved mental and physical state.
Alternative Options for Caffeine Intake
Coffee is not the only source of caffeine available. There are many other options that can give a person the same boost of energy, without the risks of coffee. Options like green tea and black tea have similar levels of caffeine, but with added health benefits. Additionally, some energy drinks and caffeinated sodas provide a kick of caffeine with less guilt than coffee.
