Do Not Drink Coffee
It is a popularly accepted fact that drinking coffee helps to stimulate the mind, boost energy and uplift mood. But what is often not discussed is the effects of drinking too much coffee. Coffee can have many detrimental effects on one’s health, which unfortunately often go unrecognised until it is too late.
Research has shown that those who drink more than four cups of coffee a day have an increased risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. Over-consumption of coffee is also known to have a negative effect on kidney functionality as it is a heavy diuretic, and can lead to suffering from dehydration and exhaustion. Caffeine is a mood altering drug, it can make you feel jittery, dehydrated and can cause headaches, over a long period of time it can lead to long lasting mental health problems.
Nutritionists and doctors have long warned against the perils of drinking too much coffee. Kathryn Elsberg a recognised nutritionist from the University of California, said: “Everything should be enjoyed in moderation and when it comes to coffee, this should be taken quite literally. The occasional cup a day can be beneficial, however when you start drinking too much then the negatives definitely begin to add up.”
Long-term studies have suggested that those who consume high amounts of coffee daily have an increased risk of Bone Loss and Osteoporosis, as well as anxiety issues and insomnia. Coffee increases stress hormones, which can weaken your immune system and have an adverse effect on mental balance.
A recent study conducted over a 10-year period in the US showed that people who drink above average levels of coffee can have impressive metabolic changes, including higher blood sugar levels and an increased risk of developing diabetes. It is important to note that these effects can be reversed if coffee consumption is reduced.
Consuming Coffee can also make it difficult to absorb certain minerals and vitamins, thus it is important to maintain a healthy diet. Eating healthy and getting enough sleep can help offset any potential negative health implications from consuming large amounts of coffee.
Apart from the health implications that come from consuming too much coffee health benefits are few and far between. Physiologist Robert Mitt, from Harvard University, stated in an article for Time magazine that, any supposed health benefits cannot affect the dangers of over consumption.
Negative Impact of Caffeine Addiction
Caffeine is the main active ingredient in coffee, it is very addictive and those who become addicted may feel extreme symptoms of withdrawal when they forego their regular intake of coffee. This can include drowsiness, headaches irritability, insomnia and stomach aches.
Those who become addicted to caffeine also often experience a decrease in productivity due to their need to consume more and more coffee to stay alert. When consumed in excess, coffee can cause dehydration, restlessness and irritability – physical and psychological signs that should not be underestimated.
When taken in large quantities, coffee is also known to cause an increased level of anxiety which can be difficult to cope with. People who are prone to anxiety may find that their anxiety levels rise when their caffeine intake does, as a result of their body becoming used to the regular consumption of coffee to regulate their mood.
Coffee is also known to increase stomach acids and the production of stomach acid which can lead to gastric indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux. An increase in stomach acids can also lead to a decrease in the absorption of dietary minerals and vitamins, thus it is important to maintain a healthy diet when consuming high levels of coffee.
The Adverse Side Effects of Coffee on the Skin
The benefits of drinking coffee are often overstated, however, the risks by far outweigh the potential health benefits when taken in excess. For example, research has shown that coffee can have an adverse effect on the skin, leading to the degradation of collagen and the onset of wrinkles, puffiness and dryness.
Coffee has also been linked to acne because it increases stress. Stress stimulates the production of cortisol, a hormone that can cause inflammation and exacerbate existing skin conditions such as acne. In addition, coffee is known to disrupt sleep, which can have an adverse effect on the skin, leading to dark circles and premature aging.
The Link Between Coffee and Depression
Research has also suggested a link between the intake of coffee and depression. Studies have shown that those who consume large amounts of caffeine have an increased risk of developing depression and other mood disorders. Coffee is known to increase the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone which is linked to depression.
Caffeine can also lead to a decrease in serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood. A lack of serotonin can lead to feelings of sadness, fatigue and low moods, as well as an increased risk of developing depression. It is important to note that these effects are reversible once a person reduces their intake of caffeine.
Alternatives To Coffee
If you are keen to avoid the risks associated with over-consuming coffee, the good news is that there are viable alternatives which can provide healthier and far less risky ways of getting your daily dose of caffeine. Green tea is a great alternative, it contains less caffeine than coffee but provides enough to give you a much needed boost. It’s also packed full of antioxidants which can help to protect your body from the damage caused by free radicals.
Matcha tea is another great alternative to coffee and has been used in the past by Zen Buddhist monks to keep focused and alert during long periods of meditation. It contains more caffeine than green tea but not as much as coffee and it’s full of vitamin C and antioxidants. Similarly, herbal teas have been known to provide health benefits, they are naturally caffeine free, but they are naturally flavoured and often provide a gentle lift when needed.
The Benefits of Giving up Coffee
By reducing or eliminating coffee consumption, it is possible to reduce risks and enjoy the many benefits of quitting. Those who give up coffee may experience improved health, greater focus and concentration, reduced anxiety and a clearer mind. Quitting coffee can also reduce the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
Similarly, giving up coffee can also help to improve sleep quality and reduce fatigue. Research has found that those who give up coffee can sleep more deeply and have increased energy levels in the morning.
In summary, while coffee may be perceived as helpful to those who are looking to increase performance, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with drinking too much of it. It is recommended that one limits their intake in order to avoid any potential adverse effects on their health.
Effects of Long-term Caffeine Consumption
Consuming Coffee on a regular basis can lead to physical and psychological addiction, as the body becomes reliant on its regular intake of caffeine in order to regulate its mood. Long-term caffeine consumers can also develop what is known as ‘caffeine tolerance’, whereby the body needs larger amounts of caffeine in order to feel a similar effect.
For some, a decrease in caffeine intake can lead to feelings of lethargy or depression as the body struggles to cope without its regular caffeine-fix. Research has also suggested that long-term caffeine consumption can lead to a decrease in the sensitivity of dopamine receptors, which can result in a dulled response to pleasurable activities.
Caffeine can also interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals, as well as disrupting the body’s natural production of important hormones. By quitting coffee it is possible to reduce the risk of these adverse effects, as well as allowing the body to enjoy the benefits of a natural and well balanced diet.
Effects of Coffee on the Brain
Coffee is a known stimulant, it is full of antioxidants and is quite effective for boosting mental alertness and improving performance. However, research has suggested that over-consumption of coffee can lead to disruptions in the neural pathways of the brain, leading to an increase in anxious behaviors, overthinking and cognitive decline.
Although the effects of over-consuming coffee are often short lived and can be reversed, it is still important to be aware of the dangers that come hand-in-hand with over-indulgence. Further studies have suggested that caffeine can lead to disruptions in short-term memory recall and can cause an increase in ‘brain fog’.
Coffee has also been linked to changes in the body’s cortisol levels, which can have a detrimental effect on the body’s ability to regulate its stress response, leading to an increase in anxiety and depression. Coffee can also make it more difficult to concentrate and may lead to spikes in stress levels.
The Best Time To Drink Coffee
Coffee can be both beneficial and detrimental, the key is understanding when and how much coffee to consume. For those looking to reap the benefits of coffee, it is recommended that it is consumed early in the morning. This can help to kick-start your day and provide a burst of energy to help keep you alert throughout the day.
It is also advised to limit coffee consumption after midday, as coffee can have an adverse effect on your sleep quality. Those who are sensitive to caffeine may also experience disruption in their circadian rhythm, which plays an important role in regulating their sleeping patterns.
In conclusion, coffee can be beneficial when consumed in moderation, however, too much can lead to various health complications and it is therefore important to understand the risks associated with over-consumption of coffee.
