Coffee is a widely consumed beverage all over the world. From the US to South Africa, coffee is part of everyday life. Coffee culture has become so present that it is hard to imagine life without it. But, while coffee is one of the most consumed drinks in the world, could it be having effects on our growth?
Does drinking coffee affect your growth?
For many people, the answer is no. Caffeine found in coffee is known to improve alertness, thus can help people stay more focused on their tasks.
In fact, recent studies conducted by Harvard Health Publishing suggested that drinking moderate amounts of caffeinated coffee can help with feeling alert in the short term. Other studies also revealed that caffeine can boost mood, reaction time and overall alertness.
Dr. Donaldson, a well-known caffeine researcher, was also quoted saying that “caffeine intake may speed up metabolism, thus can be beneficial for supporting weight loss and exercise.” However, more studies are needed to come to a conclusion on the weight-loss benefits.
That being said, it’s important to note that caffeine can have different effects on people depending on nutritional status, age, fitness levels, and health goals. Thus, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for advice on coffee intake.
So what about growth? As mentioned before, moderate amounts of coffee (1-2 cups per day) are safe for most adults and they may not have any negative effects on growth. But, in some cases, excessive coffee intake can cause nutrient deficiencies, including calcium, which can be harmful to bones and teeth. Research suggests that it is possible that both high and low doses of caffeine can cause issues regarding growth in the long-term.
That being said, pregnant women are recommended to limit their intake of coffee since it may lead to growth issues. And, of course, it’s important to note that children, adolescents, and seniors should generally not consume coffee due to the associated risks.
Effects of Caffeine on Adrenal Glands
Caffeine’s effects on the body go beyond impacting alertness and focus. It is known to have an effect on the adrenal glands, which are responsible for releasing hormones like adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine. Since these hormones play an important role in the body’s natural healing cycles, over-consuming caffeine can disrupt the body’s natural hormone balance and lead to chronic adrenal fatigue.
In addition, caffeinated coffee may cause abnormally high levels of cortisol, which can lead to the over- or underproduction of other hormones that could put stress on the endocrine system and cause a variety of health issues.
As such, while moderate amounts of caffeinated coffee are considered a safe and healthy drink choice, people should be aware of the potential effects of overconsumption, such as tension, anxiety, sleep disruptions, stomach pain and even headaches.
It is recommended to limit intake of coffee to 1 to 2 cups a day, and replace caffeinated beverages with herbal tea whenever possible.
Effects of Caffeine and Sleep
One of the main health risks associated with caffeinated drinks is their impact on sleep. Caffeine is a stimulant, which means that it can increase alertness and energy levels, which can lead to difficulty falling asleep.
Research suggests that people who consume caffeinated beverages late in the day may experience difficulties in the evening. This is especially true for those who are already prone to sleep disturbances and struggle to fall asleep in the evening.
Caffeine increases alertness and energy levels, thus can lead to restlessness and impair overall sleep quality. Because of this, it is important to limit consumption of caffeinated drinks in the evening and to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
If you have difficulty falling asleep, consider decreasing your consumption of caffeinated beverages, especially coffee.
Effects on Digestion
Finally, coffee can also have an effect on digestion. Coffee is known to stimulate your digestive system and make you feel more energetic. However, too much coffee can lead to digestive issues, including abdominal pain and cramps, constipation, and diarrhea.
Moreover, some people may find that coffee causes them to feel bloated and uncomfortable. This is especially true for those who already suffer from digestive issues.
In addition, coffee can irritate the intestinal lining, thus leading to increased intestinal permeability, or \”leaky gut\”. This can lead to a host of digestive disorders and food allergies, so it is important to be aware of your coffee intake if you are concerned about digestive health.
Overall, it is best to limit coffee intake to 1 to 2 cups a day and to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Caffeine and Kidney Function
Caffeine is known to act as a diuretic, meaning that it increases the amount of water and electrolytes you lose in your urine. This can be beneficial for those who are looking for a quick and easy way to detox their body.
However, too much caffeine can have a negative impact on your kidneys, as it can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and kidney stones. In addition, long-term overconsumption of coffee can cause caffeine to build up in the muscles and inhibit muscle contraction, which can put unnecessary stress on the kidneys.
For these reasons, it is best to talk to your healthcare professional before increasing your caffeine intake or beginning a caffeine detox program.
Caffeine and Blood Sugar
Caffeine has a direct effect on the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. It is known to cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which can lead to feelings of jitteriness, anxiety, and trembling.
Moreover, research suggests that consuming caffeinated beverages on a regular basis can interfere with the body’s ability to properly absorb and utilize glucose, which can lead to increased levels of insulin and glucose in the bloodstream.
Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before increasing your caffeine intake, especially if you have diabetes or are at risk for developing type II diabetes.
Environmental Impact
Finally, it is important to note that excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages can also have an environmental impact. Coffee production requires a significant amount of water and energy, and can lead to deforestation in some parts of the world.
Moreover, disposing of used coffee capsules and other coffee-related items has a negative effect on the environment and can lead to water and land contamination. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of how much coffee you consume and how you dispose of your coffee-related items.
In conclusion, while moderate amounts of caffeinated coffee are considered safe, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to minimize consumption. People should talk to their healthcare professionals for advice on coffee intake and also aim to decrease their consumption of caffeinated drinks in favor of herbal teas.
