Cardiovascular health
Though coffee drinkers may have little risk of getting chronic diseases like diabetes and liver damage, the regular intake of caffeine can affect their cardiovascular health by increasing the heart rate. One study published in the journal Hypertension reported the increase in blood pressure even one hour after drinking the equivalent of just one cup of coffee. This increase in heart rate may be harmful for those suffering from hypertension, knocking out the other benefits of improved mental focus, increased energy level, and decreased risk of depression. Additionally, drinking an excessive amount of coffee raises the risk of developing heart palpitations and arrhythmias.
Experts advise keeping an eye on the number of cups of coffee that are consumed per day. People should try to stick to no more than four cups of coffee per day, or around 400 milligrams of caffeine. Many studies suggest that there are some health benefits, such as reducing the risk of stroke, but those can be diminished or reversed if too much coffee is consumed. The most significant health concern stemming from drinking too much coffee includes developing hypertension, which may lead to further complications such as heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Moreover, coffee packs large doses of antioxidants that, when taken in moderation, could have beneficial health effects. These antioxidants, which coffee drinkers get from drinking moderate amounts of coffee, have been linked to better cardiovascular health, decreased risk of cancer, and better cognitive and mental health. That said, drinking too much coffee can reduce these benefits since having too much of a good thing can be bad.
Dehydration
Coffee’s high content of caffeine is considered to be a diuretic, which can be bad for health because it accelerates urine output. Taken on a regular basis, this affects the body’s electrolytes and hydration levels, causing a person to lose more body fluids. When this happens, it can result in occasional dehydration, dizziness, and weakness. Coffee should not be counted towards a person’s daily fluid intake and should be consumed in moderation.
Studies show that caffeine can lead to dehydration even when consumed in the equivalent of one cup of coffee. Moreover, caffeine can even interfere with the body’s ability to absorb water, which further increases the risk of dehydration. This can not only be unpleasant but can also increase the risk of kidney damage if a person consistently consumes too much caffeine. For this reason, it’s important to hydrate before and after drinking coffee to manage the potential dehydrating effects.
Bone Health
Coffee’s diuretic properties can also have a negative effect on bone health. Regular consumption of caffeine can reduce the body’s ability to absorb calcium, thereby making a person more prone to developing osteoporosis and bone fractures. In addition, caffeine can boost the body’s levels of calcium, but this is a temporary effect that leads to further calcium loss in the body.
Researchers in the field also found an association between long-term consumption of coffee and an increased risk of fracture due to weak bones. When people drink too much coffee, they may increase their risk of bone fractures by preventing the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Experts suggest that people limit their coffee intake to one or two cups per day and also focus on consuming foods high in calcium to offset any potential loss of bone density.
Acidity
Caffeinated drinks can also lead to acidity in the stomach due to their high acidity levels. Coffee is known to reduce the level of secreted gastric acid, which may lead to a decrease in digestion and other digestive problems. The consumption of coffee can also lead to a decrease in the level of hydrochloric acid, an intrinsic factor in our stomachs. Additionally, drinking coffee has been linked to stomach ulcers, as well as an increased risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease. People with existing stomach issues should consult with their physician before drinking coffee on a regular basis.
Sleep Deprivation
Coffee’s ability to make one more alert and productive during the day comes with a downside: lack of sleep. People who drink too much coffee might find it difficult to fall asleep due to the lingering effects of the caffeine even hours after consuming it. Too much caffeine also affects the amount and quality of sleep that one gets.
A journal published in the Perspectives on Behavioral Medicine printed research suggesting that drinking too much coffee can interfere with the natural process of falling asleep and, more importantly, the quality of the sleep that a person gets. As a result, excessive coffee drinkers are likely to wake up several times during the night, feel more tired during the day, and consequently, perform worse on cognitive tasks.
Anxiety and Stress
Coffee, due to its caffeination effects, can also increase the level of stress hormones in the body, therefore leading to heightened levels of anxiety. Coffee also increases cortisol levels which leads to increased alertness, making a person more prone to become overwhelmed by stress.
An article in the Behavioral Neuroscience journal found a correlation between excessive coffee consumption and higher levels of cortisol in the blood. The same study also found that coffee drinkers had higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to those who don’t drink coffee. For this reason, those who suffer from stress should try to limit coffee to no more than two cups each day, if possible.
Diarrhea
Coffee has been known to be a laxative and can be linked to digestive problems such as diarrhea. As coffee can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, it can lead to diarrheal issues if drinking too much of it. This might be due to the fact that coffee can affect the production of gastrointestinal juices and enzymes.
Moreover, coffee can increase peristalsis, a muscular movement that helps control bowel movements, leading to an increase in intestinal and intestinal pressure. For this reason, experts suggest avoiding too much coffee intake, or even limiting it to two cups a day.
Gastritis
Drinking too much coffee can increase the risk of developing gastritis, which is inflammation of the stomach lining. Coffee stimulates the production of gastric acid, which has a corrosive effect on the stomach lining, leading to gastric pain and other digestive issues.
Additionally, coffee has been known to impair the digestion and absorption of important vitamins and minerals in the body, leading to nutritional deficiencies. This could be detrimental to those who are already suffering from digestion disorders like irritable bowel syndrome.
Addictive Properties
Coffee has been known to be addictive and can be linked to withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and decrease in concentration. The body quickly becomes used to the effects of caffeine and if a person stops consuming it, they can experience symptoms of withdrawal.
Additionally, this can also lead to physical dependence, making it difficult to stop caffeine consumption. If a person experiences any of these symptoms, they should immediately reduce their coffee consumption and consider a switch to decaffeinated alternatives.
