Caffeine Intake
Drinking four cups of coffee daily is the equivalent of 400 milligrams of caffeine. That is considered a high amount of caffeine, and everyone’s body is affected differently by such levels. Effects such as accelerated heart rate, headaches, irritability, disturbed sleeping patterns and rapid breathing are all common side effects of over-caffeinating.
The effects of too much caffeine can worsen as the amount increases. People who normally consume a lot of caffeine— an average of 300 milligrams or more— may experience more significant negative side effects if they exceed 400 milligrams. People who consume less caffeine may not experience any negative effects at all.
Impact On Ethanol Metabolism
Drinking four cups of coffee daily may impair ethanol metabolism and increase the amount of time it takes the liver to process alcohol. According to one study, an intake of 400 milligrams of caffeine before consuming alcohol resulted in an increase of ethanol concentration and impairment of liver metabolism.
If you choose to drink four cups of coffee daily and then consume alcohol, it’s important to be mindful of the amount of alcohol you’re consuming and the time consumed between drinking coffee and alcohol.
Moderate Intake
If four cups of coffee is the day’s norm for you, it is important for your health to limit your intake. Caffeine is known to cause some of the same side effects as certain prescription medications and should be consumed in moderation.
In order to keep the effects of over-caffeination to a minimum, consider consuming up to two cups of coffee a day, which is considered a moderate amount of caffeine by the World Health Organization. You can also opt for lower caffeine drinks, such as green tea, to make sure you don’t exceed the recommended daily amounts of caffeine.
Anxiety
People prone to anxiety should be particularly mindful of their caffeine consumption, as coffee can increase anxiety in those with a predisposition. Drinking four cups of coffee can exacerbate anxiety if you’re vulnerable to it.
Furthermore, if you already have high levels of anxiety, drinking coffee for a prolonged period of time can increase your chances of developing an anxiety disorder. In some cases, eliminating caffeine from your diet entirely can reduce your anxiety symptoms. A mental health professional can provide further advice about caffeine and anxiety.
General Health
Drinking four cups of coffee daily can have implications for general health. Studies have found that long-term moderate caffeine intake over many years can lead to raised blood pressure levels and increased blood cholesterol, both of which can increase risk of heart attack and stroke.
Ingesting caffeine can also increase dopamine levels in the brain, leading to improved memory and mood. In higher doses, however, it can cause feelings of depression, nausea and even vomiting.
Heart Rate
Drinking four cups of coffee daily can significantly increase your heart rate, depending on your regular caffeine intake. Even if you’re not particularly sensitive to caffeine, your heart rate can increase 10 to 20 extra beats per minute after drinking four cups of coffee.
High levels of caffeine can increase your risk of developing arrhythmia or an irregular heartbeat. It’s important to realize that these side effects can vary between individuals, but overall, it’s best to limit your intake of caffeinated drinks to two or three servings per day.
Digestive Upset
Caffeine can interrupt our digestive systems, as it is known to cause diarrhea, upset stomach and constipation. Drinking coffee can stimulate the gut, resulting in the secretion of acid and leading to problems such as bloating, indigestion and nausea.
Drinking large amounts of coffee increases the risk of developing digestive problems. Caffeinated drinks are known to reduce water absorption in our digestive tract, resulting in dehydration. Additionally, drinking large amounts of caffeine can irritate the intestinal lining and lead to excessive gas, bloating and cramping.
Sleeping Patterns
Drinking four cups of coffee daily can seriously impact our sleeping patterns. Caffeine’s stimulating effects can last up to seven hours after we drink it, which means that even if we drink coffee in the morning, it can still interfere with our sleep later in the day.
Caffeine should be avoided at least six hours before our desired sleep time, as it can increase alertness and reduce the amount of our REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. This is the most restorative stage of our sleep cycle and is responsible for making us feel refreshed after a good night’s sleep.
Conclusion
It is best to limit caffeine intake to one or two servings a day, as consuming more than this can have some serious implications for our health and well-being. Moderate caffeine intake can have some benefits, such as improved memory, but it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and curtail our consumption patterns accordingly.
