Coffee has been one of the most popular beverages for centuries, often consumed to help stay energised or to enjoy a pleasant taste. But studies have shown that drinking coffee at a young age has significant health impacts. This article will explore the consequences of drinking coffee when under the age of 18, covering potential health risks. Besides, it will also provide data and perspectives from experts, and add relevant insights.
Changes in Prolonged Caffeine Consumption
Caffeine can affect the body in different ways. It can change the heart rate, increase blood pressure, and raise physical energy levels, allowing a person to stay more alert and attentive. However, caffeine can disrupt genuine physical and mental health, affecting the hormone levels of young people who live on its effect. There is evidence that young people who drink frequent amounts of coffee may suffer from anxiety and insomnia, due to their intake of caffeine altering basic neurological communication that governs sleep.
Mental Health Effects
Studies from Harvard and John Hopkins University have suggested that drinking caffeine when young can increase levels of depression, stress and tension. Moreover, evidence highlights that it is linked to changes in mood for young people consuming caffeine for a long time. It has been said to lead to difficulties in processing information, which consequently affects mental wellbeing.
Physical Health Risks
Harvard Medical School states that drinking too much coffee can cause headaches and stomach issues. Consumption of coffee can increase the production of acid in the stomach and thus can weaken the stomach lining. It can also lead to dehydration due to the loss of fluids. Besides, regular intake of caffeine can stimulate dehydration, as it is a diuretic, thus reducing the amount of water in the body.
Addiction
Ironically, regular consumers of coffee or other caffeinated beverages can develop an addiction. The American Psychological Association notes that caffeine can produce physical dependence similar to drug and alcohol addictions, as it manipulates the body’s dopamine system. Thus, if someone drinks it at a young age they may become addicted, feeling withdrawal symptoms if they try to quit.
Effects on Immunity
Early and prolonged consumption of coffee can disturb the body’s natural defences. Caffeine can impede the absorption of vitamins and minerals, thus leading to a weakened immune system. Furthermore, studies indicate that drinking too much coffee can cause an elevation of cortisol, an inflammatory hormone. Consequently, regular caffeine drinkers may suffer from more infections.
Dental Health Issues
Apart from the physical problems mentioned above, young coffee-drinkers can experience dental health issues. Drinking coffee during tooth development may cause discoloured teeth, as well as bad breath. Furthermore, the acid in the beverages may erode the enamel, leading to sensitive, vulnerable teeth due to weakened tooth enamel.
Effect on Growth
According to the Mayo Clinic, children and teenagers should reduce their intake of caffeine as it can have an effect on their growth. Caffeine can DHEA, a hormone that plays a significant role in growth and development in young people. Intake of coffee is linked to decreased levels of this hormone, therefore drinking coffee before the age of 18 may potentially affect the bones and muscles growth.
Conclusion
Drinking coffee when young can be detrimental to health, as it may impair physical and mental development and affect teeth, immunity and hormone levels. It can also be addictive and cause medical and emotional problems. Therefore, if children and teenagers consume coffee, they should do it with caution, with moderation shown in the quantity taken.
