Side Effects
Many coffee drinkers have experienced an array of both positive and negative effects. For many coffee drinkers, the drink can cause an ‘energy boost’ throughout the day. However, some effects of drinking coffee can be rather troubling. In particular, drinking coffee can induce dizziness in some people. Dizziness induced by coffee is usually not a severe condition, and does not often lead to any kind of long-term or significant complications. Nevertheless, the issue should be discussed to help coffee drinkers know what to expect from the drink, and how to address the condition if it appears.
Though the exact mechanisms behind how coffee induces dizziness are yet unknown, some doctors believe it has something to do with how the body metabolizes caffeine. Caffeine is absorbed quickly into the blood stream and causes blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to headaches and dizziness, as well as anxiety and heart palpitations. Additionally, a higher dose of caffeine can cause a decrease in the amount of available oxygen in the body, which can result in dizziness, lightheadedness, and faintness.
Intolerances
In some cases, the dizziness experienced after drinking coffee can be attributed to an intolerance to caffeine in some form or another. For example, if someone has a genetic predisposition to this intolerance, it can cause them to become dizzy after drinking coffee. Additionally, having allergies to either the ingredients of coffee, or to the caffiene itself, can cause dizziness after drinking the beverage. This can be compounded if the person has an increased sensitivity to the ingredients or caffeine in the coffee. In either situation, the cause of the dizziness can vary based on the type of coffee or beverage being consumed and the individual’s genetic makeup.
Precautions
Governing bodies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), recommend people take certain precautions when consuming coffee. When it comes to the prevention of dizziness, it is recommended that people limit their daily caffeine intake, not consume any type of coffee or caffeinated beverages on an empty stomach, and consult a physician before consuming coffee if they have any issues with dizziness. Additionally, it is advised that people who suffer from an intolerance to caffeine avoid drinking coffee altogether.
Options
For those individuals who experience dizziness after drinking coffee, there are some alternatives they can take to still enjoy their coffee without the risk of becoming dizzy. Decaffeinated coffee is one popular option. This coffee has had the caffeine removed and contains very little caffeine in comparison to regular coffee. Individuals can also consider purchasing coffee with a lower caffeine content such as a light roast or an espresso. For those who worry that the flavoring or body of the coffee will not be as enjoyable, there are many options for flavoring coffee that contain no caffeine.
Diagnosis and Treatment
In some cases, the cause of dizziness after drinking coffee can be difficult to pinpoint and can require proper diagnosis. Individuals who suffer from regular cases of dizziness after drinking coffee should make an appointment with their physician to discuss the issue. The doctor will likely review the person’s medical history and do a physical examination to identify any potential underlying issues that may be causing the dizziness. Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor may recommend lifestyle or dietary changes, or even prescribe medications to help reduce dizziness.
Psychological Effects
In addition to the physical effects of coffee, the drink can also induce psychological effects. High doses of caffeine can cause heightened levels of anxiety and nervousness, which can also result in dizziness. While this is often short-term and temporary, it is still worth noting that regular coffee consumption can have an effect on one’s mental state.
Alcohol and Caffeine
Consuming coffee alongside alcohol can increase the likelihood of experiencing dizziness. When mixed with alcohol, the effects of the caffeine in the coffee can be released more quickly into the body, potentially intensifying the effect of both the alcohol and the caffeine on the dizziness of the drinker. Therefore, individuals should be mindful of this combination and try to avoid it when possible.
Effects on Dehydration
Similarly, drinking coffee can lead to dehydration and can exacerbate the dizziness experienced after drinking the beverage. This is because coffee is a diuretic, which means it causes the body to expel water, creating dehydration. Therefore, it is important to drink plenty of water when consuming coffee to prevent dehydration from occurring, and to avoid the intensity of any dizzy spells that could come when drinking coffee.
Caffeine Content
It is important for those who experience dizziness after drinking coffee to be aware of how much caffeine they are consuming. Most coffees, including espresso, contain about 100-175 milligrams of caffeine per cup. For reference, a single cup of brewed coffee can contain anywhere from 80-180 milligrams of caffeine. It is advised that people keep track of the amount they are consuming and make sure it is within a safe range.
Health Benefits
Despite all of the potential side effects associated with drinking coffee, the beverage can still have positive effects on someone’s health. When consumed in moderation, coffee can reduce inflammation and protect the heart, as well as improve mental alertness, boost one’s mood, and even help to burn fat. Thus, it is important to keep in mind that while drinking coffee may cause dizziness, it can still be beneficial to one’s health as well.
Effects on Heart Rate
In particular, the caffeine content of coffee has been shown to increase a person’s heart rate. While this is generally not a problem, for individuals with existing heart conditions, the increase can be dangerous. Therefore, for those who already have an existing heart condition, or for those who are taking certain medications, it is important to speak with a doctor before drinking coffee.
Conclusion
In conclusion, drinking coffee can cause dizziness in some people, and the underlying cause of the dizziness is usually due to the caffeine content in the beverage. To prevent dizziness, it is important to avoid consuming coffee on an empty stomach, limit the daily caffeine intake, and avoid mixing coffee with alcohol. Lastly, individuals who have underlying health conditions, or those who have an intolerance to caffeine should be particularly mindful of the effects of coffee and speak to a doctor before consuming it.
