The Effects of Drinking Coffee
Although coffee is generally considered a great way to start the day, heavy doses of caffeine can sometimes cause jittery feelings throughout the body. While experiencing this sudden sense of anxiousness can be a sign of some underlying health condition, it can also be the result of regular coffee consumption.
Caffeine is found in the seeds, leaves and fruits of more than sixty different plants, including coffee, tea and cocoa beans. After it is consumed, caffeine remains in the body for up to six hours and is absorbed into the bloodstream, which in turn triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response. This reaction triggers the body’s production of the hormone adrenaline, which can cause an exaggerated sense of alertness.
A cup of coffee contains an average of 95 to 200 milligrams of caffeine, depending on how it is brewed. Health experts agree that an adult can safely consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day. But if that limit is exceeded, it can cause jitteriness, headaches, racing heartbeats, anxiety and sometimes even an irregular heartbeat.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, coffee’s stimulant effects can last for up to six hours, which means that drinking coffee late in the day can result in disrupted sleep and increased fatigue. Caffeine also has a diuretic effect, which can cause dehydration if it is not counterbalanced with water. Therefore, drinking coffee on an empty stomach can also cause jitteriness.
Additionally, drinking too much coffee can lead to tolerance. This means that the body increases its caffeine intake expectations and eventually requires more caffeine than before to reach the same level of alertness. That can lead to over-consumption, higher risks for anxiety and jitteriness.
Finally, the psychological effects of coffee cannot be ignored. Excessive coffee consumption can fuel the body with too much energy, resulting in a sense of unease and jittery feelings. Feeling anxious or tense can make it difficult for people to focus and concentrate. If feeling jittery is due to psychological effects, people should be aware of the mental health impact of overindulging in coffee.
The Alternatives to Coffee
If you’re looking for an alternative to coffee, there are other sources of caffeine that can provide the same alertness without the jittery feelings. Drinking tea, for instance, is an excellent option since it contains smaller amounts of caffeine than coffee. Many varieties of herbal teas, such as chamomile, are also naturally caffeine-free. Similarly, an energizing breakfast with protein-rich foods such as eggs and oatmeal, accompanied by a glass of orange juice, can also help stimulate alertness without overexerting the body.
Additionally, as an alternative to drinking coffee, many experts recommend drinking less caffeinated drinks, such as decaffeinated coffee, or avoiding caffeine all together. Some people opt for natural, herbal supplements to help boost their energy. For example, Ginseng, a root extract that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, has been linked to improved alertness and cognitive performance.
While many of these supplements have not been extensively studied, they can still give people the same boost of energy without the negative effects of caffeine. For example, guarana, an Amazonian fruit, is rich in the antioxidant guaranine, which many believe helps to stimulate the nervous system.
The key to finding the right energy source is to try different options and see what works best for you. That said, it’s important to remember that energy drinks should not be consumed in excess, as excessive caffeine consumption can lead to jitteriness and a host of other health problems.
Stress and Caffeine
Apart from the physical effects of caffeine, mental aspects can also cause jitteriness. Psychological disorders associated with stress, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder, can significantly increase the body’s sensitivity to caffeine, leading to increased jitteriness.
Additionally, when people are stressed, they often resort to unhealthy behaviors, such as an increase in caffeine consumption. This can lead to an increase in jittery feelings and exacerbate the symptoms of stress-related disorders. Furthermore, anxiety-provoking situations can cause an increase in cortisol levels, which can further contribute to jitteriness.
Therefore, while caffeine can provide an energy boost, it is important to recognize that too much of it can lead to jittery feelings. People who experience jittery feelings after consuming coffee should take into account their levels of stress, as well as their overall caffeine intake.
Coffee Sensitivity
Another cause of jitteriness from coffee can be related to an individual’s sensitivity to it. People who are sensitive to coffee may experience the same jittery feeling from even small doses of coffee. This is because their bodies are unable to metabolize the caffeine quickly, causing the stimulant to remain in their system for an extended period of time.
In addition to coffee sensitivity, certain medical conditions can make individuals more prone to jitteriness. People with thyroid conditions, depression, and Parkinson’s disease often have difficulty metabolising caffeine properly and are more likely to experience caffeine-related jitteriness.
If you think you may be sensitive to coffee, it is important to speak to your doctor. They can help you determine the best course of action, such as reducing your caffeine intake or finding an alternative energy source.
Take Home Message
Coffee is a popular beverage, but drinking too much can lead to jittery feelings and a host of other unpleasant side effects. This can be related to a physical sensitivity to caffeine, stress-related disorders, or simply drinking excessive amounts. Alternatives to coffee, such as herbal teas or energizing breakfast meals, can provide similar levels of alertness without the jittery feeling.
If you think you may be sensitive to coffee, speak to your healthcare provider who can help you determine if reducing your caffeine intake or finding alternative energy sources is the best option for you.
