How Caffeine Affects Your Body
Coffee is an incredible beverage that many people enjoy. And when our lives get busy, many of us reach for this dark elixir to boost our energy levels and get us through the day. The caffeine content of coffee is one of the reasons that coffee is so appealing to our brains and can be addicting. So, what are all the effects that caffeine has on our bodies?
Excites The Nervous System
Caffeine is a stimulant for the central nervous system, including the brain and nerves found throughout the body. This is why caffeine makes us feel more alert and awake. This is one of the main benefits of caffeine, but it also results in unpleasant side effects if too much caffeine is consumed.
An overdose of caffeine can lead to shaking in your extremities, anxiety, chest pain, and extreme thirst. Additionally, if your body gets used to consuming large amounts of caffeine, your body can experience caffeine withdrawals which can lead to headaches, drowsiness, and irritability.
Increases Acid in Digestive System
Caffeine causes an increase in the amount of acid in the stomach, which can lead to stomach discomfort or heartburn. Caffeine also increases your metabolism for a short period, so your body digests food more quickly.
This means that after consuming caffeine, you may feel very hungry. Your body doesn’t store extra caffeine, so it is processed by your liver immediately, and you may experience frequent urination after consuming caffeine.
Increases Blood Pressure
Consuming caffeine causes an increase in blood pressure for a short time. This typically doesn’t have any long-term effects, but if a large amount of caffeine is consumed, it could lead to problems breathing or a rapid or irregular heartbeat. If you have hypertension or high blood pressure, consuming large amounts of caffeine may be unsafe.
Everything in Moderation
There are many health benefits associated with caffeinated beverages like coffee, so they are not all bad. But it’s clear that overconsumption of caffeine can be very harmful to the body. Like many foods and beverages, it’s best to consume caffeine in moderation.