The Link Between Caffeine And High Blood Pressure

Coffee and tea are incredibly healthy beverages.

Most types contain caffeine, a substance that may boost your mood, metabolism and mental and physical performance. Studies have also shown that it’s safe for most people when consumed in low-to-moderate amounts.

However, high doses of caffeine may have unpleasant and even dangerous side effects.

Research has shown that your genes have a major influence on your tolerance to it. Some can consume much more caffeine than others without experiencing negative effects (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).

What’s more, individuals who aren’t used to caffeine may experience symptoms after consuming what is typically considered a moderate dose (4Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).

Overall, caffeine doesn’t seem to increase the risk of heart disease or stroke in most people.

However, it has been shown to raise blood pressure in several studies due to its stimulatory effect on the nervous system (33Trusted Source, 34Trusted Source, 35Trusted Source, 36Trusted Source).

Elevated blood pressure is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke because it may damage arteries over time, restricting the flow of blood to your heart and brain.

Fortunately, caffeine’s effect on blood pressure seems to be temporary. Also, it seems to have the strongest impact on people who aren’t used to consuming it.

High caffeine intake has also been shown to raise blood pressure during exercise in healthy people, as well as in those with mildly elevated blood pressure (37Trusted Source, 38Trusted Source).

Therefore, paying attention to the dosage and timing of caffeine is important, especially if you already have high blood pressure.

Summary: Caffeine seems
to raise blood pressure when consumed at high doses or prior to exercise, as
well as in people who rarely consume it. But this effect may only be temporary,

so it’s best to monitor your response. 

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The Link Between Caffeine And Addiction

Coffee and tea are incredibly healthy beverages.

Most types contain caffeine, a substance that may boost your mood, metabolism and mental and physical performance. Studies have also shown that it’s safe for most people when consumed in low-to-moderate amounts.

However, high doses of caffeine may have unpleasant and even dangerous side effects.

Research has shown that your genes have a major influence on your tolerance to it. Some can consume much more caffeine than others without experiencing negative effects (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).

What’s more, individuals who aren’t used to caffeine may experience symptoms after consuming what is typically considered a moderate dose (4Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).

Despite all of caffeine’s health benefits, there’s no denying that it may become habit-forming.

A detailed review suggests that although caffeine triggers certain brain chemicals similarly to the way cocaine and amphetamines do, it does not cause classic addiction the way these drugs do (30Trusted Source).

However, it may lead to psychological or physical dependency, especially at high dosages.

In one study, 16 people who typically consumed high, moderate or no caffeine took part in a word test after going without caffeine overnight. Only high caffeine users showed a bias for caffeine-related words and had strong caffeine cravings (31Trusted Source).

Additionally, the frequency of caffeine intake seems to play a role in dependency.

In another study, 213 caffeine users completed questionnaires after going 16 hours without consuming it. Daily users had greater increases in headaches, fatigue and other withdrawal symptoms than non-daily users (32Trusted Source).

Even though the compound does not seem to cause true addiction, if you regularly drink a lot of coffee or other caffeinated beverages, there’s a very good chance you may become dependent on its effects.

Summary: Going without
caffeine for several hours may lead to psychological or physical withdrawal

symptoms in those who consume large amounts on a daily basis. 

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Long Use Of Antibiotics May Lead To Cognitive Decline In Middle Age Women

Antibiotics are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world. They’re used to treat many different bacterial infections. While most people may only be on a course of antibiotics for a week or two at a time, some may take antibiotics for a longer period to treat certain chronic conditions, such as pneumonia or acne.

While antibiotics can be life-saving, long-term use can come with several side effects – not least of which is the risk of bacteria developing antibiotic resistance. And now, a recent study has also linked long-term antibiotic use by middle-aged women to an increased risk of cognitive decline.

To conduct their study, the researchers collected data from 14,542 participants who had taken part in the Nurses’ Health Study II. This study monitored the health and wellbeing of nurses every two years between 2014-2018. The average age of participants at the start of the study was 54.

The researchers recorded the participants’ antibiotic use up to four years prior to the start of the study. Some women had taken long-term antibiotics (two months or more) for a variety of conditions – such as respiratory problems or acne. Others had not been prescribed any antibiotics. The researchers measured cognitive ability using online tests that participants completed, which measured factors such as learning and working memory.

– can have negative effects on cognition up to 11 years later.

Though few studies have measured both antibiotic use and cognitive function in adults, some studies have shown broad-spectrum antimicrobials (including antibiotics) can affect our cognitive function – causing side effects such as confusion, delirium and poorer attention in both men and women, even after short-term use.

While this recent study showed a link between long-term antibiotic use and cognitive decline, the study has some of limitations to take into account. First, the online cognitive test only assessed four functions. This means we don’t have a full picture of cognitive health, and we do not know if there are other cognitive deficits in addition to those measured in the study.

Another shortfall is that researchers did not collect faecal samples. This means we don’t actually know whether the microbiome changed significantly after long-term antibiotic use – and whether this change persisted. Though the researchers were able to show that antibiotic use had a greater link to poorer cognitive function than other lifestyle factors (such as diet, or other health conditions), it will still be important for future research to look at whether the microbiome really plays a role in antibiotic use and cognitive function.

The age of the participants is also an important factor, as the average age was 54 at the start of the study – which is the time most women experience menopause. Menopause causes hormonal changes that can affect everything from how the immune system works, sleep quality, weight, blood pressure and even concentration and thinking.

Some research also shows that the menopause alters the microbiome. As such, it will be important to future studies to include men in mid-life to see whether they show similar effects.

These research findings indicate that it’s important to pay attention to gut health at all stages of life. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to make your microbiome healthier – such as eating a high-fibre diet and using prebiotics and probiotics. Fresh air and exercise also have positive effects on the microbiome. Of course for persistent problems medical attention should be sought

Lynne A Barker

 Associate Professor in Cognitive Neuroscience, Sheffield Hallam University

 

 

  

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High Caffeine Intake And Muscles Damage

Rhabdomyolysis is a very serious condition in which damaged muscle fibers enter the bloodstream, leading to kidney failure and other problems.

Common causes of rhabdomyolysis include trauma, infection, drug abuse, muscle strain and bites from poisonous snakes or insects.

In addition, there have been several reports of rhabdomyolysis related to excessive caffeine intake, although this is relatively rare (26Trusted Source, 27Trusted Source, 28Trusted Source, 29Trusted Source).

In one case, a woman developed nausea, vomiting and dark urine after drinking 32 ounces (1 liter) of coffee containing roughly 565 mg of caffeine. Fortunately, she recovered after being treated with medication and fluids (29Trusted Source).

Importantly, this is a large dosage of caffeine to consume within a short period of time, especially for someone who isn’t used to it or is highly sensitive to its effects.

In order to reduce the risk of rhabdomyolysis, it’s best to limit your intake to about 250 mg of caffeine per day, unless you’re used to consuming more.

Summary: People may
develop rhabdomyolysis, or the breakdown of damaged muscle, after they ingest
large amounts of caffeine. Limit your intake to 250 mg per day if you’re

uncertain of your tolerance. 

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The Link Between Caffeine And Digestive Problems

Many people find that a morning cup of coffee helps get their bowels moving.

Coffee’s laxative effect has been attributed to the release of gastrin, a hormone the stomach produces that speeds up activity in the colon. What’s more, decaffeinated coffee has been shown to produce a similar response (19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source).

However, caffeine itself also seems to stimulate bowel movements by increasing peristalsis, the contractions that move food through your digestive tract (21Trusted Source).

Given this effect, it’s not surprising that large doses of caffeine may lead to loose stools or even diarrhea in some people.

Although for many years coffee was believed to cause stomach ulcers, a large study of more than 8,000 people didn’t find any link between the two (22Trusted Source).

On the other hand, some studies suggest that caffeinated beverages may worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in some people. This seems to be especially true of coffee (23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source).

In a small study, when five healthy adults drank caffeinated water, they experienced a relaxation of the muscle that keeps stomach contents from moving up into the throat — the hallmark of GERD (25Trusted Source).

Since coffee can have major effects on digestive function, you may want to cut back on the amount you drink or switch to tea if you experience any issues.

Summary: Although small
to moderate amounts of coffee can improve gut motility, larger dosages may lead
to loose stools or GERD. Reducing your coffee intake or switching to tea may be

beneficial. 

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Stress: The Silent Killer

Stress is a normal reaction that comes from our evolutionary past. The so-called "fight or flight" reaction served our ancestors well, but in our times it is triggered too often by emotions, simple problems, and situations that pose no threat. The grinding pace of modern life streams with repeated "stressors" that build up. Our body reacts to the stress as it distracts our minds and affects our health for the worse. We know when we are "stressed-out," and it's a loud and clear message — we're slowly killing ourselves.

Stress is the body and mind's reaction to new situations and problems. The body turns up the metabolism with a burst of energy and then braces to react. The mind becomes focused and vigilant. If there is danger it is a good thing; if there is no danger the result is unnecessary wear-and-tear. The damage is both psychological and physical when the body's reactions don't match the situation.

During stress the nervous system reacts with chemical releases, hormones prepare the brain for action as it draws more oxygen, muscles tighten, the heart beats harder, and breathing accelerates. The body also suppresses the immune, excretory, and reproductive systems, and it's all to prepare for action.

A return to a normal state is drawn out when stress becomes routine, for example, with job and family problems. Recurring and overlapping difficult events can easily become chronic stress. Normal function does not return easily and in time health deteriorates.

Constant stress takes its toll with headaches, sleeping problems, and back and stomach pain — if you're lucky. Over a lifetime, it can cause debilitating and life threatening disease. Existing conditions worsen as the immune system weakens. Mood disorders become more common and daily living suffers.

Anxiety, lack of motivation, anger problems, depression, and anti-social behavior can become problematic. Using drugs, alcohol, and tobacco is a poor way to cope, and they more often add to the stress. The downward spiral begins to destroy personal and work relationships, and as long-term stress progresses it physically manifests as disease. The most common result, as research shows, is high blood pressure that leads to heart disease over time.

When stress seems overwhelming or unmanageable, there are solutions. If stress is dominating your lifestyle, it's time to reach out.

Nurturing and maintaining social contacts can help you cope. Family relationships give outlet to frustrating life dilemmas, and friends can also be a source of support. Also, church and community organizations can be a path to insight and relief. Paying attention to good health helps the body's resilience, and maintaining mental hygiene makes stress episodes shorter lived.

Exercise and meditation have proven to be good stress reducers as well. Incorporating more physical activity in daily living can be as simple as taking walks. Regular meditation can settle the mind and help you remain calm in situations that usually cause a lot of stress.

Emotional maturity is about knowing yourself and how you should react to stress. We all have to take on some stress; it's important to know when to avoid a bad situation. In other words, if you see a train coming, get off the tracks! Take the first step and focus on examining what the sources of your stress are. Sometimes you need to change (or end) bad relationships or situations.

How you internalize and view personal stress has consequences, and your perception of any situation creates positive and negative emotions. Stress can be completely in the mind, but most likely it's a combination of environment and perception. Knowing what you can change and what stress is appropriate can help keep your life in your hands.

  

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How High Intake Of Caffeine Causes Insomnia

Coffee and tea are incredibly healthy beverages.

Most types contain caffeine, a substance that may boost your mood, metabolism and mental and physical performance. Studies have also shown that it’s safe for most people when consumed in low-to-moderate amounts.

However, high doses of caffeine may have unpleasant and even dangerous side effects.

Research has shown that your genes have a major influence on your tolerance to it. Some can consume much more caffeine than others without experiencing negative effects (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).

What’s more, individuals who aren’t used to caffeine may experience symptoms after consuming what is typically considered a moderate dose (4Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).

Caffeine’s ability to help people stay awake is one of its most prized qualities.

On the other hand, too much caffeine can make it difficult to get enough restorative sleep.

Studies have found that higher caffeine intake appears to increase the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. It may also decrease total sleeping time, especially in the elderly (13Trusted Source, 14Trusted Source).

By contrast, low or moderate amounts of caffeine don’t seem to affect sleep very much in people considered “good sleepers,” or even those with self-reported insomnia (15Trusted Source).

You may not realize that too much caffeine is interfering with your sleep if you underestimate the amount of caffeine you’re taking in.

Although coffee and tea are the most concentrated sources of caffeine, it is also found in soda, cocoa, energy drinks and several types of medication.

For example, an energy shot may contain up to 350 mg of caffeine, while some energy drinks provide as much as a whopping 500 mg per can (16Trusted Source).

Importantly, the amount of caffeine you can consume without affecting your sleep will depend on your genetics and other factors.

In addition, caffeine consumed later in the day may interfere with sleep because its effects can take several hours to wear off.

Research has shown that while caffeine remains in your system for an average of five hours, the time period may range from one and a half hours to nine hours, depending on the individual (17Trusted Source).

One study investigated how the timing of caffeine ingestion affects sleep. Researchers gave 12 healthy adults 400 mg of caffeine either six hours before bedtime, three hours before bedtime or immediately prior to bedtime.

Both the time it took all three groups to fall asleep and the time they spent awake at night increased significantly (18Trusted Source).

These results suggest that it’s important to pay attention to both the amount and timing of caffeine to optimize your sleep.

Summary: Caffeine can
help you stay awake during the day, but it may negatively impact your sleep
quality and quantity. Cut off your caffeine consumption by the early afternoon

to avoid sleeping problems. 

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How High Intake Of Caffeine Causes Anxiety

Coffee and tea are incredibly healthy beverages.

Most types contain caffeine, a substance that may boost your mood, metabolism and mental and physical performance. Studies have also shown that it’s safe for most people when consumed in low-to-moderate amounts.

However, high doses of caffeine may have unpleasant and even dangerous side effects.

Research has shown that your genes have a major influence on your tolerance to it. Some can consume much more caffeine than others without experiencing negative effects (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).

What’s more, individuals who aren’t used to caffeine may experience symptoms after consuming what is typically considered a moderate dose (4Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).

Caffeine is known to increase alertness.

It works by blocking the effects of adenosine, a brain chemical that makes you feel tired. At the same time, it triggers the release of adrenaline, the “fight-or-flight” hormone associated with increased energy (8Trusted Source).

However, at higher doses, these effects may become more pronounced, leading to anxiety and nervousness.

In fact, caffeine-induced anxiety disorder is one of four caffeine-related syndromes listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is published by the American Psychiatric Association.

Extremely high daily intakes of 1,000 mg or more per day have been reported to cause nervousness, jitteriness and similar symptoms in most people, whereas even a moderate intake may lead to similar effects in caffeine-sensitive individuals (9, 10Trusted Source).

Additionally, modest doses have been shown to cause rapid breathing and increase stress levels when consumed in one sitting (11Trusted Source, 12Trusted Source).

One study in 25 healthy men found that those who ingested approximately 300 mg of caffeine experienced more than double the stress of those who took a placebo.

Interestingly, stress levels were similar between regular and less frequent caffeine consumers, suggesting the compound may have the same effect on stress levels regardless of whether you drink it habitually (12Trusted Source).

Nevertheless, these results are preliminary.

Coffee’s caffeine content is highly variable. For reference, a large (“grande”) coffee at Starbucks contains about 330 mg of caffeine.

If you notice that you often feel nervous or jittery, it might be a good idea to look at your caffeine intake and cut it back.

Summary: Although
low-to-moderate doses of caffeine can increase alertness, larger amounts may
lead to anxiety or edginess. Monitor your own response in order to determine

how much you can tolerate. 

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