Waking up and brewing a fresh pot of coffee is an essential part of lots of people’s morning routines. The caffeine boost that coffee provides is just the boost we need to start the day. And oftentimes we find ourselves becoming reliant on caffeine to function. Our team wants to discuss how much caffeine is too much and the nutritional health counseling services available at Wisniewski Chiropractic.
What is caffeine?
Caffeine is a natural stimulant that increases the activity of your brain and nervous system. It increases the circulation of chemicals and adrenaline in the body. If taken in proper amounts, caffeine can make you feel energized and focused. If consumed in large amounts, caffeine can cause you to feel anxious and cause difficulty sleeping. Caffeine can be found naturally in leaves, fruits and some plants.
Benefits of caffeine
Boost energy
A main and obvious benefit of caffeine is its ability to boost your energy levels. When consuming caffeine, you avoid drowsiness and regain focus. A less obvious benefit of caffeine is it can be linked to lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes over a long period of time.
Enhance athletic performance
Some athletes use coffee as a performance enhancer to gain energy to improve their performance. It’s been shown that when coffee is consumed before doing exercise that endurance is improved, and speed is also increased.
Help with weight management
Higher coffee consumption can help decrease fat storage and support gut health. When people drink at least two cups of coffee a day, people are more likely to achieve physical activity goals.
Cons of caffeine
Empty calories
Caffeinated beverages can be full of sugar and fat. Soda and energy drinks lack nutritional ingredients that are considered to be not worth drinking. When drinking coffee, sugary creamers are empty calories that lots of people use to add more flavor, but unfortunately, it’s also packed with empty calories.
Affects the head and heart
If caffeine is consumed in large quantities, blood pressure can be raised. Increased heart rate can also occur as well as withdrawal headaches.
Insomnia
Caffeine can help fight drowsiness, but it can also cause insomnia. If too much is consumed, then it can be difficult to fall asleep at night, which can lead to sleepiness during the day.
What is considered too much caffeine?
The recommended amount of caffeine per day is up to 400 milligrams. This amount is safe for most healthy adults and is equal to the amount of four cups of coffee or 10 cans of soda. An energy drink’s caffeine content varies and should be monitored. Children are cautioned not to consume caffeine. Young adults oftentimes are found mixing caffeine and alcohol, which can cause side effects.
Are you looking for nutritional health counseling near me?
Stay energized and healthy by booking an appointment with nutritional health counseling at Wisniewski Chiropractic in Omaha, NE. Contact us today to book your appointment.
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