National Caffeine Awareness Month

Consuming too much caffeine may cause anxiety and affects the nervous system. Although not everyone gets the jitters when drinking too much caffeine, it is important to take conscious of how much caffeine you consume. The entire month of March is also observed to be aware of how much caffeine is consumed daily. Caffeine is beneficial for the dopamine that is produced in the brain and for regulating the glucose in the blood. It may prevent Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders.

Caffeine is a stimulant that stimulates the nervous system and may help with weight loss; Yet too much caffeine can be addictive, and it dehydrates the body. Some complain of insomnia, headaches, or anxiety disorder due to caffeine consumption. While others get nervous ticks and a feeling of hyperactivity with rapid heart palpitations. Alcohol mixed with caffeine is a bad combination to do because you lose your reasoning. Popular drinks such as cocktails and mudslides are loaded with caffeine, alcohol, and too much sugar.

Be cautious when drinking those popular drinks with alcohol and with caffeine. Limit your consumption if you are the driver since alcohol impairs the brain and your coordination. Energy drinks have too much caffeine and they should not be consumed if you have heart problems or a heart condition. On the other hand, consume tea and coffee in moderation. Drink decaffeinated tea or decaffeinated coffee a few hours before going to sleep.

Keep in mind that tea and coffee are diuretic drinks and dehydrate the body when it is consumed too much. Do not drink soda at night either because it keeps you awake and causes heart palpitations if you have a heart condition. There is no designated age for drinking caffeine but be aware that children’s digestive systems and metabolism are still developing. It is not recommended to drink coffee at an early age especially if they are not twelve years old. Yet it may seem traditional and a custom to do in some cultures to introduce them to coffee, but it is best to wait for them to turn twelve years old to drink a small cup of coffee with the family.

There is nothing wrong with drinking caffeine in the morning or the afternoon to wake you up. It is concerning to consume too much caffeine for staying awake late hours at night due to working on assignments or not wanting to sleep. Managing your time is necessary and controlling your stresses is important. Do not rely on stimulants to keep you awake during the day. Limit your caffeine consumption by drinking one regular coffee cup in the morning. 

Drink decaffeinated coffee for your second cup in the afternoon. You can do the same thing with your tea consumption. The best way is to drink plain coffee without adding sugar. Another way is to drink a cup of coffee with milk or another dairy substitute with no sugar. Drink your afternoon tea or coffee before three o'clock which doctors recommend. 

Alternate caffeinated and decaffeinated drinks for two weeks. Your brain and body adjust themselves to new drinking habits. Consume water after drinking caffeinated drinks so your body can dilute the caffeine. Another way is to drink half a cup of coffee or tea in the afternoon. Discuss with your primary doctor about limiting caffeine from your lifestyle. 

Also, your doctor can give you resources if you are addicted to caffeine. A caffeine addiction creates a slower release of dopamine from the brain. The brain makes dopamine which is a feel-good hormone. It is one hormone that makes you feel happier. This is temporary happiness combined with caffeine. 

Like any addiction, one must permit and admit that there is a problem. As well as seeking help without feeling shameful, fearful, and without family pressure. Addiction is a barrier that is created in the brain to avoid internal issues. Caffeine addiction can be handled with therapy and focusing on solving the issues. Here are website links about caffeine. 

 

Caffeine Content for Coffee, Tea, Soda, and More-Mayo Clinic:

Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more - Mayo Clinic

Is Caffeine Good for You? Pros and Cons, Nutrition Information, and More-Web MD:

Is Caffeine Good for You? Pros and Cons, Nutrition Information, and More (webmd.com)

Caffeine-Benefits, Risks, and Effects-Medical News Today:

Caffeine: Benefits, risks, and effects (medicalnewstoday.com)

Dangers of Mixing Alcohol with Caffeine and Energy Drinks-CDC:

Dangers of mixing alcohol with caffeine and energy drinks | CDC

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