Regulating the Caffeinated Train

Though it’s a common way to temporarily boost energy levels, caffeine has also been shown to amplify feelings of stress and elevate sugar levels amongst other effects.  Most adults can tolerate 300 to 500 milligrams of caffeine (a six-to-eight-ounce cup of coffee can contain 95 to 200 milligrams).  Consume more than 600 milligrams and you may experience nausea, jitteriness, or a rapid heartbeat; extremely high intake can lead to a dangerous spike in blood pressure.  Children should avoid significant amounts of caffeine, whether in sodas or energy drinks.  The effects on growing bodies are uncertain from the long term consumption of caffeine, however it has been linked to sleep deprivation- and most kids need more shut-eye, not less.

The bottom line; Enjoy your cup of Joe- Not everyone needs to stop drinking caffeine!  Everyone makes choices about the risks they accept in life, whether it’s riding a motorcycle, eat too much ice cream, or living a high-stress lifestyle.  You can decide whether the possible risks of caffeine outweigh the benefits.  For all drugs, there are great variations in how each person tolerates caffeine.  But if people do have stress-related health problems and they are coffee drinkers, not drinking coffee is a simple thing they can try to better their health.  It doesn’t cost anything, and after about a week of withdrawal, it doesn’t have any side effects.  In fact, you’ll probably feel better without it.