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For many Americans, no morning routine is complete without a cup of joe.of National Coffee Association According to reports, the average American drinks just over three cups every day. Some people also choose to consume caffeine through energy drinks or caffeine pills.
Although tolerance varies from person to person, there is a limit to the amount of caffeine that can be taken into the body. Shaky fingers and a rapid heartbeat are common signs of overdosing on caffeine. In rare cases, too much caffeine can cause a condition called caffeine intoxication or caffeine overdose.
Caffeine poisoning occurs when there are dangerously high levels of caffeine in the body. It causes a variety of unpleasant and serious symptoms, including difficulty breathing and seizures. There are some cases, a person died From caffeine addiction.
Although rare, caffeine poisoning is always a possibility if you drink irresponsibly. Being aware of the signs and factors that increase your risk of consuming too much caffeine can help you avoid consuming too much caffeine in the first place.
Caffeine addiction is more than a headache from drinking too much espresso. It occurs when you consume excessive amounts of caffeine.of US Food and Drug Administration This limit is defined as a daily caffeine intake of more than 400 milligrams for a healthy adult. This is equivalent to 4-5 cups of coffee.
Ingesting just over 400 milligrams of caffeine is enough to kill or permanently disable someone, says Erin Palinsky Wade, a registered dietitian at EKP Nutrition Communications in New Jersey. He said it was not. The average adult probably feels anxious and irritable. The more harmful effects of caffeine intoxication are manifested when the following symptoms are present: 1,200 milligramsTheir system makes about 12 cups of coffee.
Oleg Breslavtsev/Moment RF/Getty Images
Your morning cup of coffee may have a different effect on you than it does on your friend.
Caffeine addiction has a variety of serious negative effects on the body.
Nima Majlesi, director of medical toxicology at Staten Island University Hospital, said caffeine’s stimulant effects can disrupt normal heart rhythms, causing abnormal heartbeats and cardiac arrest. Additionally, Palinsky-Wade said, people who consume too much caffeine can experience gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Because coffee increases urinary output, people with severe caffeine overconsumption are at risk of excreting essential minerals, Majlesi said. especially potassium.potassium levels are low or hypokalemiacan damage muscles to the point that paralysis can occur, cause breathing difficulties due to weakened respiratory muscles, and can interfere with kidney function.
Many of the symptoms of caffeine addiction are also neurological. documented case Anxiety, hallucinations, migraines, brain swelling, and seizures have been reported.
Although extremely rare, caffeine addiction can be fatal. Most caffeine-related accidental deaths are related to caffeine intake. Multiple high dose caffeine tablets. Caffeine tablets are not regulated by the FDA, so their dosage varies by brand.
Palinsky-Wade said most caffeine tablets contain about 300 milligrams, so taking a second pill would already exceed the recommended caffeine intake of 400 milligrams. “Like any supplement, caffeine tablets should be used with caution,” she added. “I would also talk to your health care provider, as tablets are absorbed quickly by the body and depending on the amount, can increase the risk of further side effects.”
Dr. Majlesi says if you experience a few heart palpitations and suspect you have caffeine intoxication, go to the emergency room right away.He explained that doctors can use hemodialysis Filters caffeine out of the blood. Majlesi added that doctors can also administer caffeine if a person has ingested large amounts within one to two hours. activated carbonbinds to caffeine and prevents its absorption in the intestines.
Doctors also give drugs to stabilize patients and treat severe symptoms. For example, Majlesi said beta-blockers and benzodiazepines are often prescribed to treat neurological problems such as hallucinations and seizures.
Both Majlesi and Palinski-Wade advised monitoring how much caffeine you’re consuming each day. Coffee is a common source of caffeine, but products such as soda, green tea, and cocoa can also increase your caffeine intake.
Majlesi warned against energy drinks and caffeine powders due to their high levels of caffeine. Both products are supplements and may also contain large amounts of sugar and other stimulants such as guarana.
Palinsky-Wade advised drinking water throughout the day once you decide on a caffeinated beverage. Caffeine is a diuretic, so staying hydrated can help replenish water-soluble vitamins.
Palinsky-Wade says putting food in your stomach, especially one rich in protein and fiber, can also help your body absorb caffeine for a longer period of time. “There may be fewer side effects than if taken on an empty stomach,” she added.
Overall, caffeine addiction is preventable. The most important thing is to listen to your body and do what your body can tolerate, says Palinsky-Wade. So the next time you’re staring at an empty mug, take a moment to think about whether you really need another drink or whether you’d be better off taking a water break.
Jocelyn Solis Moreira is a freelance health science journalist based in New York.
