Negative Effects of Caffeine on health
What are the effects of caffeine on health? That is whether they have positive effects on health or negative, is still a question of debate. Though we know that it makes one feel less sleepy and more alert, we can't deny the fact that this all is temporary. If a person consumes caffeinated beverages or coffee for a whole day he might end up his day feeling tired. Thus there are many negative effects of caffeine on health. Here we are going to understand some of the negative effects of caffeine on health.
Negative effect of Caffeine on Hormones
The effects of caffeine on the health can be felt within a few minutes after the consumption. Caffeine can have negative effects on following hormones:
- Adrenaline: By inserting adrenaline into the system, caffeine gives you a temporary boost. But later you may feel depressed and fatigued.
- Adenosine: Caffeine slows down the absorption of adenosine, which calms the body making you feel alert for a short span of time. But later you may face sleeping problems.
- Dopamine: Caffeine increases the level of dopamine in the system making you feel good for some time after taking it. But once it wears off you may feel low.
- Cortisol: Caffeine increases the level of cortisol in the body, which can lead to many consequences like diabetes, heart disease etc.
These were the effects of the caffeine on hormones. These changes in the hormones can have many other negative consequences. Now we will see health problems caused due to caffeine.
Cardiovascular Problems caused by Caffeine
By increasing heart rate and blood pressure caffeine contributes to the development of heart disease. Consumption of coffee increases cholesterol, which further increases the risk of heart attack.
Gastrointestinal Problems caused by Caffeine
Drinking coffee increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid, which can lead to formation of ulcers. Due to this you can feel a burning sensation in your stomach. High consumption of coffee may also result into gas troubles.
Male and Female Health Problems caused by Caffeine
By eliminating coffee or caffeine beverages men can considerably reduce their risk for urinary and prostate problems. Pregnant women have a risk of miscarriage if the consumption of coffee is high. Other problems like breast diseases, menopausal problems and infertility problems are aggravated by consumption of caffeine. Caffeine can easily pass into breast milk, which may affect the nursing child by causing irritability or sleepiness.
Nutritional Deficiencies caused by Caffeine
Caffeine causes urinary excretion of magnesium, iron, calcium, minerals and potassium. It also slows down the absorption of some nutrients. All these elements are essential for maintaining a good health.
Caffeine can cause Blood Sugar Swings
Diabetes patients should avoid the consumption of coffee or caffeine beverages. Caffeine stimulates a temporary flow in blood sugar, which is then followed by an overproduction of insulin that can cause a blood sugar crash very quickly.
Caffeine can cause Sleeping problems
Many people take coffee if they want to work the whole night. Consumption of coffee may reduce your sleep but leaving you tired after some time. Later even if you want to sleep you will not get a sleep.
Caffeine can cause Emotional Disturbances
Caffeine decreases the flow of blood to the brain thereby affecting the memory and mental performance. The mood disturbances associated with caffeine consumption include anxiety, irritability, stress and depression.
Caffeine can cause Adrenal Exhaustion
Consumption of coffee or caffeine beverages can lead to adrenal exhaustion. Because of this you can become prone to the health problems associated with fatigue or inflammation.
These were some of the negative effects of caffeine on health. Beside these, one more negative effect of caffeine is that it is mildly addictive. Some people who consume caffeine regularly can't leave a day without it. They can suffer from headaches or excessive sleepiness.
