How Much Caffeine is Too Much?

For some people it is a problem when they do not get enough caffeine. But, for any person there are problems that can result from having too much caffeine, signs of high blood pressure, for example. Many people will joke with their families or coworkers early in the morning about being grouchy or grumpy because they have not had their morning dose of caffeine.

However, there are real reasons why a person may not feel at their best if they have not had caffeine. For one thing caffeine is a relatively addicting substance. That means that any person who regularly ingests caffeine whether through a cup of coffee or a soft drink on a daily basis actually can develop a form of reliance on it. If they were to suddenly stop taking in the amounts of caffeine their body was used to they would experience somewhat uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal.

It can sound funny, but for the person who is lacking that usual double shot of espresso on the way to work it is anything but pleasant. Caffeine withdrawal can cause headaches and a host of other symptoms. Usually, the higher a person's intake the greater their symptoms would be after they go without caffeine for a period of time. It may not be that a person who drinks one cup of coffee a day will experience any intense withdrawal symptoms.

But, if a person is used to three or more serving of coffee each day, it could be very difficult to go without it suddenly without feeling very uncomfortable. If that person was trying to cut caffeine out it was probably because they were trying to avoid the ill effects of consuming too much caffeine. There is really no exact amount of caffeine that is too much since the effects of the substance are relative to how a person's body metabolizes it.

For example, an individual with a large, heavy set frame probably can consume a greater quantity of caffeine than a smaller person with a slender frame. It may not necessarily be healthier for them. However, they would be less likely to feel the effects typical when a person takes in too much caffeine. These effects can range from heart palpitations to headaches to sleeplessness and feeling jittery.

Managing Caffeine Intake

There is really no one way to manage just how much caffeine is too much for you based upon what seems to be right for other people. In other words, another person may have no sensitivity to it and regularly drinks three large cups of coffee each morning followed by a few caffeine loaded diet drinks in the afternoon. They may have no trouble getting to sleep at night whereas a person with caffeine sensitivity may only need that one cup in the morning to make them feel somewhat anxious later in the day.

A good rule to follow is to discuss things with your doctor. Too much caffeine can show up in higher blood pressure or more difficulty sleeping than not. The amount that is too much for you may be perfectly within another person's range of tolerating. That may not mean it is healthy for them, however.

Some caffeine can help an individual feel better. In fact, sometimes caffeine can help eradicate a headache more so than bring one on. But, there are instances where too much caffeine is too much. When it has more disadvantages for your health than advantages, this is likely the case. If your blood pressure is already in a high range, your doctor may want you to wean yourself off of it to reduce the risk of a heart attack.

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