Sometimes it’s difficult to get moving in the morning. Gloomy days and not enough sleep can leave us feeling exhausted. And sure, we all love that cup of coffee that helps kick start our mornings. Even though studies have shown that a cup of coffee can actually reduce our risk of developing Alzheimer's and other cognitive diseases. Do we really need that second, third, or even a fourth cup?
As much as our bodies crave caffeine for more energy and focus, too much can have adverse effects on our mind and body. Excess caffeine intake can induce anxious responses, along with a variety of other health concerns.
When we drink too much caffeine, it makes us feel more on edge and anxious, sending our bodies into fight or flight mode which increases our levels of cortisol. So, how much is too much? And what does it do to our nervous system? Keep reading to find out.
How Much is Too Much?
According to the FDA, you shouldn’t consume more than 400 milligrams of caffeine in a day. That’s about the equivalent of 4 cups of coffee. Popular sodas, teas, and chocolate contain caffeine also. Always make sure to read the label to see how much caffeine is in your food and beverages.
Although 4 cups of coffee is the recommended maximum, some people are more susceptible to caffeine and will experience side effects from just one cup of coffee or one soda. The FDA shows that those who are on certain medications can feel enhanced side effects of caffeine. So, while keeping in mind the healthy caffeine intake limit, overall, listen to your body.
Side Effects of Excess Caffeine
As we now know, everyone’s bodies respond differently to caffeine. Here are the common side effects associated with having too much caffeine in our system:
- Jitters
- Quickened heart rate
- Faster breathing
- Nausea
- Inability to sleep
- Nervousness and anxiety
- Headaches
- Dehydration*
*Did you know you need 8 ounces of water to make up for one cup of coffee? That’s in addition to how much water intake you should typically get in a day. Dehydration poses even more side effects, such as dizziness and confusion.
What Caffeine Does to Our Nervous System
So, how does caffeine affect our nervous system? Well, caffeine acts as a stimulant. It blocks chemicals called adenosine, which are released in your brain to make you feel sleepy. When caffeine blocks those chemicals, we experience mental alertness and increased energy. However, the alertness is typically followed by a “caffeine crash,” which occurs when the blood vessels in your brain go through caffeine withdrawal, leaving you feeling tired and irritable.
Xen May Help
Xen by Neuvana may reduce negative cravings and help you get more quality sleep, making you feel more rested and not needing the extra caffeine. Have you ordered yours yet? Tune in to wellness and become more mindful of your body and mind in the process.
Other Neuvana related blogs:
-https://neuvanalife.com/i-cant-sleep/-https://neuvanalife.com/sleep-well-while-you-travel/
