This is a guest post. All views contained herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Western Washington Medical Group.
Coffee is now one of the most popular beverages in the U.S., and 80-90 percent of adults drink at least one cup a day. For some, it is merely a part of social interaction, while others drink it for the taste, and still others drink it to get an energy boost.
Either way, there are many effects that coffee can have on personal health, though many of these are unknown to coffee drinkers. Below, we explain some of the health implications of this very popular beverage.
Coffee’s Effects on the Brain
Caffeine creates feelings of pleasantness, relaxation, and positivity because it allows dopamine (a naturally occurring neurochemical) to flow more freely in the brain. It can relieve headaches and also make coffee drinkers feel more alert, clear headed, and energetic within half an hour of consuming it.
But withdrawal from caffeine can cause symptoms including headaches, fatigue, irritability and moodiness. Consuming one cup of coffee a day is enough to cause withdrawal symptoms when you don’t drink it, and withdrawal effects can last up to ten days.
Effects on the Body
A 2005 study suggested that coffee is the number one source of antioxidants in America and can help protect cells from aging or damage. Antioxidants from coffee and tea specifically may help reduce the oxidation of fats, which in turn promotes heart and body health.
While the medical community disagrees, studies have suggested that coffee consumption can significantly decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes, lower the risk of heart disease or dysfunction, and help prevent certain types of cancer. The medical community does not consider these studies conclusive proof; instead, they merely provide direction for future researchers to pursue.
Drinking Coffee During Pregnancy
Caffeine consumption during pregnancy can have negative effects, since even moderate daily caffeine consumption (200 mg) is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage during pregnancy. This could be due to caffeine reducing placental blood flow and influencing cell development.
Decaffeinated coffee can be safely consumed during pregnancy, providing nearly all of the same health benefits as regular coffee.
How Much Coffee is Too Much?
Drinking more than 4 cups of coffee a day over a long period of time can have adverse effects on the central nervous system. This creates a condition known as caffeinism, which produces symptoms such as:
- headaches
- lightheadedness
- anxiety
- agitation
- trembling or shaking
- tingling around the mouth
- tingling in the arms, legs, hands or feet
- confusion, and
- possibly even seizures.
If you’re having any of these symptoms due to drinking too much coffee, reduce your daily caffeine intake and drink plenty of water to avoid being dehydrated. If you’re having severe symptoms, make an appointment with your primary care provider for guidance on how to safely reduce your coffee intake.
Moderation is Key
There are many possible health benefits to drinking coffee, but there are also areas requiring caution. If you choose to drink coffee, moderation is key, because excessive consumption is the main cause of nearly all the negative health effects cited above.
If you have questions about the effects coffee may be having on your health, request an appointment with one of our primary care providers to discuss your concerns and get guidance on treatment options.