If you are like most people, you wake up and rely on some form of caffeine. I normally drink coffee from home but today I was in a hurry and picked up a sparkling juice-type energy drink. It’s been a while since I’ve had an energy drink. I was surprised at how fast I got the jitters and was regretting my decision. Did you know that you can consume up to 400 milligrams (mg) of Caffeine a day. Every source is telling me from fda.gov and the mayo clinic to healthline.com That 400 mg of caffeine is about the amount of caffeine in 4 cups of brewed coffee, 10 cans of soda or 2 energy shots type drinks.
Although caffeine use is safe for adults, it’s not a good idea for children. Adolescents and teens need to be cautioned about excessive caffeine intake and mixing caffeine with alcohol and or other drugs. If you are pregnant and those who are breastfeeding need to limit their caffeine consumption to 200 mg daily or less.
Caffeine can cause side effects that are pretty terrible at times. Caffeine may not be a good choice for someone who is sensitive to its effects or take certain medications or have certain medical issues.
Caffeine can be scary and it can be very potent. Caffeine powder or in liquid form can provide toxic levels of caffeine. Just one teaspoon of powdered caffeine is equivalent to about 28 cups of coffee. Such high levels of caffeine use cause serious health problems and possibly death.
Should I Cut Back Caffeine?
If you are drinking 4 or more cups of coffee or the equivalent and you have side effects such as:
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Frequent urination or inability to control urination
- Fast heartbeat
- Muscle tremors
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I Feel Jittery After Only a Little Caffeine
Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. How you react to the effects may be determined by how much caffeine you’re used to drinking. People whu din’t regularly drink caffeine tend to be more sensitive to it’s effects.
Can’t Sleep Well?
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Caffeine in the afternoon can interfere with your sleep.
Small amounts of sleep loss ADD up and disturb your daytime alertness and performance.
If you are using caffeine as a pick-me-up to try and mask your sleep deprivation. You are in for a surprise. An endless cycle. For example, you drink caffeine to stay awake during the day. But the caffeine keeps you awake at night or restless sleep. Shortening the length of time and quality of sleep.
Caffeine + Medications + Supplements =
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Some medications and herbal supplements may interact with caffeine. Examples include:
- Ephedrin + Caffeine = might increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke or seizure.
- Theophylline + Caffeine = taking together may increase adverse effects of caffeine such as nausea and heart palpitations.
- Echinacea + Caffeine = Taking together may increase the concentration of caffeine in your blood and may increase caffeine’s unpleasant effects.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether caffeine might affect your medications.