Caffeine is the most widely used stimulant in the world. It is present in significant amounts in coffee and tea and is also an ingredient in some soft drinks. Coffee can sometimes contain a few hundred milligrams of caffeine per cup while tea contains half this amount.
In small to moderate amounts, caffeine can promote wakefulness, improve co-ordination, increase productivity, However, excessive consumption of caffeine can produce symptoms which we associate with stress – rapid heart rate, nervousness, irritability, headaches, burning in the stomach and the sensation of feeling “hyped”. This can also be a trigger for anxiety related disorders, be careful to assess your tolerance, and consult your doctor or healthcare provider before consuming caffeine.
Just ONE CUP of coffee a day may bring about above-mentioned symptoms in susceptible individuals with a low tolerance to caffeine, 6 or more cups in one day will produce such symptoms in anyone!
Special caution is to be exercised if you presently consume substantial amounts of caffeine on a regular basis, it is advisable to decrease your daily intake gradually. Abrupt withdrawal of caffeine from your diet may cause headaches, irritability, and other unpleasant symptoms.
When consuming caffeine, the best way to start is slow, far better than dealing with the effects of consuming too much caffeine! Ask yourself the basic questions – if I consume 1 cup of coffee, can I go to sleep after? If you have an espresso, how energised do you feel? These questions should give you a better understanding of your own unique tolerance to caffeine, which can vary from person to person. For most people, 1-2 cups per day is sufficient, the key is to avoid overconsumption.
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