The Hidden Dangers of Caffeine

We often hear and read about the caffeine in a number of common drinks and foods. However, if used excessively they may lead to collateral damage both in adult and children.

Caffeine exists in more than 60 species of plants and, caffeine is stimulant substance normally present in coffee, tea, soft drinks and chocolate, energy drinks are also available in some medicines. Caffeine is the alkaloid substance, and there are articles and several vehicles are classified under the list of semi-alkali, including Methylxanthines, which consists of three vehicles: Theophylline, Caffeine, Theobromine, which is located in coffee, tea and other plants. These compounds have a biological effect and different chemistry in different proportions. In spite of that these compounds are similar but different only in terms of containing the methyl group (methylCH3), but oxidized easily and turn into uric acid and other acids which are similar in chemical composition. Caffeine and its breakdown products have number of effects on the body. First, they disrupt the normal function of adenosine receptors, biochemical control switches found throughout the brain, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract cardiovascular system and respiratory system. Caffeine can trigger a classic fight-or-flight which is a condition response to gave us increased strength, stamina, and speed when we need it. For example, when we consume caffeine the air ways dilate to increase availability of oxygen, the liver releases sugars and fat into the blood to fuel the survival effort. The heart rate and blood pressure increase to supply fuel to muscles and circulation reduced in digestive system to make more blood available to muscles. As a result, caffeine physiologically causes the fight or flight mechanism (1 Stephen 57-58).

The amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee from 100-120mg, per 6-oz cup. and a cup of regular tea 50-80mg, per 6-oz and a cup of green tea 35mg, per 6-oz cup and a bottle of cola 64 mg, and a piece of chocolate weighing 50 grams 50 mg, even headache medications contain caffeine and some contain from 30 to 65 mg per tablet. When we consume coffee, light or mixed with milk or the most we mix with something the least amount of caffeine, and less the amount of beverage made of cola and energy we use the less caffeine ends up in our bodies; therefore we must not exceed the consumption of caffeine beverages more than 2 cups daily (1Stephen 34-35).

Caffeine side symptoms include: “rapid and irregular heart beat, insomnia, nervousness, irritability, tremors, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased dieresis.