Caffeine Diet and Side Effects

Caffeine in Diet

Caffeine is the bitter psychoactive substance that is found in coffee, tea, chocolate, certain soft drinks and energy drinks. It is most commonly extracted from the leaves of tea bushes, the cherries of the coffee plant and the kola nut, among a few other sources. Caffeine has the ability to stimulate the nervous system by altering brain function thus bringing about positive changes in mood, perception, behavior and consciousness. It can temporarily keep drowsiness and fatigue at bay and restores alertness thus becoming one of the most widely used stimulants. Aside from giving the body an instant boost of energy, it increases the heart rate, respiratory rate, blood flow and metabolic rate of the body.

Weight loss, being one of the most highly prioritized activities of people over the world, caffeine has been of a great advantage. Being a standard component of a number of weight loss supplements, it is commonly believed that caffeine enhances metabolism of fat and increases weight loss. Caffeine, however, acts as a diuretic and therefore water weight is lost from the body and not fat. Sometimes, caffeine suppresses appetite thus reducing the intake of food. Another popular myth is that caffeine eliminates the need for sleep. Caffeine only reduces the sleep sensation for a certain amount of time. Mild amounts of caffeine are enough for people to experience lower levels of fatigue while experiencing increased levels of alertness and arousal. It thus helps in improving the capacity to work and think clearly. Caffeine also acts as a painkiller and helps in the reduction of headaches when consumed in moderation.

Side Effects of Caffeine

Caffeine does, however, have side effects when consumed in excess. It has a tendency to cause restlessness, insomnia, dizziness, irritability, anxiety, headaches, nausea and irregular heartbeats. In some cases, it may result in dehydration, blurred vision, High blood pressure, breathing difficulties, increased urine production, diarrhea and muscular tremors. Due to its ability to increase acids in the stomach, it can lead to gastric disorders and peptic ulcers. The consumption of caffeine, during pregnancy, could result in damage to the fetus. In young children, caffeine is believed to inhibit growth and adversely affect the calcium in the bones. People used to large amounts of caffeine and are trying to cut down on their caffeine intake, should do so gradually as a sudden abstinence can result in withdrawal symptoms like severe headaches, irritability, anxiety, restlessness, stiff muscles and chills or hot spells.