The Doctor Is In...
Your Morning Drink May Do More Than You Think 

Many people enjoy a steaming cup of coffee, a soothing cup of tea or an ice-cold cola each day. Yet for some people, the amount of caffeine consumed in these products can lead to caffeine sensitivity or even addiction.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies caffeine as safe. While its consumption in moderation generally has no effect on most people, it can have many effects on the body. It’s a stimulant and it speeds up your central nervous system, giving you a temporary energy boost and making you feel more alert.

However, it also increases your heart rate, raises your blood pressure and acts as a diuretic, causing dehydration and frequent urination.

For those who are sensitive to caffeine, as little as one caffeinated beverage or food can cause such symptoms as excitement, irritability, jitteriness and tension. Consuming excess amounts of caffeine can cause abnormal heart rhythms, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, stomach upset, restlessness and tremors. People who are smaller than average size, under stress or who do not consume caffeinated foods and beverages regularly may experience these negative side effects more quickly than those who are larger than average, more relaxed or indulge in caffeinated beverages regularly.

Other factors that impact your response to caffeine include your age, whether or not you smoke, your use of other medications or supplements, if you have certain health conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, anxiety disorders) or if you are pregnant or nursing.

Although consuming as many as 32 ounces of a caffeinated beverage per day will not negatively affect most people, it could lead to addiction. Like any other drug, if you quit caffeine suddenly, you may experience symptoms of withdrawal like fatigue, headaches, mood swings or nervousness.
If you’re thinking about reducing your caffeine intake, you may want to consider these tips: