Caffeine and Your Health

For the millions of people that rely on a cup of coffee or the jolt of an energy drink to get you going, caffeine seems like a gift from the gods. However, doctors and researchers are still not quite sure about the effects of caffeine on your health because it has both positive and negative effects on your body.

First, let's look at how caffeine interferes with your body's hormones. It inhibits adenosine, which calms the body. This is what makes you feel alert. Next, it causes the production of adrenaline, which is what makes you feel slightly jittery and full of energy. It also ups the level of dopamine, which is the “happy” hormone. It can also increase the cortisol, or “stress” hormone in your body. Also, other negative effects include depression, insomnia, and weight gain due to hormonal imbalances.

For women, there are several ways in which caffeine can affect your system specifically. There have been some preliminary studies linking caffeine intake to fibrocystic breast conditions. For women who are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, doctors recommend limiting their caffeine consumption. Caffeine can disrupt your fertility, or if you are already pregnant, it can be passed along to your baby and cause it to have an elevated heart rate.

While caffeine does have some beneficial effects, you should also watch your intake of the substance so that you do not develop health problems stemming from the hormonal changes caused by caffeine. Most doctors agree that caffeine is fine in moderation, so keep this in mind next time you reach for a cup of joe.

Contact Us

Staying healthy is an important balance of eating right, exercising, and maintaining mental and social wellness. For more interesting information regarding these topics, check out the Health Directory today.