How Much Caffeine Is Too Much Caffeine?

Caffeine can give you an energy boost and help improve athletic performance. It’s why some people in Totowa, NJ, drink coffee before they exercise. A cup of coffee can help, but sometimes people go further, taking caffeine pills or powders that may have too much caffeine for their bodies to process correctly. It can cause jitters, an accelerated heart rate, dehydration, and other problems that interfere with the session and detract. Whether it’s coffee, energy drinks, or OTC caffeine products, there’s a point when the amount of caffeine you use crosses the line and becomes dangerous.

At what point does caffeine become dangerous?

Most people can drink four cups without consequences. That’s about 400 milligrams of caffeine a day. If you’re consuming energy drinks, it’s one 16-oz can. Two energy shots and ten cans of cola also contain about 400 milligrams of caffeine. Always read the label and stay under the safe daily amount. Don’t even consider caffeine powder. One teaspoon is the same as drinking 28 cups of coffee, so 1/7th of a teaspoon would be the limit. It’s so concentrated that it’s easy to take too much.

The amount individuals can tolerate varies.

Not everyone can tolerate caffeine. Just like any other type of food product, some people are more sensitive to negative effects than others. While 400 milligrams won’t affect the average person, some people will have side effects drinking just half a cup, while others may guzzle a pot of coffee with no side effects. Lactating or pregnant women should reduce the amount dramatically. If you’re taking ephedrine that’s used in decongestants, it can increase your blood pressure, cause heart attack, stroke, or seizure. Avoid it if taking echinacea or theophylline. Always check with your healthcare professional

Caffeine’s effect on the brain causes it to improve athletic functioning.

Caffeine is a stimulant, which is why it boosts your athletic performance. It blocks the neurotransmitter adenosine in the brain. When it blocks adenosine, dopamine, and norepinephrine increase, causing neurons to fire. That can improve brain functioning, cause an improvement in athletic performance, and increase the burning of fat. Caffeine may boost long-term memory and help relieve headaches. It’s why it’s in many OTC painkillers.

• Some studies show that the caffeine in coffee may help protect the brain from dementia and Alzheimer’s Studies also show that coffee may protect from cardiovascular disease.
• Besides feeling jittery, caffeine can lead to stomach issues and diarrhea. It’s a diuretic, so it can cause frequent urination and could lead to dehydration. Caffeine abuse can lead to heart issues. High amounts can cause tachycardia and seizures.
• If you can’t tolerate coffee or for a change of pace, consider green tea. It offers caffeine but also has phytochemicals that prevent the jittery feeling. It’s also loaded with antioxidants and has half the caffeine as coffee.
• Caffeine is addictive and withdrawal can cause many symptoms. They include dizziness, brain fog, and headaches. Don’t take ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin for headaches. They contain caffeine.

For more information, contact us today at Prime Fitness Studio