For years there have been many myths surrounding the effects of caffeine. There still are many myths, so it is important to know the facts. While it is true that caffeine is a mild stimulant, it is pure falsehood that people get addicted to it the way they do hard drugs. It just doesn’t happen. There may be short term effects if you are used to drinking a lot of coffee or cola, but they are mild and soon dissipate. The symptoms are headache, fatigue, anxiety, irritability and difficulty concentrating. These effects can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, however they are no where near the magnitude of symptoms seen in withdrawal from hard drugs. For that reason, experts do not consider caffeine to be an addiction.
Caffeine does not cause insomnia. Most people drink coffee primarily in the morning. Within 8 hours, the caffeine is out of the system. Drinking caffeine late in the day can cause interference in the sleep schedule but normally only if you consume it within 6 hours of trying to sleep.
Caffeine does not cause hypertension. A slight increase in blood pressure may be seen, but hypertension is a metabolic condition and is not “caused” by caffeine. There is some truth however, to the belief that there is link between caffeine and hip fractures. Older adults, particularly females, may be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine.
Caffeine has not been linked in any studies to higher cholesterol, an increased risk of heart disease or irregular heartbeats. It has also been proven that there is no link between cancer and caffeine. In fact, some studies indicate that caffeine may help protect against certain cancers.
Caffeine and pregnancy facts: Low consumption of caffeine does not affect conceiving a child, birth defect rates, premature births or low birth rate. However, excessive caffeine use can delay a woman from becoming pregnant and also has a potential for increased miscarriage. It is recommended that pregnant women consume no more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day.
Caffeine does not cause dehydration. It can act as a mild diuretic, but it does not cause dehydration. The fluids you lose in increased urination are offset by the amount of liquid you drink to consume the caffeine. This is another area in which caffeine has been misrepresented.
Does caffeine harm children? Well, yes and no. Overall, it is not a good idea for children to consume too much caffeine, and that would come from soft drinks and energy drinks. Children can be more sensitive to caffeine than adults.
Caffeine does not sober anyone up. It only makes for a more alert drunk. Reaction time and judgment are still impaired no matter how much coffee they have had. While it is not being boasted as a wonder drug, there are some studies which indicate that for some, caffeine may be beneficial. Caffeine decreases histamines which can help allergy sufferers. Asthma episodes in some cases have reduced severity when caffeine is consumed. There is also limited evidence that caffeine may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, type II diabetes, liver disease and Parkinson’s disease.
