There are a lot of people who like to drink coffee, ranging from teenagers to adults, men to women. However, caffeine addiction is not a good thing. According to Rachel Salas, M.D., a Professor in Neurology at John Hopkins Medicine, people think caffeine is only found in coffee or soda, whereas it can also be found in energy drink, tea, and chewing gum.
As quoted from the Fox News, Salas mentioned several signs indicating an addiction to caffeine.
- Pounding head when skipping a cup of coffee in the morning
Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, a substance that makes the blood vessels slightly narrower, thus can be an effective headache reliever. If you are used to drink coffee regularly, skipping it even only for a day, may cause a headache.
- Being irritable before taking caffeine drinks
Caffeine has a stimulant effect on central nerves. Dana Hunnes, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.D., senior dietician at UCLA Medical Center, stated that caffeine stimulates dopamine receptors in our brain, similar to cocaine and other certain drugs, but not to the same extent; and caffeine also stimulates adrenaline release.
- Cannot concentrate without caffeine
Caffeine gives your body a boost of adrenaline which can help you to stay alert and focused. If you are used to take caffeine every day, you may experience brain fog or difficulties in concentrating and completing tasks without taking it.
- Anxiety
High dose of caffeine can lead to an anxiety or edginess feeling to some people. Consuming too much caffeine may cause not only anxiety but also panic attacks in some people, especially those who are prone to mental health issues. It is better to lower your caffeine intake gradually.
Consuming caffeine actually has some heath benefit, but do not overdo it. Hunnes suggested not to drink more than two to three 8-ounce cups daily.
Text by Denistya Sagita
Stock photos from PicJumbo
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