Is caffeine really that bad for you?

Answer 1

Caffeine is a xanthine alkaloid compound that acts as a stimulant in humans. Caffeine is sometimes called guaranine when found in guarana, mateine when found in mate, and theine when found in tea. It is found in the leaves and beans of the coffee plant, in tea, yerba mate, and guarana berries, and in small quantities in cocoa, the kola nut and the Yaupon Holly. Overall, caffeine is found in the beans, leaves, and fruit of over 60 plants, where it acts as a natural pesticide that paralyzes and kills certain insects feeding upon them.

Caffeine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, having the effect of temporarily warding off drowsiness and restoring alertness. Beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soft drinks and energy drinks enjoy great popularity: caffeine is the world's most widely consumed psychoactive substance.

Humans have consumed caffeine since the Stone Age.Early peoples found that chewing the seeds, bark, or leaves of certain plants had the effects of easing fatigue, stimulating awareness, and elevating mood. Only much later was it found that the effect of caffeine was increased by steeping such plants in hot water. Many cultures have legends that attribute the discovery of such plants to people living many thousands of years ago.

Caffeine is a central nervous system and metabolic stimulant,and is used both recreationally and medically to reduce physical fatigue and restore mental alertness when unusual weakness or drowsiness occurs. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system first at the higher levels, resulting in increased alertness and wakefulness, faster and clearer flow of thought, increased focus, and better general body coordination, and later at the spinal cord level at higher doses. The precise amount of caffeine necessary to produce effects varies from person to person depending on body size and degree of tolerance to caffeine. It takes less than an hour for caffeine to begin affecting the body and a mild dose wears off in three to four hours. Consumption of caffeine does not eliminate the need for sleep: it only temporarily reduces the sensation of being tired.

OVER USE
Caffeine is a drug that in large amounts, especially over an extended period of time, can lead to a condition termed "caffeinism." Caffeinism usually combines physical addiction with a wide range of unpleasant physical and mental conditions including nervousness, irritability, anxiety, tremulousness, muscle twitching (hyperreflexia), insomnia, and heart palpitations.(Under a rigid definition of addiction, meaning a process of escalating use, "caffeine dependency" would be a more descriptive term. However, under the widely accepted definition "chronic pattern of behavior that is perceived to be difficult to quit," caffeine may be said to be addictive.) Furthermore, because caffeine increases the production of stomach acid, high usage over time can lead to peptic ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.However, since both "regular" and decaffeinated coffees have also been shown to stimulate the gastric mucosa and increase stomach acid secretion, caffeine is probably not the only component of coffee responsible.

There are four caffeine-induced psychiatric disorders recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition: caffeine intoxication, caffeine-induced anxiety disorder, caffeine-induced sleep disorder, and caffeine-related disorder not otherwise specified (NOS).

Answer 2

Not in moderation. Anything is bad for you if you over-indulge. I would suggest avoiding the mega-caffeine drinks, especially late in the day, or if you notice that you have trouble getting to sleep, or getting restful sleep. Also, if you notice that you are more anxious, nervous or irritable than you are/were without so much caffeine, then that is a sign that you need to cut back or eliminate it altogether. Each person needs to be aware of his or her own tolerance level and act accordingly. If you tolerate it well, some caffeine can make you function better, focus and think more clearly. It doesn't take a lot to improve your mental performance.

Answer 3

Caffeine in small amounts is good. Generally, one cup of coffee in the morning helps get your blood circulating, keeps your brain sharp and has some other beneficial effects.

However, like with everything, you need to have moderation. Caffeine is addictive, so you might grow dependent on it. And since it has such an effect on your body, you could wind up with serious heath issues, including insomnia, kidney/bladder problems, etc.

Answer 4

Caffeine has some very good aspects to it. Check out the link

Answer 5

Yes it can be if you drink too much of it, it can give you a bladder infection and also make your body over wind. A little caffeine will not hurt that much.

Experience

Answer 6

Caffeine is a drug, just not an illegal one. It is a stimulant that in small amounts will not hurt you. However, like other drugs, it can be addictive. Be careful.

Answer 7

a little caffeine is good for you. just dont drink it all the time.

Answer 8

If you're like me, then you should limit your intake of caffeine as much as possible.

Answer 9

it depends on the person. for me... i can only have caffeine every once in a while. or i will get major migraines

Answer 10

I WOKE UP THIS MORNING TO FIND I WASW OUT, FIRST TIME IN MONTHS THAT I WENT WITHOUT. DISCOVERED THAT I HAD BECOME ADDICTED TO CAFFEIN(SP). DIFFICYLT AM BUT I HAD A CUP AND A HALF FOR LUNCH AND CRUISED THRU THE PM,

GOD BLESS