Summary: While caffeine can help perk you up when you’re tired, avoid overusing it or you will likely feel one or more of these side effects.
When most of us think of caffeine, we think of coffee or tea, and generally we pay attention to how much we drink because we know it affects us in various ways, which occurs because caffeine is a stimulant, altering the way the nervous system functions. Our nervous system controls our energy levels, moods, heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion, so the amount of caffeine we take in can have a widespread effect on our bodies.
The maximum amount of caffeine per day for adults over 18 is up to 400 milligrams, which comes out to about four cups of coffee. If you don’t drink more than four cups, you’re good, right? Sometimes we forget there is caffeine in many things other than coffee, such as tea, chocolate, energy drinks, soda, cocoa, and pain relievers.
Although caffeine seems harmless in the moment, here are a few side effects that might persuade you not to get carried away:
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Moodiness
- Jitters
- Nausea
- High blood pressure
- Heartburn
- Eye twitching
Long-term effects of caffeine abuse also include adrenal fatigue, digestive problems, mineral loss, depression, and weak bones. So if you’re someone who drinks soda and coffee throughout the day (especially if you’re not a big water drinker), try to change your habits to help your health out down the line.