Coffee is the quintessential daily beverage for more than 80% of the planet! It’s tasty and easy to drink, and when combined with milk, sugar, or cream, this beverage is definitely one of the things we can’t wait to have in the morning. But like any other “vice,” too much caffeine has risks.

When does too much become too much? Studies have shown that more than 400 milligrams per day, which is the equivalent of 2 cups of coffee, can expose a person to a lot of health risks, one of which is strictly connected to heart attacks.

However, if you’re more than just a casual coffee drinker and you double or triple the dosage because you don’t really feel the effects anymore, you’ve probably developed some sort of immunity, and you won’t experience most of its negative effects.

We are about to reveal some of the worst negative effects of excessive caffeine consumption, so keep reading the article.

1. Insomnia

You’ve probably already guessed this side effect of caffeine. If you like drinking coffee more than once a day, you may think twice about getting a second one after 3 p.m. unless you’re planning to go to a party that night. Studies have shown that a normal-sized cup of coffee in the afternoon increases the amount of time your body needs to fall asleep. And if you’re older than 60 years old, you can also experience a decrease in sleep during the night.

What can you do? Well, if you love the taste of coffee and don’t drink it only because it has become a habit, you can alternate coffee and tea, but be careful and don’t consume black tea and coffee one after the other. Both of them contain caffeine, even if the black tea contains only a small amount compared to a regular cup of espresso. Furthermore, you can also get decaf, but be mindful because a lot of the selections are not completely caffeine-free, and most of them contain around 7 mg per cup.

2. Increased heartbeat

There is no surprise that caffeine is not recommended for people who suffer from arterial hypertension. Because caffeine’s stimulant properties could make your heart beat more quickly than normal. Furthermore, it may cause atrial fibrillation, an abnormal pulse rhythm linked to young adults who regularly consume energy drinks or more than two cups of coffee per day!

However, if you’re reticent to believe this information, you still must be aware of your daily intake of caffeine. Despite the fact that there are a lot of people who don’t seem to have this issue, it’s better to stay as cautious as possible to avoid any side effects.

3. Headache

A lot of people use coffee as a “magic potion” because caffeine stimulates the nervous system and helps you focus on your day-to-day tasks. But in some isolated cases, the most delicious beverage in the world is also used as a form of pain relief, and people consume it to “cure” minor headaches.

However, while caffeine may sound like it works like magic, consuming too much (more than one cup per day) can reverse the effect and give you even more painful headaches throughout the day. Why is this happening, you may ask? Well, the mix of stimulant and diuretic (the two major components coffee has) can be excessive for the brain receptors, and that will lead to a headache.

4. Anxiety

Can you believe that an excess intake of caffeine can lead to anxiety and stress? Despite the fact that a cup of coffee is supposed to give you energy and adrenaline to focus and be able to function, higher doses can do more damage than good. Most people have been known to experience anxiety, mood swings, and similar symptoms at exceptionally high daily doses of 1,000 mg or more, although caffeine-sensitive people may have the same symptoms with even a moderate intake.

Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that taking small amounts all at once might speed up breathing and raise stress levels. Please remember that each individual is different, which is why you need to follow your own everyday reaction to coffee to learn how much your body can handle.

5. Irritability

The extreme consumption of coffee can lead to irritability, neurologists say. And this is linked to the issue we discussed earlier, which is an anxiety disorder. A lot of people who suffer from this condition become agitated if they consume less caffeine than the average person.

However, if you notice a change in your behavior (you may feel angrier or more tensed than usual) and know it’s because you increased your daily caffeine intake, it’s time to cut back or replace it with tea.

6. Gastrointestinal issues

For a good majority of people, the first thing they do in the morning is to drink a cup of coffee on an empty stomach because this helps them get their bowels moving. Caffeine’s laxative effects increase activity and aid in colon cleansing. And the good news is that even decaf has the same effects!

While drinking a moderate amount of coffee per day can help your body regulate, drinking too much coffee can cause diarrhea and stomach ulcers. In addition to these side effects, a small percentage of people experience gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, which is mostly caused by too much caffeine or acidic foods like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits.

7. Increased thirst

If you stop by the nearest coffee shop, you’ve probably noticed that, along with the cup you ordered, you’ve been given a glass of water. If you’re wondering why, it’s because even small amounts of caffeine can make you thirstier than usual. It’s true that this can mostly be experienced by casual drinkers, but even those who drink it daily say that after a big cup of black coffee, a big glass of water is mandatory.

8. Addiction

Maybe it’s because of its amazing taste and smell, or simply because it’s the first thing we crave in the morning, but coffee can lead to dependency. Caffeine is what makes it addictive, and it is what keeps our brains hooked on and addicted to it. How can you determine if you’re addicted to it or not? Well, doctors put it simply: Coffee has some sort of secret ingredient that instantly makes you feel energized, and after the first sip, you’ll notice that your fatigue has vanished! And honestly, there is no better option if you request help moving from your bed in the morning.

What do you think? Are you addicted to coffee?

And if you think that you should drink less coffee but don’t know where to start, we want to present you with one of the best decaf coffees you can find on the market: Maxwell House Decaf Original Medium Roast Ground Coffee (29.3 oz Canister)

Bottom line:

I know it might be hard, but if you notice any negative effects from caffeine, you might want to reduce your intake or completely cut it out. Reduce your caffeine use by drinking more water and eating more nutrient- and fiber-rich foods like veggies, nuts, and seeds.

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