Consider Your Caffeine Intake

If you’re reading this while drinking your coffee, tea, soda or energy drink, take a pause to have a little sip from your tasty beverage. Now that you’ve done that, do you know how much caffeine is in your beverage? Or a bigger question, how much caffeine have you consumed so far this day? And the biggest question, what is the recommended limit for caffeine consumption in a day?

Disadvantages to Caffeine Intake

• Sleeplessness: Drinking caffeine close to bedtime can cause insomnia and not being able to fall asleep.
• Digestive issues: Caffeine can increase the need to go to the bathroom because it stimulates colon muscles and the gastrocolic reflex which speeds up the process of the removal of waste.
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure: If you have some predisposed or current cardiovascular conditions it could affect those and put you at risk for issues.

Advantages to Caffeine Intake

• Focus: Gives you a sense of alertness and can improve cognitive function.
• Increased metabolic rate: Can help with weight loss and keeping equilibrium.
• Physical performance: Helps reduce the effects of fatigue and the sense of exhaustion and pain.

Can I Drink Too Much Caffeine?

Disadvantages are generally caused from the overconsumption of caffeine. So, you’re probably wondering, what is considered too much? Recommended caffeine intake is 300-400 mg. So, while there are plenty of advantages to drinking caffeine it’s important to not over consume and have too much of it, drinking it in moderation and to not go over that daily intake.

As you’re finishing your favorite beverage, take some time to reflect and track how much caffeine you consume and decide if you need to make a change.

Learn more about health and wellness benefits.

By Peyton Stearns, LiveNOW Health and Wellness Coach