Caffeine

What is it?
Definition
Caffeine- a crystalline compound that is
found especially in tea and coffee plants
but is also artificially produced and
added to certain foods. It is a stimulant of
the central nervous system.
And that means
It comes from plants
But, also artificially made
Its considered a drug
Chocolate, coffee, tea, and some OTC
medications and soft drinks all have

Caffeine!





A Drug?!
Caffeine is considered a drug since it
effects the central nervous system as well
as other effects on the body.
Doesn't threaten your physical, social, or
economic health like addictive drugs

Primary Effects on the Body
Relieves fatigue
Enhances mental performance
Alertness
Energy
Concentration
Clear-Headedness
Feelings of Socialability
Common Side-Effects
Increases heart rate and body temp.
Increase blood pressure and sugar
Increases production of stomach acid and urine
Effects last several hours

Other side-effects
Dizziness may occur
Hypoglcemia
Troubled Breathing
Muscle Tremors
Nausea
Diarrhea
Drowsiness
Anxiety
The list continues
A cure for sleep?
Cant make up for sleep
Causes sleep deprivation
Start disregarding signs of needing rest
Doesnt replenish health or emotional fatigue
Can lead to mood depression
Anxiety related problems

Avoiding Caffeine
People who take medicine for the
following should consult a physician
before taking caffeine:
Depression, Anxiety or Insomnia, High
blood pressure or heart problems, Chronic
Stomach problems, or kidney disease

Extreme side-effects for extreme amounts
Consuming over 1000 mg a day continually
may be linked to:
Increased episodes of heartburn
Changes in bowel habits
Conception problems (maybe)

1000 mg = Ten 6 oz. cups of coffee or,
20 cans of soda
Caffeine Withdrawal
After 12 hours without caffeine and
lasting up to a week
Headaches
Nervousness and Irratibility
Nausea
Constipation
Muscular Tension
Gradual reduction in caffeine can
limit these effects
Pregnancy and Caffeine
High doses of caffeine can increase
the breathing and heart rate of the
fetus
Those who are pregnant should
limit caffeine intake to 200-300
mg a day or perhaps no caffeine at
all
This can be discussed with a
clinician

Caffeine
True or False?

#1 Caffeine is not
addictive





#2 Caffeine is likely to
cause insomnia

#3 Caffeine Increases the
Risk of Osteoporosis
#4 Caffeine does
not increases
the Risk of
Heart Disease


#5 Caffeine Increases the
Risk of Cancer

#6 Caffeine Is Harmful
for Women Trying to
Get Pregnant

#7 Caffeine Helps You
Sober Up



#8 Caffeine Has No
Health Benefits
#9 Caffeine does
not cause
dehydration
Moderation is the Key
Between 200-300 mg a day is considered a moderate
amount
Even a 100 mg a day can cause some dependence on it
If youre feeling tired, nothing will help you more than
sleep
Gradual cutting back is the key if you currently
consume more than a moderate amount
Works Cited
"Caffeine Facts: Addiction, Insomnia,
Pregnancy Effects, and More." WebMD.
WebMD, 03 Jan. 2000. Web. 25 Apr. 2014.
"Caffeine." KidsHealth. Ed. Mary L. Gavin.
The Nemours Foundation, 01 Oct. 2011.
Web. 26 Apr. 2014.
"Caffeine." University Health Service,
University of Michigan. Ed. The Regents of
the University of Michigan. The Regents of
the University of Michigan, n.d. Web. 24
Apr. 2014.