Health Risks Associated with Caffeine Consumption

Those who follow our social media accounts will have by now noticed our love for herbal teas! While there’s nothing like mixing together some of mother nature’s natural gifts to make a yummy and beneficial brew, there is also another big reason why we choose to go herbal. That reason is the dangers of caffeine. While many Americans hold a warm place for their own personal caffeine fixation without thinking much of it, the facts on caffeine’s negative effects are clear. Consider two of the following signs that caffeine may be causing you trouble. 

While small doses of caffeine can help one feel more focused and alert, consuming more than the recommended dose, or even consuming a modest amount in one sitting, has been shown to cause anxiety. As if juggling our daily responsibilities weren’t anxiety-inducing enough! One study of 25 healthy men found that those who ingested the equivalent of a large Starbucks coffee reported experiencing more than double the amount stress of those who ingested the placebo. If you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffer from anxiety, it may be time to pick a different morning drink!

People love coffee for its ability to wake them up, but what about when we want to go to sleep? Caffeine’s ability to keep us going can often backfire come nighttime. Studies have shown that caffeine intake can increase the amount of time it takes for us to fall asleep. It also appears to decrease the amount of both restorative sleep and overall sleep we’re able to get. Next time you find yourself lying in bed staring at the ceiling, unable to experience that natural sleepiness that should come at night, it may be time to try some natural herbal alternatives for daily alertness. 

In today’s world, we find that many of the things and habits which are most commonplace are also the most detrimental to our overall wellbeing. While countless Americans lean on coffee for a daily pick-me-up, it appears a more holistic approach to staying awake may be in order. 

For tips on how to make your daily routine as well-rounded and wellness-inspiring as possible, schedule a free consultation with one of our doctors at sageintegrativehealth.com 

References:

Spritzler, Franziska. Healthline.com, “9 Side Effects of too Much Caffeine” https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/caffeine-side-effects