Caffeine improves dopamine signalling in the brain, inducing hypervigilance. However, the modest increase in dopamine it causes is misaligned by the big surge generated by other stimulants.
This implies coffee isn’t habit-forming from a scientific viewpoint, but that doesn’t mean it won’t produce withdrawal symptoms.
If you out of the blue quit drinking as much coffee as you’re used to, withdrawal symptoms may appear.
You may feel tiredness, headaches, and insomnia.
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The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that too much caffeine can be “harmful”.
Remember, caffeine is a drug
says Steven Meredith, a researcher from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
Meredith agreed that users can find themselves dependent on caffeine, finding it hard to bring down or cut off coffee completely.
Drinking too much caffeine has been associated with increased anxiety and sleeping disturbances.
This can form a toxic cycle, whereby a person wakes up in the morning feeling fatigued, drinking coffee to feel alert, then not being able to fall asleep at night.
“Coffee itself can also mess with your stomach,” said the American Association of Retired Person (AARP).
People who suffer from acid reflux or heartburn might be better off not drinking coffee.
Heartburn and acid reflux
Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest, explained the national health service (NHS).
It occurs when stomach acid travels up towards the throat (known as acid reflux).
Symptoms include:
- A burning sensation in the middle of the chest
- An unpleasant sour taste in your mouth, caused by stomach acid
- Recurring cough or hiccups
- A hoarse voice
- Bad breath
- Bloating and feeling sick
“Your symptoms will probably be worse after eating, when lying down and when bending over,” added the NHS.
Most people get heartburn from time to time, but if it’s a reoccurring problem, coffee can make it worse.
The AARP noted that caffeine is “highly acidic and is irritating to the gastrointestinal tract”.
Even switching to decaf coffee won’t help if you suffer from an upset stomach after drinking the brew.
In those situations, “avoiding coffee is the only solution”, said experts from the AARP.
Although coffee can increase anxiety, lead to insomnia, and cause dependency, in small amounts, coffee has some health benefits.
The AARP pointed out that coffee consumption has been linked to the reduction of cognitive decline in older age.
Citing a study produced by researchers at the University of Florida, coffee consumption in mid life was linked to a 70 percent reduction in the chance of developing dementia.
Furthermore, studies have shown that coffee may lower the risk of oral cancer.
fee to feel alert, then not being able to fall asleep at night.
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“Coffee itself can also mess with your stomach,” said the American Association of Retired Person (AARP).
People who suffer from acid reflux or heartburn might be better off not drinking coffee.
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