Caffeine

What is it?

DefinitionCaffeine- 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 madeIt’s 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 fatigueEnhances mental performanceAlertnessEnergyConcentrationClear-HeadednessFeelings of Socialability

Common Side-EffectsIncreases heart rate and body temp.

Increase blood pressure and sugarIncreases production of stomach acid

and urineEffects last several hours

Other side-effectsDizziness may occurHypoglcemiaTroubled BreathingMuscle TremorsNauseaDiarrheaDrowsinessAnxietyThe list continues…

A cure for sleep?Can’t make up for sleepCauses sleep deprivationStart disregarding signs of needing

restDoesn’t replenish health or emotional

fatigueCan lead to mood depressionAnxiety 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 WithdrawalAfter 12 hours without caffeine

and lasting up to a weekHeadachesNervousness and IrratibilityNauseaConstipationMuscular TensionGradual 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 KeyBetween 200-300 mg a day is considered a

moderate amount Even a 100 mg a day can cause some

dependence on it If you’re feeling tired, nothing will help you

more than sleepGradual 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.