Caffeine

Caffeine is a common feature of many sodas, coffee, and food products.  It is a drug that is made naturally in the leaves and seeds of many plants and gives an energy boost when consumed.  But how long do the effects of caffeine last, and how does it affect your health?

What is Caffeine?

Caffeine is classified as a drug because it stimulates the central nervous system, raising alertness.  Caffeine is popular because of the temporary energy and mood boost it provides.  Before caffeine is processed in drinks and foods, it has a very bitter taste.  It may enhance the flavors of some foods and drinks like coffee and chocolate, but most sodas and teas are designed to eliminate the bitter taste of caffeine.  

Caffeine is addictive, and that’s one reason it’s used in so many products: to keep you coming back for more.  If you drink coffee or soda regularly and then stop, you may have withdrawal symptoms.

Medical professionals consider moderate consumption to be 150-250 mg milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day.  I suggest mg per total body weight as your upper end of caffeine for a day.  Here’s how much caffeine is in your average food and drinks:

• Espresso - 127 mg caffeine per 2-fluid ounces

• Energy drink: varies between 70-240 mg caffeine in a 16-fluid ounce drink

• Instant coffee: 62 mg caffeine in 8-fluid ounce serving

• Black tea: 48 mg caffeine in 1 cup (8 fluid ounces)

• Soda: 34 mg caffeine in 12 fluid ounce can

Effects of Caffeine

Short-Term effects

Caffeine may give you a temporary mood and energy boost, but its addictive properties can be dangerous.  How caffeine affects you depends on:

• Your weigh, height, and health

• Whether you get caffeine regularly

• Other drugs that are taken at the same time

• Amount of caffeine consumed

Get medical attention right away if you have any of these symptoms:

• Uncontrollable shaking

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Faster breathing

• Feeling nervous or anxious

• Irritability and agitation

• Fast heart rate

• Confusion

• Panic attack

Long-Term effects 

If you get a lot of caffeine over a long period of time, you may develop chronic side effects.

• Anxiety

• Trouble sleeping

• Ulcers

• Osteoporosis

• Irritability and headaches

• Rapid or fast breathing

• Lack of appetite

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

• Sudden thirst

• Low blood pressure

• Confusion

How long does caffeine last?

You notice the effects of caffeine within 15-30 minutes. 

Pros of Caffeine

• Increased energy.  Most people drink caffeine to beat feelings of sluggishness

• Better mood.  Caffeine often gives you a boost that enhances your mood.  It may make you feel happier and lighter.

Cons of Caffeine

• Withdrawal.  It can be hard to cut caffeine out of your diet.  Withdrawal symptoms begin 12 to 24 hours after you last had any and can linger for up to 7 days.  These symptoms can include

  • Severe headache

  • Extreme fatigue

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Anxiety and irritability

  • Sweating

  • Feeling depressed

  • Inability to concentrated

  • Muscle pain or weakness

  • Bone density loss.  For women who’ve gone through menopause, caffeine can affect your bone density by taking away calcium from our bones.