Coffee And Its Effects On Us

People worldwide have been enjoying coffee since the 15th century.  Today, 64% of adults in the U.S. say they drink coffee regularly.  We love the taste and what caffeine does for us.  It wakes us up in the morning, gives us the energy we need, and can even improve our memory focus.  Not only that but there are some physical health benefits, too.

Coffee And Its Effects On Us
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

People worldwide have been enjoying coffee since the 15th century.  Today, 64% of adults in the U.S. say they drink coffee regularly.  We love the taste and what caffeine does for us.  It wakes us up in the morning, gives us the energy we need, and can even improve our memory focus.  Not only that but there are some physical health benefits, too.
Although there are plenty of benefits to drinking coffee, we cannot ignore the side effects of caffeine.  As you might know, too much caffeine can lead to jitters.  Because of this, it is common for people to wonder whether caffeine can cause anxiety.
 
What exactly is anxiety?
Before jumping into how coffee affects anxiety, let’s look at what anxiety is and its symptoms.  Anxiety is a normal human response.  Worrying about situations or life events helps to keep us safe from danger.  But for people with an anxiety disorder, worrying is more than just a quick response to a scary or difficult situation.  People with anxiety disorders worry excessively about all sorts of things, which can get in the way of everyday life.
Common symptoms of anxiety include:

• Fast heart rate
• Gastrointestinal (digestive) issues
• Insomnia
• Nervousness or restlessness
• Rapid breathing
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Trouble concentrating
• Weakness or fatigue

 
What are the effects of coffee and caffeine?
Caffeine, an active ingredient in coffee, is a substance that works on the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).  It blocks a chemical called adenosine that causes the alertness that often comes with drinking coffee.
But how caffeine works can also lead to other effects on the body that may feel less pleasant.  These side effects can kick in between 45 to 60 minutes and last as long as 3 to 5 hours.  Side effects vary from person to person but are rarely dangerous.  The results depend on how much caffeine one is accustomed to drinking.  Body mass and genetics also play a role.
Common side effects people experience with caffeine include:

• Digestion issues
• Excitement
• Fast heartbeat
• Frequent urination
• Headache
• Irritability
• Nervousness or restlessness
• Shakiness

Sound familiar?  If so, that is because many of these are also anxiety symptoms.  So, if you have anxiety, it may be hard to tell the difference between the side effects of caffeine and anxiety.  Caffeine may even make your anxiety symptoms worse.
 
Lowering caffeine side effects
If you are struggling with unpleasant caffeine side effects, there are several steps you can take to lessen them.

• Avoid caffeine in the evening since it can disrupt your sleep.
  
  
• Some antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin and stomach medicines like Tagamet can slow down how fast your body processes caffeine.  It means caffeine hangs around in your bloodstream for longer and is more likely to cause side effects for a longer time.
  
  
• Take care when drinking coffee and taking other stimulants like Sudafed or ephedrine medications.  The combination can worsen the side effects that you experience and raise blood pressure.

 
How much is too much caffeine?
According to the FDA, a typical dose of coffee is 400 mg daily or roughly 4 cups. 
Some people at higher risk from caffeine effects should limit or avoid caffeine altogether.  It includes children and adolescents, pregnant or breastfeeding females, and people with underlying medical or mental health problems.
Too much caffeine can raise your risk for fast, irregular heartbeats, muscle tremors, and alarm or panic attacks.  Caffeine can also affect heart function, become habit-forming, and is linked to substance use like smoking.
 
Do coffee and caffeine cause anxiety?
No, coffee and caffeine do not cause anxiety.  While the side effects of caffeine and anxiety can be alike, you cannot get anxiety from caffeine directly.  But drinking coffee can make anxiety symptoms worse.  Research shows that caffeine consumption in people with panic disorder raises the risk of a panic attack and increases anxiety levels.  People with anxiety should consider avoiding or limiting coffee and other caffeinated drinks.  
 
What can I do if I am worried about caffeine and anxiety?
There are options if coffee does not agree with you.  There are decaf options for both coffee and tea. If attached to your cup of coffee, try cutting back gradually or keep it for when you need a functional boost instead of as a daily habit.  You may also find that espresso or more potent coffee brews affect anxiety more, so you may want to go for the lighter options.
Remember, other foods and drinks may have caffeine, too.  For example, energy drinks, chocolate, and soft drinks all have caffeine.