Like all good things, too much caffeine can do more harm than good. You’ve probably heard doctors cautioning you against drinking “too much” caffeine, but what does that mean? Is your two-cup-a-day habit just as bad as someone who drinks two pots? If you’ve been asking yourself, “How much caffeine should I be having?” read on to find out where to draw the line.
How much caffeine is too much?
Caffeine is present not only in our beverages, but in the foods we eat as well. Chocolate, tea and yerba mate all contain caffeine, and it can be added to food. If you’re purchasing a packaged food, check the nutritional facts and the label to see if it contains caffeine, and how much.
How much caffeine should you have each day in Pampa, TX? Generally speaking—although it can vary thanks to different brands, processes and brewing methods—green or black tea contains 30 to 50mg, a can of soda contains 30 to 40mg, a cup of coffee has 80 to 100 and energy drinks can range from 40 to 250mg per eight ounces. (Keep in mind that energy drinks often come in containers with multiple servings.)
How much caffeine you can consume depends on a number of factors, including your natural sensitivity, age, medications and whether you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. The FDA suggests that 400 to 500mg of caffeine per day, or the equivalent of four to five cups of coffee, is not harmful to your health. However, be sure to talk to your medical provider if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or under the age of 18.
Side effects of caffeine
Having too much caffeine doesn’t just make it harder to sleep and give you jitters. It can also cause anxiety, dysphoria, a rapid heart rate, nausea and headache. If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming caffeine, discontinue its use at once.
If you go really overboard and quickly consume 1,200mg of caffeine, you’re at risk of seizures and other serious side effects. Beware of diet aids and supplements that contain large amounts of caffeine—the FDA has taken measures to keep these potentially lethal products away from consumers.
If all of this has you worrying, “Am I drinking too much coffee?” keep in mind that you don’t have to cut out caffeine to stay healthy—but it’s smart to be mindful of your consumption levels as well as any physical or mental side effects you may notice.
If you’ve read this and thought that it’s time to start cutting down on your caffeine consumption, let your doctor know, and make a plan to cut back gradually. Caffeine is a drug, and cutting it out cold turkey can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, such as increased anxiety or nervousness and headaches. However, it is not dangerous, like alcohol and other drug withdrawal.
Armstrong Coffee Service has been Pampa, TX’s premier coffee supplier for nearly 20 years. We make sure that your business or office has premium-quality coffee and supplies at affordable prices. Make your employees and customers happier when you offer them fresh, delicious coffee and other hot beverages—call us today to get a quote!