3 Signs You're Consuming Too Much Caffeine
By Genevieve Cunningham
For many people, caffeine is the greatest thing since sliced bread. First thing in the morning, there's nothing better than a warm cup of coffee -- or your choice of favorite caffeinated pick-me-up. A little jolt of this substance can help us feel awake and alert more quickly. And that's a big help to those who aren't morning people. But as helpful as a little caffeine can be, too much can be dangerous for our health. If you love to consume caffeine to keep you going, take a look at these signs that you’re getting a little too much.
You Can’t Sleep
Caffeine is a stimulant meant to give you energy and keep you awake. So it's really no wonder that consuming too much can make it hard to sleep. Tossing and turning might become the norm, and then you need more caffeine in the morning, and a viscious cycle is born. First you can try adjusting your habits slowly. Stop drinking caffeine after a certain time of day. If that doesn't work, you may have to cut back even more to find the balance between being alert and getting good sleep.
Rapid Heart Rate
A more serious side effect of too much caffeine is a rapid heart rate. This is more likely to happen if you’ve consumed a large amount of caffeine in a short time frame. It's incredibly dangerous, as it can lead to significant heart problems. To avoid this side effect, it's best to spread your caffeine consumption out. It's also better to stay away from products that are incredibly high in caffeine -- so no energy drinks is best.
Headaches
Headaches can occur when your caffeine consumption is out of control. Funnily enough, it can also happen when you’ve suddenly restricted your caffeine consumption. If you consume caffeine, a hard move in either direction can create headaches. If this happens, cut back on the caffeine, but replace it with water since the root may actually be dehydration
While having some caffeine is OK, it's not good to have too much. Watch out for these signs of overconsumption, and reduce your intake if necessary. With some diligence and self control, you should be able to enjoy a little caffeine, a little energy, and good health to boot.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aiken, S.C.