Caffeine - The Socially Accepted Killer

Caffeine and nicotine are two drugs that are legal and social in nature because they are less toxic when taken in standard quantities. The negative health effects of nicotine and its addiction are common knowledge. So why do we refuse to show caffeine in the same dim light?

Caffeine and nicotine

Caffeine is found in many foods and medicines - coffee, tea, energy and soft drinks, candy bars, and cold medicine and analgesics. It is consumed daily by about 80% of the world's population. Small doses of caffeine increase alertness, but there are serious health risks from consuming large amounts and from long-term use of caffeine.

It is common knowledge that small doses of caffeine increase alertness, buying why not the negative impact of common caffeine knowledge? Smokers who want to quit smoking have certain treatment programs and therapeutic drugs that are often coordinated by insurance. A warning label is on each pack of cigarettes. Smoking is now the cause of cancer, lung disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Nicotine dependence causes more death and disability than all other drug disorders combined (Ogawa & Ueki, 2007, p. 267). Where are the warning labels on health risks from consuming large quantities and long-term use of caffeine?

Current research on the effects of caffeine

A study on the long-term effects of caffeine on the response of nearly 6000 people found that caffeine intake was positively associated with higher mood, anxiety and stress (Rogers, Heatherly, & Mullings, 2006).

Recent evidence suggests little or no benefit is derived from regular caffeine intake because caffeine withdrawal, for example overnight, lowers mood and alertness and low performance, and while consuming more caffeine reverses this effect, it does not improve functioning to normal levels. Caffeine increases anxiety, especially in exposed individuals (Rogers, 2007).

A recent study examining the relationship between coffee and the risk of a heart attack incorporates genetic polymorphisms associated with slower rates of caffeine metabolism and provides strong evidence that caffeine also impacts coronary heart disease risk (Cornelis & El-Sohemy, 2007) . According to this journal article, diphtheria present in coffee without caffeine and caffeine appear to increase the risk of coronary heart disease. High diets on caffeine increase the excretion of calcium in the urine, contributing to osteoporosis (Wrotny, 2005). Recent studies show that a diet high in caffeine, low antioxidants and high red meat may contribute to an increased risk for treating rheumatoid arthritis (Oliver & Silman, 2006).

Effects of caffeine

While teaching a graduate course on Human Behavior in the Social Environment, an experienced social worker who has worked with teens for more than twenty-five years directed his future counseling class, in adolescent counseling he found that many blatant behaviors disappeared by simply eliminating usage teen caffeine.

Caffeine can cause clinical dependence syndrome. Symptoms include but are not limited to feelings of euphoria, resentment and hyperactivity, anxiety, anxiety and sleep disorders. In one case report, consumption of 4 or 5 drinks a day resulted in interpersonal problems with family and work colleagues, impulsive wasting, anxiety and insecurity and dissociative behaviors.

When energy drinks are gradually eliminated, the symptoms completely disappear and ten years later no bead behavior and no energy drinks are consumed. In another case, a 40-year-old housewife started taking caffeine in order to visit her father who was hospitalized three times a week. Within 5 weeks the dose increased to 1,000 milligrams per day of caffeine. She began to have strong anxiety, nausea, hot feelings on her cheeks and rushed blood to her head, turmoil, sleep disturbance and then inability to do housework.

Medical consultation leads to the diagnosis of dependence and caffeine dependence. All negative symptoms disappeared and were not restored within seven years following the cessation of caffeine (Ogawa & Ueki, 2007). Caffeine can produce a clinical dependence syndrome similar to other psychoactive substances and has the potential for abuse.

Unfortunately children and adolescents receive insufficient information about caffeine so there is a tendency to use large quantities. In the United States, the recommended limit of caffeine is 200 mg per liter. Energy drinks contain caffeine at levels above the FDA limit for soda (65 milligrams per 12 ounces) of fact that are not disclosed on most labels. Caffeine in energy drinks tested at the University of Florida ranges from 33 milligrams to 141 milligrams in Sobe No Fear 16 ounces. They also found more than the recommended amount in Doubleshot Starbucks, with 105 milligrams of caffeine (Popkin et al., 2006).

Caffeine makes the heart beat abnormally, inhibits cerebral blood vessels, delays the onset of sleep and reduces sleep. Caffeine also causes gastrointestinal problems. Caffeine is dangerous in pregnancy because it crosses the placenta. The main mechanism of action of caffeine in the central nervous system is antagonism at the adenosine receptor level. Secondary effects are also important in many classes of neurotransmitters, including dopamine (Garrett & Griffiths, 1997). Caffeine increases blood pressure, and increasing blood pressure in the middle age increases the risk of future cognitive decline (Stewart, 1999). High caffeine users do not perform oral reasoning tests according to a study by Dr. Paula Mitchell from Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Excessive consumption of caffeine overcomes the gland system and can quickly reduce the content of vitamins B, C, magnesium, and some micro nutrients, according to nutritionist Marc David MA (David, 2005).

The health risks of consuming large amounts and from long-term use of caffeine are serious. Currently, not only is there a warning label on products containing caffeine, but more than the recommended amount of caffeine is allowed in the products we frequent. The strength and energy of caffeine does not correspond to negative health risks. Safe, natural ways to increase alertness and energy need to be substituted for drinking caffeine. The risk is too high.

Caffeine causes stress and weight

Caffeine causes emotional, mental and physiological stress. Caffeine increases the levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine and coritsol (stress hormones) that are responsible for hypertension and increased heart rate. Under the influence of these hormones, oxygen to the brain and limbs are depleted and the immune system is blocked.

Research shows that the relationship between regular caffeine intake and excessive levels of stress hormone. Increased levels of cortisol appear to induce extra fat accumulation in the stomach, as well as increased appetite and craving for fat-rich foods. Weight loss in the stomach also stimulates the release of additional stress hormones.

Caffeine also acts on the sympathetic nervous system and adrenal glands and causes hypoglycemia. This causes a decrease in circulation to the brain, continuous and continuous blood and blood vessels throughout the body and low blood sugar. Feeling low blood sugar leads to increased appetite and appetite and thus impedes proper weight retention.

Alternative energy therapy

In a preliminary study (conducted by Inhalex.com) of 21 male and female students between the ages of 19 and 24, the researchers found that fragrance participants who were specially formulated had increased energy perception and performance scores recalling historical facts and dates from the time of exposure to known food odors or pleasant neutral odors.

All test subjects were in good condition and had normal kissing ability, as measured by the initial medical assessment. Each subject completed the pre- and post-trial cognitive, physical and psychological assessment batteries; visual acuity, ability to read, sleep and study habits; and ratings of self-esteem, self-discipline, confidence, and so on.

Subjects take part in the one-hour test, the first level of college students in U.S. History. in determining the "final exam" set. The test is conducted after a 2 hour "cramming" study period. A $ 25 cash prize is offered to participants who print 90% and above. During all phases of the blind study, each participant was given a specially designed finger ring that was infused with a specific aroma. Subjects were instructed to inhale a repetitive, independent scent throughout the study period. All subjects have undergone three periods of study and U.S. History studies. separately, one under each odor for eight days.

The result of the investigation

Findings indicate that the special formulation is most successful in the performance of participants when remembering the exact date and associated name required. Remembering a list of items shows a moderate improvement. Remembering only contextual facts shows a modest increase.

Increased anxiety has been reported as a feeling of better concentration. A moderate decline in overall frustration was also observed. Subjects reported feeling more positive about their overall mental ability and had an increased motivation to perform even under the watchful eye of the test environment.

The study found that participants were more likely to ignore "interruptions" made during the test period under special odor conditions. Participants also reported feeling more satisfied with their results during special smells and were happier afterwards.

These findings suggest that special odors create physiological effects that stimulate the nervous system and circulation; chemical effects that trigger the release of dopamine, endorphins and other neurotransmitters; and psychological effects that cause behavioral changes in mood, motivation, desire, attention, satisfaction, and so on.

The main aim of this study was to validate aromatic compounds for use in commercial products. Further studies are planned to improve the delivery mechanism before the product is introduced to the market.

In conclusion

Demand for increased stimulation, vigilance and energy has encouraged people to look for commercially available products and protocols. However, caffeine is an additional drug and should be treated accordingly. Absence from or at least moderation in its use, caffeine product labeling, expanded drug research and even socializing its acceptability should be considered as possible steps in addressing this toxic killer.

References

Cornelis, M. C., & El-Sohemy, A. (2007, February). Coffee, caffeine, and coronary heart disease. Curr Opin Lipidol, 18 (1), 13-9.

Crowe, M. J., Leicht, A. S., & Spinks, W. L. (2006). Physiological and cognitive responses to caffeine during repetition, high intensity exercise. International Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism in Sports Training, 16, 528-544.

David, M. (2005). Slow diet: Eating for fun, energy, and weight loss (1st ed.). : Press Cure Art.

Garrett, B. E., & Griffiths, R. R. (1997). The role of dopamine in the effects of caffeine behavior in animals and humans. Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav., 57, ms. 553-541.

Ogawa, N., & Ueki, H. (2007). Clinical importance of caffeine dependence and abuse. Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 61, 263-268.

Oliver, J. E., & Silman, A. J. (2006, May). Risk factors for the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Scandinavian Rheumatoid Arthritis, 35 (3), pp. 169-174.

Popkin, B. M., Armstrong, L. E., Bray, G. M., Caballero, B., Frei, B., & Willett, W. C. (2006, Mac). . New guidance systems proposed for beverage use in the United States, 83 (3), pp. 529-542.

Rogers, P. J. (2007). Caffeine, mood and mental performance in everyday life. British Nutrition Foundation, Nutrition Bulletin 32 (32 (suppl 1)), 84-89.

Rogers, P. J., Heatherly, S. V., & Mullings, E. L. (2006). The use of painkillers and depression, anxiety, and stress. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 20 ((suppl.) A27),.

Stewart, R. (1999). Hypertension and cognitive decline. British Journal of Psychiatry, 174, pp. 286-7.

Wrotny, C. (2005). Osteoporosis: What women want to know. Nursing MEDSURG, 14 (6), ms 405-415.

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