10 Serious Side Effects of Drinking Too Much Caffeine
Side Effects of Drinking Too Much Caffeine: Caffeine can be part of a healthy diet for most people. However, too much may be dangerous for your health.
1. Headache
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, boosts alertness, and appears in some pain relievers like Excedrin.
Overuse or sudden caffeine withdrawal may lead to “caffeine rebound,” including headaches.
Moderate use is generally safe, but daily intake may worsen frequent headaches and is best limited.
2. Anxiety and Other Mood Disorders
Side Effects of Drinking Too Much Caffeine, Moderate caffeine intake may initially boost mood, but 2–6 cups may trigger anxiety in some people.
Studies show mixed results: some report anxiety at low doses, others saw no effect even at higher amounts.
Intakes over 400 mg of caffeine a day have also been associated with a sad mood.
If caffeine causes negative mood changes at any level, consider reducing your intake.
3. Trouble Sleeping
Caffeine before bed can reduce sleep quality and make falling or staying asleep harder.
Avoid caffeine at least 6 to 8 hours before bedtime; some people may need to avoid caffeine for up to 12 hours before bed.
Regular use can lead to tolerance, lessening caffeine’s impact on sleep over time.
4. Irritability
Caffeine may cause irritability, especially in people who consume large amounts.
Those with anxiety or psychological conditions may feel irritable even with lower caffeine intake.
If caffeine makes you feel angry or agitated, consider cutting back.
5. Increased Heartrate
Caffeine may cause mild changes in heart rate, even with just four cups of coffee.
Effects vary by individual; slow caffeine metabolizers may experience heart issues with just 2-3 cups of coffee.
A rapid heartbeat may indicate sensitivity, allergy, or another health issue.
If caffeine affects your heart, it’s best to reduce or eliminate it.
6. Increased Thirst
Side Effects of Drinking Too Much Caffeine, Even low caffeine intake (e.g., 1 cup of coffee) may increase thirst in casual consumers.
Regular caffeine users may not notice increased thirst at low levels.
Clear evidence is lacking on how high caffeine intake affects thirst, but it might cause it.
7. Frequent Urination
Caffeine increases urine production (e.g., has a diuretic effect) by affecting kidney function and how your body processes salt.
People with overactive bladders may be more sensitive to caffeine’s diuretic effects.
Frequent urination caused by caffeine can lead to the loss of key nutrients, which may impact health outcomes.
Needing to pee often may signal too much caffeine or an underlying issue.
8. Chest Pain
Chest pain happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked; high caffeine intake may increase this restriction.
Chest pain risk is generally low for those consuming only 1-3 cups of coffee daily.
People with health conditions, on medications, or caffeine-sensitive may experience chest pain with fewer than two cups.
Seek immediate medical help if you experience chest pain after consuming caffeine.
9. Male Infertility
Side Effects of Drinking Too Much Caffeine, Drinking over 400 mg of caffeine a day may increase the risk of male infertility.
10. Weakened Bones
Over 400 mg of caffeine daily may increase the risk of weakened bones.
One study found that drinking about four cups of coffee reduced thiamin, B12, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphate, chloride, and potassium, which could negatively affect bone health.
Also Read:
9 Ways You’re Making Your Coffee Unhealthy Without Realizing It
What Happens to Your Blood Sugar When You Drink Coffee Every Day?
