Why doesn’t caffeine affect me?
In this brief guide, we’ll address the search query: “Why doesn’t caffeine affect me?” Also, we’ll explore what caffeine is, what the ideal dose of caffeine is, what the effects of too much caffeine are, and what you should do if you’re drinking too much caffeine.
Why doesn’t caffeine affect me?
There are a number of reasons why caffeine would not affect a person, at all, or to the same degree it used to.
A reduced or completely absent effect of caffeine on you could be due to any of these three reasons:
- Your consumption is not high enough for there to be a noticeable effect. This can occur when consuming low doses of caffeinated drinks.
- You have built up a high caffeine tolerance. This is mainly due to excess consumption, and therefore one’s body is used to high levels of caffeine and thus requires larger doses for a noticeable effect.
- There is a genetic component that determines your high or low response to caffeine. The receptors in your central nervous system may be more or less sensitive to the effects of caffeine.
What is Caffeine?
Caffeine is a molecule that acts by stimulating the Central Nervous System, often known for its benefits in increasing alertness and energy levels.
It is found in the seeds, fruits, nuts, or leaves of several plants native to Africa, East Asia, and South America.
Although there are multiple sources of caffeine derived from several different plants, perhaps the most widely known is that from coffee. Caffeine is typically extracted from coffee beans through infusions when used in drinks.
These infusions involve steeping the beans or grounds in boiling water and pouring through the beans or grinds, thus pulling the caffeine from them.
What is the ideal dose of caffeine?
A person’s daily caffeine intake, should not exceed 400 milligrams, however, for caffeine to be toxic or lethal in adults, the required doses are above 10g per day.
At the same time, the average daily consumption is less than 500 mg daily. The general dose for caffeine consumption is limited to approximately 400 mg per day and 200 mg per day for pregnant or lactating women.
A standard cup of coffee contains 80–175 mg of caffeine. However, this depends mainly on the bean and the method in which it is prepared, i.e., espresso, slow drip, etc.
Therefore, for intoxication due to caffeine, approximately 50–100 cups of coffee are needed to reach the toxic dose.
What are the effects of too much caffeine?
Despite the multiple health benefits of caffeine, there is evidence of adverse side effects, including sleep disruption.
For pregnant women, caffeine consumption is often limited to one to two cups of coffee per day. Excesses may pose risks to the unborn infant by altering heart rate.
Moreover, caffeine can produce a mild form of addiction in which symptoms of withdrawal are observed when reducing consumption.
Excess caffeine consumption can alter functions in the gastrointestinal tract and be associated with acidity in the stomach.
What should I do if I’m drinking too much caffeine?
One way to reduce caffeine intake is by alternating between decaffeinated and regular coffee.
Other options consist of substituting caffeinated beverages such as energy drinks for tea, which generally contains less caffeine than coffee.
As well as reducing the intake gradually, one should maintain proper hydration during this weaning period, as caffeine acts as a diuretic.
One should not suddenly stop consuming it, as often symptoms of substance withdrawal appear as soon as 12 hours to 24 hours after the last consumption and often include: headaches, tiredness, difficulty concentrating, nausea, muscle pain, and irritability.
We encourage our readers to moderate their caffeine intake, both for the caffeine to maintain its effects and as a means to safeguard their health from the above-listed symptoms and disorders.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we’ve addressed the search query: “Why doesn’t caffeine affect me?” Also, we’ve explored what caffeine is, what the ideal dose of caffeine is, what the effects of too much caffeine are, and what you should do if you’re drinking too much caffeine.
