In addition, a study linked drinking 2–3 cups of caffeinated coffee (providing about 200–300 mg caffeine) per day to a 45% lower risk of suicide ( 7). The leaves of Ilex guayusa, the Ecuadorian holly tree, are placed in boiling water to make a guayusa tea. [235] Some beverages combine alcohol with caffeine to create a caffeinated alcoholic drink. The stimulant effects of caffeine may mask the depressant effects of alcohol, potentially reducing the user's awareness of their level of intoxication. Such beverages have been the subject of bans due to safety concerns. In particular, the United States Food and Drug Administration has classified caffeine added to malt liquor beverages as an "unsafe food additive". [246] One 8-year observational study found that people who drank more than 21 artificially sweetened beverages per week almost doubled their risk of overweight and obesity, compared with people who didn’t consume these kinds of drinks ( 6).

Bordeaux B. Benefits and risks of caffeine and caffeinated beverages. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 16, 2022. Therefore, paying attention to the dosage and timing of caffeine is important, especially if you already have high blood pressure. Summary

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A 2011 review found that increased caffeine intake was associated with a variation in two genes that increase the rate of caffeine catabolism. Subjects who had this mutation on both chromosomes consumed 40mg more caffeine per day than others. [192] This is presumably due to the need for a higher intake to achieve a comparable desired effect, not that the gene led to a disposition for greater incentive of habituation. One thing to keep in mind is that caffeine may slightly raise blood pressure in some people. However, this effect is generally small (3–4 mmHg) and tends to fade for most individuals when they consume coffee regularly ( 32, 33, 34, 35). Caballero B, Finglas P, Toldra F (2015). Encyclopedia of Food and Health. Elsevier Science. p.561. ISBN 978-0-12-384953-3 . Retrieved 17 June 2018. Given this effect, it’s not surprising that large doses of caffeine may lead to loose stools or even diarrhea in some people. This causes a relative increase in other signaling molecules, such as dopamine and norepinephrine ( 5, 6).

In one case study, a woman who took a massive dose of caffeine powder and tablets in an attempted suicide developed a very rapid heart rate, kidney failure and other serious health issues ( 40). It’s important to note that coffee and tea contain other bioactive compounds (besides caffeine) that may also be beneficial. Summary The short-term effects of caffeine typically happen about 30 minutes after consumption. They can last up to 6 hours, depending on the individual.Rhabdomyolysis is a very serious condition in which damaged muscle fibers enter the bloodstream, leading to kidney failure and other problems. On the other hand, many human intervention studies indicate that the use of artificial sweeteners is either neutral or beneficial for weight management. When you drink alcohol with caffeine, the caffeine can hide some of the effects of the alcohol. This can cause you to drink more and lead to more risk-taking behaviours. Flavored waters. Calorie-free flavored waters can be refreshing and hydrating. Consider them as a healthy addition to your fridge or cooler. In fact, evidence shows a 16–18% lower risk of heart disease in men and women who drink between 1–4 cups of coffee daily (providing approximately 100–400 mg of caffeine) ( 29).

Dietary Guidelines for Americans. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines. Accessed Feb. 1, 2020.Increased urination is a common side effect of high caffeine intake due to the compound’s stimulatory effects on the bladder. One debatable difference is the taste of these two drinks. Some say they cannot taste a difference, while others swear by either Diet Coke or Coke Zero as tasting closest to the “real deal.” Summary