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NorthShore’s online source for timely health and wellness news, inspiring patient stories and tips to lead a healthy life.
“Don’t talk to me until I’ve had my coffee.” It’s a common phrase often heard in the morning. Many adults rely on caffeine to wake up and start the day. Caffeine can most often be found in coffee, some teas, pop, energy drinks and cocoa. Caffeine is defined as a drug because it stimulates the central nervous system to help increase alertness for an energy or mood boost.
What happens when you have too much caffeine? Insomnia, nervousness, restlessness or muscle tremors, irritability, upset stomach, and a fast heartbeat are all side effects of too much caffeine. Most adults can safely consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine daily without any adverse side effects. It is recommended that adolescents have no more than 100 milligrams and no caffeine for children under the age of 12.
To help control caffeine consumption, Etka Patel, DO, Internal Medicine at NorthShore, suggests these tips for managing the habit:
Those with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, heart arrhythmias, heart murmurs or type 2 diabetes should limit their caffeine to no more than 200 milligrams daily. Talk with your primary care physician before consuming or cutting caffeine in your diet.
What is the most surprising source of caffeine in your diet?