The Mayo Clinic notes that this amount is also equal to 10 cans of cola or two energy shot drinks. It’s crucial to remember that caffeine content can vary greatly among different drinks, especially energy drinks.
Consuming high levels of caffeine can lead to severe health problems, including death. Healthline reports that symptoms of excessive caffeine intake may include jitteriness, anxiety, heart palpitations, and exacerbation of panic attacks.
Another common side effect of caffeine is sleep disruption. A 2023 study suggests that to ensure a good night’s sleep, coffee should ideally be consumed about nine hours before bedtime.
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A cup of cappuccino. Illustration photo by Pexels |
Moreover, caffeine is addictive. Regular users may suffer withdrawal symptoms like headaches, fatigue, brain fog, and irritability if they suddenly cease consumption. These symptoms can last several days. Regular caffeine use may also reduce its diuretic and blood pressure-raising effects.
Caffeine tolerance and withdrawal indicate physical addiction, underscoring the importance of moderation and careful management of intake. If consuming more than four cups of caffeinated coffee daily causes side effects such as insomnia or nervousness, it may be time to reduce intake. Those particularly sensitive to caffeine should consider avoiding coffee altogether to prevent overstimulation.
Additionally, caffeine consumption is not recommended for children, and caution is advised for adolescents and young adults, especially concerning excessive intake and mixing caffeine with alcohol or other substances.
Pregnant women, those attempting to conceive, and breastfeeding mothers are advised to limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day. It is recommended that these groups consult healthcare providers regarding their caffeine consumption.