Coffee: Are You Drinking Too Much?
By Sara Butler
Coffee is the go-to beverage for a lot of people in the morning. And in the afternoon. Maybe after dinner too. The average American drinks about two cups of coffee per day, which explains why the lines at Starbucks are always so long.
Coffee isn't bad for you in general, but too much coffee certainly can be. Here are some of the signs that you may be having a few too many cups of joe each day.
The Benefits of Coffee
If you drink coffee each day, rest assured that the news about it isn't all bad. In fact, coffee provides your body with several nutrients such as:
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin B5
- Magnesium
Coffee has also been found in studies to help reduce the chances of developing certain chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. But even with all these benefits, drinking it in moderation is key since it can have some negative side effects.
Too Much Coffee: The Signs
If you're having more coffee than you should, then you most likely will feel anxious, nauseous, and jittery. It might cause issues with falling asleep at night if you drink it too late in the day. Too much coffee can also cause:
- Increased heart rate
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Headaches
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Ringing in the ears
- Upset stomach
- Fast breathing
If you're experiencing these symptoms, then scale back on the coffee and talk to a healthcare provider about them. Coffee is only one explanation for issues such as these, but caffeine is the main culprit. If you're drinking too many energy drinks, tea, soda, or even eating too much chocolate, then they might be the reason for these issues.
How Much Coffee is Safe?
According to the Food and Drug Administration, healthy adults shouldn't have more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day. That's about four to five cups of coffee. Keep in mind that means actual cups of coffee, not your super-size sipper full of coffee each day. And some people may be more sensitive to caffeine consumption than others.
Also, be careful about how you enjoy your coffee. While coffee can have some health benefits, that's plain, black coffee. Many coffee drinks also have a lot of added ingredients that are full of sugar, fat, and calories, making it a lot worse for your overall health.
Coffee is fine to drink just like everything else -- in moderation!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Riverside, Calif.