Although coffee is a safe beverage, excessive consumption can lead to some undesirable effects on the body.
Consuming more caffeine than the recommended amount can cause rapid heartbeat and feelings of restlessness. In severe cases, excessive caffeine consumption can even lead to caffeine toxicity.
What is Caffeine Toxicity?
Caffeine toxicity occurs when an individual consumes a large amount of caffeine. The amount of caffeine each person can tolerate varies depending on age, weight, and health status.
However, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an adult consuming 400 mg of caffeine per day or more (equivalent to 4-5 cups of coffee) is considered to be consuming too much caffeine.
Nutrition expert Erin Palinski-Wade, based in New Jersey, USA, states that if a person consumes 1,200 mg of caffeine, equivalent to about 12 cups of coffee, it can lead to caffeine toxicity.
While rare, caffeine toxicity can be fatal.
Caffeine toxicity can cause several symptoms in the body, and recognizing these signs is crucial.
Excessive coffee consumption can affect health. (Illustrative image).
Symptoms of Caffeine Toxicity
Dr. Nima Majlesi, who works at the Staten Island University Hospital in the USA, explains that caffeine stimulates the central nervous system. Overconsumption of caffeine can disrupt or cause irregular heart rhythms and may lead to cardiac arrest.
Additionally, nutrition expert Palinski-Wade points out that individuals consuming too much caffeine may experience gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Dr. Majlesi notes that coffee acts as a diuretic, but excessive caffeine consumption can lead to increased urination. This condition can cause the body to excrete essential minerals like potassium. Low potassium levels, or hypokalemia, can result in muscle damage and breathing difficulties.
Caffeine toxicity can also lead to neurological symptoms such as anxiety, hallucinations, migraines, cerebral edema, and seizures.
Moreover, the site Verywell Health lists several signs that individuals may experience when consuming too much caffeine, including:
- Anxiety and restlessness.
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest pain.
- Seizures.
- Diarrhea.
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Increased thirst/frequent urination.
- Irritability.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Feeling of tingling or prickling.
- Excessive sweating.
- Rhabdomyolysis.
- Sudden cardiac arrest.
Expert Majlesi advises: “If you feel more restless and suspect caffeine toxicity, seek medical attention immediately.”
How to Prevent Caffeine Toxicity
Both experts recommend that people should consume a moderate amount of caffeine daily. In addition to coffee (a common source of caffeine), individuals should also consider consuming tea and cocoa in moderation to avoid adverse health effects.
Expert Majlesi further warns that people should not abuse energy drinks, as these also contain high levels of caffeine.
When consuming caffeinated beverages, expert Palinski-Wade advises individuals to increase their water intake throughout the day and to avoid consuming caffeinated beverages on an empty stomach. She recommends that before consuming caffeinated drinks like coffee or tea, individuals should have a meal rich in protein and fiber to slow the absorption of caffeine.
