by Eileen Eva

Created on: September 01, 2010

A while ago, 1820 to be precise, Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge a chemist from Germany discovered ‘kaffein’ or caffeine as we call it. Ever since caffeine is the most consumed drug, with over 90% adult Americans consuming it daily. Why does it qualify as a drug? Caffeine alters the chemical balance in your brain, or in simpler terms, it keeps you alert and so does other few drugs. The only difference between caffeine and other psychoactive substances is that caffeine is legal to use.

Caffeine occurs naturally in plants and the funny fact about caffeine is that plants use it for protective purposes. Plants produce and store caffeine in their leaves, beans or fruits as a pesticide that kills or paralyzes insects dumb enough to try and eat the plant. Most people think of coffee when they hear caffeine but caffeine is also found in Guarana berries, Kola nuts, Tea bush, Yaupon holly and Yerba mate. Most so called ‘Energy Drinks’ in the market contain high dosages of caffeine and after consuming them, you will not turn to Hercules but you will experience serious insomnia like symptoms.

Besides caffeine being a pesticide, it packs serious consequences for its users. Read on and you might have consumed your last coffee mug today.

Caffeine Intoxication “Caffeine Jitter”

Take more than 300 milligrams of caffeine and your central nervous system will be in overdrive. Depending on age, body mass and accelerating factors, caffeine overdose can lead to death. Symptoms of caffeine jitters include and are not limited to, fidgetiness, muscle twitching, insomnia, hallucinations, delusions, depression and rhabdomyolysis. Caffeine intoxication is almost impossible to normal coffee drinkers as it would require taking around 100 cups in a limited period of time to kill you. This is common to those taking caffeine pills. If you happen to overdose on caffeine you night find yourself on dialysis.

Memory

Most of us especially those studying for tests or working late on a project find ourselves compelled to take caffeine so as to go those extra hours. The truth is caffeine will increase mental performance in relation to the current thought while decreasing broad-range thinking. It’s not uncommon for someone to trans-night studying, go to bed and wake up remembering nothing.

Caffeine and pregnancy

There are conflicting studies on the relationship between caffeine and miscarriages. It is recommended to keep off caffeine during pregnancy and if you have to, keep consumption bellow 200 milligrams.

In summary caffeine can be responsible for the following:  increased sensitivity to pain and touch, fever, dehydration, frequent urination, vomiting blood, rapid heartbeats and seeing flashes.

Sources:

Food Standards Agency publishes new caffeine advice for pregnant women

Caffeine overdose

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