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Caffeine, side effects: taking too much can cause symptoms such as anxiety, high blood pressure, stress, hallucinations and eye problems
For many of us, the morning doesn’t start without a cup of coffee. To give us the charge is the caffeine, a substance that we also find in many other foods such as tea, chocolate, energy drink and Coca Cola. Its benefits are many: it lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes, protects fromAlzheimer and from dementia and it even helps burn fat. Although it is a valuable ally for health, caffeine can cause various problems if we consume too much of it. Lenstore he then analyzed possible short- and long-term symptoms, such as blurred vision, muscle aches and insomnia.
Caffeine, side effects: all the terrible symptoms associated with abuse
What happens if we drink too much coffee? A healthy adult shouldn’t consume more than 400 mg Of caffeine a day, that is, almost four cups of coffee. In Italy, the average per capita consumption of coffee is 3.7 kg. So what are the risks we run if we don’t change our habits?
- Anxiety: Caffeine stimulates the production of adrenaline, the hormone behind the fight or flight reaction. Consuming excessively intensifies these effects, causing nervousness, anxiety and tension. It has also been shown to increase stress levels regardless of the dose ingested.
- Insomnia: If you love coffee, remember not to drink it before going to sleep. Caffeine, in fact, alters sleep cycles and prevents you from resting well (according to various researches it can remain in circulation for up to nine hours). Insomnia can cause many vision problems, such as dry eyes. To alleviate it, use moisturizing eye drops and avoid wearing contact lenses as much as possible.
- Migraine: Did you know that caffeine can both cause and cure migraines? This is supported by a survey conducted in the United Kingdom: 22% of respondents replied that they have a headache after taking caffeine, while 43% said the opposite. How is it possible? This substance narrows the blood vessels around the brain, reducing inflammation and thus bringing relief. Not surprisingly, it is present in many over-the-counter pain relievers. However, it is this same mechanism that can cause migraines. In fact, when no caffeine is consumed for some time, the blood vessels expand again and the pain returns.
- Dizziness and lightheadedness: Like other stimulants (tobacco, for example), caffeine also reduces the blood supply to the brain, and abusing it can make you dizzy and lightheaded.
- Muscle tremors: Too much caffeine can also cause various types of spasms, such as tremors in the eyelids or hands. Often these are just passing sensations, but sometimes they can mean that it is appropriate to reduce the consumption of coffee.
- Blood hypertension: Caffeine does not appear to affect heart disease risk, but it does increase blood pressure according to several studies. That’s why you need to be careful about how much you take if you already have high blood pressure – if you abuse it, you may have a higher risk of heart attack or stroke.
- Hypertension and eyesight: High blood pressure can damage the tiny blood vessels that carry blood to the eyes. Retinopathy is a possible complication that affects the retina and can lead to blurred vision, eye bleeding, and even blindness. Hypertension is also responsible for various problems with the nervous system, which plays an important role in eye health. An example is choroidopathy, a disease that causes fluid to accumulate in the retina and impair vision. Various studies also show a correlation between excessive daily caffeine consumption and the risk of glaucoma for those with a genetic predisposition to high ocular pressure. Symptoms of glaucoma are pain and redness in the eyes, seeing rings around a light source, and blurred vision. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness.
- Confusion and hallucinations: Irritability, anger, confusion: Caffeine can trigger a variety of strong emotions, even if it is not consumed for some time. The reactions range from difficulty concentrating to depression. If you notice that your mental health is affected, talk to your doctor. Furthermore, excessive coffee consumption can raise stress levels (and therefore those of adrenaline) causing confusion or even hallucinations. On the other hand, caffeine withdrawal can often cause mental fog. If you have ever had these problems, it means that you need to start reducing your consumption of this substance.
- Blurred vision: Excessive consumption of caffeine can cause a sudden rise in blood sugar levels. Possible consequences are blurred vision, eye twitching, and potentially a burning or tingling sensation in the eye area.