Coffee Lovers: How Much is Too Much?

To say that coffee is good is an understatement. From its earthy smell to its nutty taste, there is a lengthy list of reasons coffee enjoys popularity. Yet, as the saying goes, too much of anything is bad. In the case of coffee, how much is too much? Below is a brief guide that will help you enjoy each sip without the risk of facing some unpleasant side effects. Read on.

How much coffee should you drink?

The ideal cup of coffee per day can vary from person to person. Some may be okay with only 2 cups, while others may go for more. However, as a general rule of thumb, it’s best to limit your intake to only 5 cups of coffee a day.

According to scientists at the United States Food & Drug Administration, an average healthy adult should be fine after taking about 400 milligrams of caffeine a day. This amount is equivalent to about 4 to 5 cups of coffee.

Specifically, this amount promises the lowest risks of acquiring common diseases and even premature death on the drinker’s part.

What happens if I drink too much coffee?

Some people who need lots of energy for the day may drink more coffee than how much their body can handle, while some people are just coffee-lover daredevils. Now, what happens to your body if you drink too much coffee?

The most common side-effect is anxiety. Since caffeine works as a stimulant, it promises increased alertness on the part of the coffee drinker. Generally, this improved attention and energy granted by caffeine may be helpful for people who want to stay focused and alert. However, on the downside, the same side-effects may also make the person feel jittery and at the edge.

Moreover, since the person feels more energized, such a sensation may trigger the release of adrenaline. Once this happens, the adrenaline will activate the body’s fight or flight response. In turn, this will result in a faster heart rate, and the individual may feel nervous and restless.

Other possible side effects include headache, an upset stomach, or nausea. Sometimes, a person can even have seizures. At worst, it can also lead to death caused by cardiac arrest.

Take it easy and enjoy your coffee.

Coffee is not all bad, though. The right amount of coffee can be good for you to avoid developing type 2 diabetes because it helps your body process glucose better. Coffee is also good for the heart because it helps weak hearts pump blood better.

Overall, you just need to keep watch of how much you drink per day. Ample intake of coffee is good for the body, while too much of it poses threats to your body. To know more, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor for advice.