Coffee lovers have been warned that consuming too much of their favourite drink could have some nasty side effects. Many of us rely on the drink in the morning as a way to start the day feeling energised and refreshed.
Research has also suggested that coffee is packed with antioxidants and could help prevent dangerous health conditions such as diabetes and even heart disease. But, like any food or drink, there is such a thing as having too much.
Spanish news site ABC, explored the question of what happens when you drink too much coffee.
It explained that the main active component of coffee, caffeine, works by blocking our adenosine receptors, keeping the body in a “state of greater alertness”.
Adenosine is a naturally occurring chemical found in human cells. It has multiple jobs including supporting brain function, dilating blood vessels and regulating body temperature.
Crucially, it also acts as a natural sleep regulator. ABC reported: “As the day progresses, its levels increase in the brain, inducing a feeling of tiredness and preparing the body for sleep.
At night, these levels decrease, helping to reset wakefulness cycles. Coffee precisely helps us reverse its work.”
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So it seems obvious then that one side effect of drinking a lot of coffee is insomnia, due to the caffeine content. However, it has also been linked to issues such as anxiety, irritability, nausea, headaches, and even heart palpitations.
This is more evident in people with caffeine sensitivity. ABC said: “Caffeine accumulation can also interfere with deep sleep, essential for physical and mental recovery.
“In extreme cases, such as consuming very high doses from energy drinks or supplements, more severe effects have been documented, such as cardiac arrhythmias and seizures.”
So how much coffee should you be drinking?
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommends that healthy adults do not consume more than 400 mg of caffeine per day, which is equivalent to about four standard cups of coffee.
However, this limit can vary depending on the type of coffee since its caffeine content depends on the bean, preparation method, and portion size.
It’s also important to know personal limits since some people metabolise caffeine more slowly due to their genetics. For pregnant women, the NHS recommends reducing intake to a maximum of 200mg daily to avoid potential risks like low birth weight or complications in foetal development.
