Caffeine Side Effects

What is caffeine?
Caffeine, a alkaloid found in numerous plant species, acts as a pesticide to
paralyzes and kills certain insects. [1]

Caffeine is a stimulant in humans.

What is the potent benefits and side effects of caffeine?
A small study recently has suggested a couple cups of coffee before a
tough workout may lower the chances of sore muscle later on! In theory,
caffeine may limit muscle pain by blocking the activity of adenosine.
Adenosine is released as part of the inflammatory response to injury and
can activate pain receptors in body cells. [B1]

A team of Swedish and Danish researchers found that people who drank
three to five cups of coffee daily were 65 percent less likely to develop
dementia, compared with those who drank two cups or less. People who
drank more than five cups a day also were at reduced risk of dementia. [B3]

Dr. Roland Griffiths from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine pointed out
that caffeine as low as 10 milligrams can cause behavioral effects in
sensitive individuals. Moderate levels of caffeie can increase heart rate,
blood pressure, agitation and anxiety in some individuals. A can of
Coca-Cola and some popular espresso drinks can deliver as much as 31
milligrams of caffeine. [1]

While, Dr. Bruce Goldberger from University of Florida found that some
decaffeinated coffee sold in coffee shops may still contain caffeine.
People with high blood pressure, kidney disease or anxiety
disorders should avoid drinking coffee. [1]

In a study, nine female college students who took a caffeine supplement
before being subjected to eccentric stimulation caused delayed muscle
pain. Delayed muscle pain would occur one or two days after one does
some exercise to such a degree that it triggers so called eccentric
contraction of the muscles. [2] While, a recent research of 1000 pregnant
Californian women shows that consumption by pregnant women can
significantly increase the risk of miscarriage. Those women who consumed
200 milligrams of caffeine or more a day were about twice as likely to
miscarry. To avoid the side effects of caffeine, one should switch to
decaffeinated coffee and other decaffeinated beverages. [B2]

By the way, carbonation is often thought to decrease the amount of oxygen
that can be carried in the blood. It may not be a good idea to drink
carbonated beverages before marathon or other exercise! [B4]

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ZHION 2007
[1] Caffeine, Wikipedia, October, 2006.
Study: Decaf coffee has some caffeine Associated Press, October 11,
2006. [2] Ben Wasserman Caffeine may ease post-exercise pain -
foodconsumer.org Jan 11, 2007
[B1] Caffeine may lessen exercisers' muscle pain Reuters Health Apr 8,
2009 [B2] Caffeine link to miscarriage risk The Sydney Morning Herald
January 22, 2008 [B3] Coffee: What kills you one week, cures you the next,
jacksonville.com Apr. 12, 2009 [B4] Coke or Gatorade? Boston Marathon
Runners Debate Drinks Bostonist.com April 11, 2009

Discuss with your doctor before taking any alternative medicine. This article is for
reference only, it is not a medical advice. All rights reserved. Do not copy this article to
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The potential health benefits and side effects of
caffiene