Is caffeine bad for you? Have you ever wondered that? I mean are you someone who has to have your caffeine fix first thing in the morning to get your day going? Do you love caffeine? If the answer is yes, trust me you're not alone because it is actually, the most commonly used drug worldwide and yes it is a drug, it's a stimulant. And the thing is, we believe that it has some beneficial effects but it also has some potentially dangerous effects as well. Today we're going to answer the question, is caffeine bad for you?

This video is intended to be informational only. It is not a medical consultation, nor is it personalized medical advice. For medical advice, please consult your physician.

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What Is Caffeine?
Well, caffeine is a drug, it's a stimulant. It is the most commonly consumed stimulant worldwide. It's a methylxanthine actually. And in its pure form caffeine is a white crystalline powder with a bitter taste. And you can find it in different places in nature. You can find it in coffee beans, in tea leaves, and you can find it in cocoa beans. You can even find it in the flowers of some citrus plants.

Benefits Of Caffeine

What The Science Says
• Caffeine can make you more alert
• Can help with memory
• May help decrease symptoms of depression
• May be beneficial in some long-term neurodegenerative disorders
• Medicinal purposes

Side-Effects of Caffeine
• Restlessness
• Anxiety
• Can worsen high blood pressure
• Jitteriness
• Increased heart rate
• Dehydration


Caffeine Addiction:
You can also develop a tolerance to caffeine, where you need more and more. We believe that 400 milligrams or less has a pretty low potential for causing bad problems. But if you're someone who drinks coffee daily and if you're drinking 400 milligrams or more to get that alertness, focus, or memory sharpness, your body actually may develop a tolerance, in other words, it blocks those adenosine receptors which keeps us awake? Your brain might make even MORE of these receptors!


Caffeine withdrawal can be rough, but there are ways to prevent it. If you're addicted to caffeine and suddenly stop consuming it, then yes that may lead to symptoms of withdrawal like headaches or feeling tired/sluggish throughout the day. But if this is a problem for you then try cutting back gradually instead of just stopping all at once-it'll help lessen those side effects!

Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Flu-like symptoms
• Struggle to concentration


Is caffeine bad for you?
The general rule is less than 400 milligrams a day for adults, but again, consult your physician. Caffeine is the most widely consumed stimulant in the world. And so this definitely affects a lot of people. We have over 150 million Americans who consume coffee daily. So the next time you pick up your cup of coffee, a cup of tea, or you're grabbing that energy drink, just really be cognizant.

Think about how much caffeine you're taking in and make sure you do things in moderation. And while you're getting those benefits, like being alert being awake, trying not to be sleepy, trying to focus, or to do things in a more efficient way, think about the potentially dangerous effects as well, like developing tolerance or getting withdrawal symptoms or having a fast heart rate, or dehydrating yourself. Everything in life is about balance.