Should warnings feature next to coffees containing large amounts of caffeine?! I think so (& I LOVE coffee AND caffeine!) BACKGROUND Caffeine is a natural physical & mental stimulant that can boost alertness, attention, and even physical performance.Caffeine can be found naturally in a variety of food and drinks such as chocolate, cola & energy drinks as well as the usual tea/coffee. Although small amounts of caffeine are totally safe, its good to be mindful of your intake! Caffeine increases levels of chemicals such as adrenaline and cortisol, small amounts of which are A-ok, and make you feel refreshed & focussed.In the brain, caffeine blocks the effects of adenosine, which makes you feel sleepy, so really caffeine just tricks your brain into thinking your brain/body isnt tired, so you keep going.Should you drink coffee on a morning? When we wake our body produces cortisol, the stress hormone that makes you feel anywhere from alert to anxious, and when you add caffeine you can have an influx of cortisol at once, which could leave you feeling more tired later on as both the caffeine and cortisol wear off.The easiest way to feel more awake in the morning is to get more sleep the night before, but another way, is to try drinking for first cup of coffee slightly later than you normally would - say an hour after waking.How much is too much?If youre pregnant or breastfeeding keep your intake to under 200mg (approx 2 cups) a day, and if not, try to stay under 300 to 400mg (4-5 cups) a day.Are there any negative effects of too much caffeine?The safe limits are set because research has linked intakes of over 600mg a day to insomnia, nervousness, irritability, increased blood pressure/headaches and upset stomachs - although response to caffeine varies hugely from person to person. TAKE HOMEIf youre trying to cut down on your caffeine intake, ask for one shot or decaf in coffee shops, alternate with decaf options and try to sip your last caffeinated cuppa around 6-8 hours before you go to bed!! Do you drink coffee?
