Look around you! Caffeine is integrated into our daily lives and has even become a necessity for some people. But why are people so dependent on it? What does it do? How can it affect us, high school students?
Caffeine is commonly found in coffee, tea, and chocolate. It is also added to energy drinks and sodas. A 2014 study suggested that over 80% of all Americans consume caffeine. One of many reasons people consume caffeine is to help them wake up in the morning. Caffeine makes people feel awake because it blocks a molecule in the body called adenosine, which produces chemicals that make you sleepy. This is why caffeine is often used to improve efficiency in work and school, especially in the morning.
On the other hand, studies have also shown that caffeine can lead to many health risks. According to an article published on Medical News Today, consuming caffeine over 5 days a week may lead to increased risk of heart problems.
Many studies have shown that excessive caffeine consumption can lead to adverse effects such as anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, muscle twitches or tremors, heart problems, and gastrointestinal irritation. Quick and excessive caffeine consumption can even lead to death! The FDA has cited 400 milligrams daily as a recommended limit for adult caffeine consumers, which is about four cups of black coffee. However, caffeine’s effects will vary among individuals based on sensitivity and how fast they process caffeine in their bodies.
People’s genes directly impact how effective caffeine is for each individual. Some people can process caffeine faster than others, meaning even though they feel its effects quicker, they also have it in their system for a shorter amount of time. On the other hand, some people may respond much slower than others.
Caffeine’s effects can also wear off over time. Every time caffeine blocks the adenosine in your body, your body will produce more adenosine next time to reduce the effects of caffeine. Over time, one cup of espresso in the morning may not be enough to keep you awake.
Caffeine’s effects on teenagers have not been as thoroughly researched, and it may not affect teens the same way it does adults.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry suggests a limit of 100 mg of caffeine per day for adolescents. However, experts recommend that teenagers avoid caffeine. Not enough research has been done to conclude whether caffeine affects adolescents’ cognitive functions. According to a study conducted by a Breck Advanced Science Research student (me!), caffeine does not improve high school students’ learning abilities.
So be careful how much caffeine you put in your body! Energy drinks often contain more than 200mg of caffeine! “Decaffeinated” drinks are also NOT caffeine-free; they often contain only a lower amount, not 0mg!
Most importantly, caffeine can become addictive! So, take a second look at the Starbucks drink you might be enjoying while reading this Bugle issue.
