Friday 16 November 2018

How Too Much Caffeine Affects Your Blood Sugar?


Whether it’s from coffee or chocolate, most people get caffeine every day. Caffeine is the drug found in coffee that can be dangerous if too much is consumed. It occurs naturally in more than 60 plants including coffee beans and tea leaves. Man-made caffeine is sometimes added to food, energy drinks, and medicines such as prescription diet pills. It is absorbed through the digestive system much faster than naturally occurring caffeine, providing a quicker spike and a quicker crash. Have you ever noticed a difference in your blood sugar after drinking a big cup of coffee or an energy drink? Caffeine can indeed have an affect on your blood glucose levels causing higher fluctuations. It stimulates cortisol secretion that directs the cells to resist insulin’s signals to absorb and store blood glucose. This is common for diabetics who take too much caffeine which leads to addiction.



What is Caffeine Addiction?
Caffeine addiction is defined as a compulsion to take caffeine leading to withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit. From headaches to loss of energy, caffeine withdrawal can have serious effects on the body. An addiction to caffeine starts as a result of an enjoyment of that extra boost of energy after taking caffeinated drinks. The problem is that the body becomes accustomed to this artificial energy and builds a tolerance that means you need more and more coffee in order to achieve the same increase in energy. Some of the major signs and symptoms of an addiction to caffeine include:
  • Inability to stop drinking products with caffeine
  • Cravings for caffeine
  • Heightened heart rate
  • Insomnia and anxiety
  • Tremors or shaking 

 How to Curb Caffeine Addiction
Addressing caffeine addiction can be challenging. An abrupt decrease in caffeine may cause withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, irritability, difficulty focusing on tasks etc. To change your caffeine habit, try these tips:
  • Start paying attention to how much caffeine you're getting from foods and beverages, including energy drinks.
  • When making coffee, brew it for less time. This cuts down on its caffeine content or choose herbal teas that don't have caffeine.
  • Get more sleep, rest, and relaxation. Make time to fulfil your emotional, physical and mental needs. 
  • Incorporate exercise into your daily routine. It’s a natural stimulant for your body and central nervous system.