Caffeine Overdose Is Real (And Deadly), So It Might Be Time To Cut Down On Your Coffee Intake
How much is too much?
Coffee is one of the most consumed drinks in the world, be it for breakfast, during a break from work, or just anytime you feel like it. US-based coffee brand Community Coffee says, “Today, coffee has become an important part of societal norms. The ’coffee break‘ during working hours helps sustain energy throughout the day. At home, it’s a focal point for entertaining. It creates a social ambiance. There’s nothing like reminiscing with friends over a good cup of coffee. A day of entertaining family often winds down with the familiar smell of coffee brewing in the kitchen.”
During the lockdown, more people have fallen in love with coffee (we bet you went through the dalgona coffee phase, too), such that coffee machines and grinders became two of the fastest selling small appliances in the UK during this period. Considering the current blurry line between work and home, people have become so dependent on this drink to survive.
Coffee has been praised for its benefits, including the ability to protect from certain diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer, lowering your risks for Type 2 diabetes, and aiding in the burning of fat cells. What you might have missed, however, is that there are risks that come with drinking too much coffee or caffeine. Some people may even have an addiction, treating coffee as their “fuel,” that can hurt their health in the long run.
To explain the dangers of excessive coffee intake, OneLife.ph spoke to Dr. Ruter Maralit, a gastroenterologist. He gives us some startling facts many of us may not know about.
Is there such a thing as having too much coffee?
“Indirectly, the answer is yes,” Dr. Maralit says. “Caffeine is the main stimulant present in coffee, and although it is rare, caffeine has a reported lethal dose, and it was seen with the ingestion of >/= 10 grams of caffeine.”
A lot of people who are used to drinking coffee might not realize that they are already taking it in excessive amounts. Some habits that we practice may gravely affect us, presently or eventually, in ways that we don’t even notice.
Why are people dependent on coffee?
In today’s world, it’s difficult to keep up with work, personal responsibilities, and the ongoing crisis. Caffeine stimulates the brain and blocks the substance that makes you feel sleepy but having a cup of coffee can also cause a placebo effect that increases a person’s productivity—which is why many people directly rely on their cup of joe before going about their day.
Dr. Maralit explains, “I think it is because caffeinated drinks improve alertness, and concentration, allowing them to be more productive. This is especially useful for people who have incomplete rest and are required to be on their toes in their line of work.”
How much caffeine intake is safe daily? How many cups of coffee are recommended?
About three to four cups of brewed coffee a day can be safe for healthy individuals or adults—that is less than 400mg of caffeine. However, Dr. Maralit states that there is no set quantity of cups of coffee that should be consumed. There isn't enough evidence to recommend that people should drink coffee on a regular basis.
What is a common misconception about coffee?
“A common misconception is [that coffee is] good for everyone. Unfortunately, patients with certain heart conditions are advised to avoid this drink. It is also known to cause or worsen hyperacidity symptoms, heartburn, and reflux. So coffee is not good for everybody,” he clarifies.
Caffeine can actually be found in a variety of products, not only in coffee. Tea, soda, and energy drinks are also caffeinated. Food like candies and chocolates can also contain caffeine.
When is coffee considered toxic?
Coffee isn’t immediately toxic—you would have to take a dangerous amount of it for it to be considered harmful or even lethal. Overdosing on coffee is quite unheard of.
Dr. Maralit says, “Coffee is relatively safe, and the caffeine toxic level is reported usually when the overdose intake was intentional.”
Is caffeine overdose rare? How is it treated?
“Thankfully, caffeine overdose is rare and is treated usually by hydration. The hydration can be given by mouth if the case is mild but, in some cases, the patient may need to be admitted and be given intravenous (IV) hydration. Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats and rhythm) may need medications to control,” he shares.
Medical News Today says, “A person might find consuming too much caffeine and experiencing side effects to be easy. However, a life-threatening overdose is rare, and a caffeine overdose as a cause of death even rarer.”
What are the side effects and symptoms of caffeine overdose?
Feeling more alert, awake, restless, anxious, or irritable are some side effects of caffeine overdose. In addition, dehydration, faster heart rate and breathing, increased body temperature, and headache can also be aftereffects. Irregular heartbeat, shakiness, feeling sick, vomiting, confusion, or panic attacks can be symptoms.
What are the risks of caffeine overdose?
Caffeine overdose can result to headaches and tremors, while long term risks include stomach ulcers, insomnia, anxiety, and even depression. Arrhythmia or dangerous irregular heartbeats can also occur to those who have heart conditions.
Dr. Maralit advises, “Coffee is relatively safe as long as they consume less than 3 to 4 cups of brewed coffee (or its equivalent) AND if they don't have any heart conditions. Nowadays, with smart gadgets [being] able to identify heart rates and sometimes even the rhythm of the heart, maybe they should check those once in a while.
“Everything should be taken in moderation. If coffee causes side effects that are affecting their daily activities, then maybe it's time to taper the amount and/or space it out a bit farther to lessen the amount taken,” he adds.
Coffee may help you stay awake and alert (or sometimes you just like how it tastes), but too much of it can be hazardous and even deadly. Just make sure you don’t go over the recommended caffeine intake daily and try going for alternatives like tea. You wouldn’t want to get sick for hustling!
