Efeitos Colaterais Da Cafeína: 17 Maneiras Possíveis Que O Excesso De Cafeína Pode Prejudicar

2024 Autor: Cecilia Ryder | [email protected]. Última modificação: 2023-12-17 14:22

A cafeína é consumida em todo o mundo por suas propriedades estimulantes. No entanto, o consumo excessivo de cafeína (especialmente café) parece causar mais danos. Estudos mostram que a cafeína pode induzir ansiedade e distúrbios do sono em certos indivíduos (1).

A cafeína pode tornar-se viciante e, às vezes, causar efeitos adversos, mesmo em doses consideradas seguras. Nesta postagem, listamos os efeitos colaterais mais comuns de consumir cafeína em excesso. Esteja ciente disso antes de pegar sua próxima xícara.

Índice

• Cafeína - Um Breve
• Como a cafeína afeta nosso corpo?
• Efeitos colaterais da cafeína
• Sintomas de abstinência de cafeína
• Dosagem recomendada de cafeína

Cafeína - Um Breve

A cafeína é conhecida como um impulsionador instantâneo da energia. Ajuda as pessoas a combater a sonolência. No entanto, há muita controvérsia em torno de sua dosagem e eficácia.

A cafeína, cientificamente conhecida como metil teobromina, é um alcalóide. Esta substância natural é encontrada em muitas plantas, incluindo grãos de café, chá, nozes de cola e vagens de cacau. Esse alcalóide é uma parte importante da plataforma comercial e sua forma artificial é amplamente utilizada na produção de medicamentos, bebidas, chocolates e infusões de café para farmácias.

Segundo estudos, a cafeína é o psicoestimulante mais consumido no mundo (2). Isso mostra como é provável que seja consumido em excesso.

Como a cafeína afeta nosso corpo?

Por ser solúvel em água, a cafeína é prontamente absorvida em nosso sistema. Ele atinge nossa corrente sanguínea em nenhum momento, começando do estômago ao cérebro. Tem algum efeito colateral? Leia para saber.

Efeitos colaterais da cafeína

1. Pode induzir ataques de ansiedade
2. Pode causar distúrbios do estômago
3. Pode causar insônia
4. Pode causar aborto
5. Pode aumentar os níveis de pressão arterial
6. Pode induzir problemas menstruais
7. Pode aumentar o risco de incontinência urinária
8. Pode causar ganho de peso
9. Pode causar alucinações
10. Pode aumentar as chances de osteoporose
11. Pode interferir na produção de estrogênio
12. Pode aumentar a chance de cistos do tecido mamário
13. Pode não ser bom para indivíduos com diabetes tipo 2
14. Pode inibir a produção de colágeno na pele
15. Pode prejudicar a recuperação da perda auditiva
16. Pode desencadear acne
17. Pode causar alergias

Sua natureza viciante torna a cafeína um grande risco, especialmente entre adolescentes e adultos. Os efeitos colaterais da cafeína amplamente experimentados incluem desidratação, produção excessiva de urina levando à desidratação, distúrbios estomacais, náuseas, aumento da pressão arterial, depressão, inquietação, aumento da frequência cardíaca levando à morte, obesidade, aumento do peso corporal e febre.

Continue lendo para obter uma imagem detalhada dos efeitos colaterais da cafeína:

1. Pode induzir ataques de ansiedade

A ingestão excessiva de cafeína pode levar a um caso grave de ansiedade. Estudos feitos em crianças do ensino médio mostraram que uma alta ingestão de cafeína pode estar associada a sentimentos de ansiedade e estresse (3).

Uma pessoa com ansiedade é conhecida por sentir nervosismo e inquietação, mesmo em condições normais. A cafeína piora essas condições (3). Portanto, deve-se ter muito cuidado se eles apresentarem esses sintomas.

Método de Prevenção

Pessoas com transtornos de ansiedade devem consultar seus médicos antes de optar pela cafeína. Isso pode descartar as chances de interações medicamentosas.

2. Pode causar distúrbios do estômago

Os ácidos presentes na cafeína estimulam o estômago a produzir mais ácido. A cafeína (café) parece promover o refluxo gastroesofágico (4). Evidências anedóticas sugerem que o excesso de cafeína também pode causar distúrbios estomacais como náuseas, cólicas, diarréia e distensão abdominal.

Método de Prevenção

Se você tem estômago fraco, restrinja sua dose diária de cafeína a duas xícaras (máximo).

3. Pode causar insônia

A insônia é um distúrbio do sono em que a pessoa tem dificuldade para adormecer ou permanecer dormindo. É um sintoma de abstinência, que se combina com outros problemas físicos, como aumento da fadiga e dor de cabeça. Este é um sinal comum entre quem consome muita cafeína.

Essas pessoas sentiriam insônia e irritabilidade se interrompessem a cafeína. Embora alguns estudos não tenham encontrado efeitos importantes, a ingestão de cafeína logo antes de dormir foi associada à insônia (5).

Método de Prevenção

A maneira mais fácil de combater a insônia é evitar a cafeína antes de ir para a cama. Reduzir o número de xícaras por dia também pode ajudar.

4. Pode causar aborto espontâneo

As mulheres grávidas devem ser extremamente cautelosas com a cafeína, pois a ingestão excessiva pode levar ao aborto e outras complicações pré-parto (6).

A cafeína é solúvel em água e atravessa facilmente a placenta através da corrente sanguínea. Por ser um estimulante, pode causar um rápido aumento da frequência cardíaca e do metabolismo do feto. Um dos efeitos colaterais do excesso de cafeína inclui o retardo do crescimento fetal (7).

As mães que amamentam não devem consumir mais do que duas xícaras de café por dia, pois isso afeta o bebê diretamente, causando irritabilidade física. Também pode afetar o nível de ferro na criança (8).

Método de Prevenção

Consulte o seu médico de família antes de decidir tomar cafeína regularmente. Em nenhuma circunstância, as mães em potencial não devem ingerir mais do que 200 mg de cafeína por dia.

5. Pode aumentar os níveis de pressão arterial

Pessoas que têm hipertensão devem ter cuidado com a quantidade de cafeína que consomem diariamente.

Caffeine is known to spike your blood pressure for a short time (9). While there are no long-term effects of caffeine, some believe it may worsen the condition in people with irregular heart rhythms. On the other hand, certain studies state that the intake of coffee is not linked to hypertension (10). Hence, more research is needed to establish a connection.

Caffeine is also associated with a heart attack in young adults. According to a study, young adults with mild hypertension who consume more than four cups of coffee in a day are four times more vulnerable to heart attack than those who consume two cups or less (11).

Prevention Method

If you have hypertension or cardiovascular problems, it is better to seek a medical opinion before including caffeine in your daily routine.

6. May Induce Menstrual Problems

While a hot cup of coffee feels great during those days, excessive intake of caffeine can meddle with your menstrual cycle. It can cause period delays, excessive flow, and prolonged cramps.

Caffeine also increases the chance of vasomotor in menopausal women.

According to a study published in The Journal of The North American Menopause Society, menopausal women who are dependent on caffeine have a greater chance of displaying vasomotor symptoms (12).

Prevention Method

Quantity is key. You should always measure what you consume, whether it is caffeine or not. Consulting a doctor is also an important step, especially if you have menstrual problems.

7. May Increase The Risk Of Urinary Incontinence

Caffeine increases the chances of urinary incontinence in women (13). It is a bladder disorder in which the person loses control of the bladder. It results in the sudden leakage of urine whenever the person laughs, coughs, or sneezes.

Prevention Method

Avoid consuming more than two cups of caffeine in a day.

8. Might Cause Weight Gain

Caffeine may induce stress. Animal studies show that stress can lead to obesity (14). However, there is no direct research stating that caffeine can lead to weight gain and long-term obesity.

Some believe that caffeine brings up the levels of stress hormones, which results in increased hunger pangs. This is not proven by research, though.

Prevention Method

Coffee is great. But making it a habit can add extra kilos to your body. Make it a point to have no more than two-three cups of caffeine in a day, and that includes coffee, cola, chocolate, and tea.

9. May Cause Hallucinations

It is true that caffeine can make you high. If you go overboard, you may experience confusion and hallucinations. These effects were more pronounced in those taking more than seven cups of coffee (more than 300 mg of caffeine in a day) (15). In some cases, this has even led to death due to convulsions (16).

Prevention Method

If you feel you are getting addicted to caffeine, start cutting down your daily consumption slowly.

10. May Increase The Chances Of Osteoporosis

Consuming caffeine in large quantities may also increase the risk of osteoporosis. This effect was found to be true in elderly women, whose calcium performance was already impaired (17). It interferes with the absorption of calcium, resulting in bone thinning (osteoporosis), especially in older women whose intake of calcium is below the recommended intake (18).

Overconsumption of caffeine may also cause achy muscles and twitches, though more research is needed to understand this aspect.

Prevention Method

Avoid caffeine if you have calcium deficiency, as it may worsen the condition.

11. May Interfere With Estrogen Production

Caffeine is known to interfere with estrogen production and metabolism. While it increased estrogen production in Asians, it decreased the levels in white females (19).

Some believe that caffeine can reduce a woman’s chances of getting pregnant (the higher the caffeine dependency, the greater the risk), though this has not been proven.

It also is believed that caffeine can have strong effects that may complicate pregnancy. Since research is lacking, we suggest that women who look forward to conceiving consult their doctor before taking caffeine.

Prevention Method

Consult your doctor for the recommended safe dosage of caffeine.

12. Can Increase The Chance Of Breast Tissue Cysts

According to a published study, women who consume more than 500 mg of caffeine per day have twice more chances of developing breast tissue cysts than those who take 31-250 mg of caffeine (20).

Prevention Method

Limit your caffeine intake.

13. May Not Be Good For Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes

If you have type 2 diabetes, you may want to consider limiting your caffeine intake. It may impair glucose metabolism, increasing the risk of diabetes complications (21).

Prevention Method

Consult your physician and get your daily caffeine limit defined.

14. Can Inhibit Collagen Production In The Skin

Caffeine was found to reduce collagen production in human skin (22).

Prevention Method

This problem could be easily prevented by limiting your caffeine dose.

15. May Impair Hearing Loss Recovery

According to a study conducted on guinea pigs, caffeine may also delay the recovery rate of noise-induced hearing loss (23). The same correlation is believed to be observed in humans as well.

Prevention Method

The ideal solution is not to consume more than 400 mg of caffeine in a day.

Insufficient Evidence For The Following

16. May Trigger Acne

Having numerous cups of coffee in a day can also cause acne. Caffeine magnifies the body’s stress levels by boosting stress hormones, which is one of the main reasons for breakouts. Caffeine can also throw your body off balance, causing stress and eventually breakouts.

Prevention Method

If you love your skin and are quite vulnerable to acne breakouts, limit your caffeine intake.

17. May Cause Allergies

Caffeine allergy is highly uncommon, but some people might develop oversensitivity to it. This may cause allergic symptoms, like rashes, hives, and pain.

Prevention Method

If you experience such reactions, it is better to quit caffeine. Seek a doctor’s advice if the problem persists.

Some of the side effects could be quite uncomfortable. But does this mean you need totally abstain from caffeine? Well, doing that too early may lead to caffeine withdrawal, especially if you are used to consuming caffeine on a regular basis.

Symptoms Of Caffeine Withdrawal

According to research, more than 68 million Americans are caffeine-dependent.

But why do we get addicted to caffeine?

Caffeine is a smart drug. It suppresses adenosine, a chemical produced by the brain that relaxes our body. It leads to a tense surge of energy in our system. This, in turn, forces our brain to demand increased levels of caffeine to stimulate the same reaction. Thus, caffeine dependency is created. These are the caffeine side effects on the brain.

People who try to get off caffeine experience a lot of withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are generally mild but can also be fatal for those who are highly accustomed to caffeine.

The general short-term withdrawal symptoms include (24):

• Headache
• Nausea
• Irritability
• Vomiting
• Grogginess
• Lethargy
• Muscle pain
• Depression
• Lack of concentration

Recommended Dosage Of Caffeine

Caffeine, with its taste and neuropsychiatric effects, has claimed a prominent place in our lives. Whether it is in chocolates or your morning beverage, it is almost impossible to avoid it. But there’s an important question we need to consider – how much of caffeine is too much?

Caffeine is a drug. Just like other allopathic drugs, caffeine can also affect people differently. Always remember that any pre-existing medical condition can add to the negative effects of caffeine. Thus, knowing our body condition, medical history, and daily intake is important. In fact, half the troubles associated with this drug can be diminished by keeping a tab on the quantity consumed daily.

What is the safe limit for caffeine?

A healthy adult can consume up to 400 mg (about 4 cups of coffee, or 10 cans of aerated caffeinated drinks) of caffeine daily without worrying about the side effects (24). However, this upper limit is highly dependent on your present health condition and other medications you are on.

Children under the age of five should avoid caffeine. Teenagers and young adults should not go for more than 100 mg of caffeine daily.

Conclusion

Though caffeine is generally considered safe for most people, too much of it can cause harm. It is important you stick to just a cup or two of coffee a day. However, pregnant and breastfeeding women are recommended to avoid caffeine.

If you are on any medications or have any specific health condition, we suggest you speak to your health care provider before you start consuming caffeine.

Expert’s Answers For Readers’ Questions

Does caffeine cause dehydration and dry mouths?

Caffeine is a natural diuretic. Some theories suggest that caffeine causes too much fluid to leave the system, resulting in dehydration and a dry mouth. Some also believe that having caffeine is not a good idea while working out as it can cause excessive dehydration. However, research is limited.

In fact, one study states that there could be no link between caffeine intake and dehydration or dry mouth (25).

Does caffeine increase the risk of gout?

Research is limited here. Conversely, some research suggests that long-term caffeine intake may reduce the risk of gout (26). To be on the safe side, if you have gout, please consult your doctor before consuming caffeine.

What are the different ways to reduce caffeine intake?

One should never quit caffeine abruptly. It may lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, especially if you are habituated to caffeine.

A better solution is to go for a step-by-step reduction method. Begin by cutting down on the number of cups you take in a day. Continue this for a few months until you are sure you won’t cheat. Then, start replacing this high-caffeine beverage with something healthier, like green or white tea and organic fruit juice. Keep your physician in the loop at all times.

Can we take supplements along with caffeine?

You are allowed to take certain supplements along with caffeine, especially those that are known to help cleanse the colon, stimulate digestive enzymes, and rehydrate cells. However, one must avoid herbs and supplements that are known to increase the risk of bleeding. Do consult your doctor before going for drugs and supplements as your medical history may aggravate the problem.

How much caffeine is found in chocolates and beverages?

Coffee is known to contain the maximum amount of caffeine. The quantity of caffeine, however, is highly dependent on the brewing method, the strength of the brew, type of coffee bean, and the cup size. A typical 250 ml cup of black coffee contains about 85 mg of caffeine. A single espresso shot has about 63 mg caffeine, while one cup of decaf coffee contains about 3 mg caffeine.

On the other hand, an 8-ounce can of red bull contains about 78-80 mg of caffeine. A cup of green tea is known to contain 20-45 mg of caffeine. Cola contains about 30-48 mg of caffeine per can.

Like coffee, the caffeine content in chocolates is also highly dependent on its type. A bar of milk chocolate contains about 1.4 mg of caffeine, which can go as high as 70 mg for a typical dark chocolate bar.

25 sources

A Stylecraze tem diretrizes rígidas de abastecimento e depende de estudos revisados por pares, instituições de pesquisa acadêmica e associações médicas. Evitamos usar referências terciárias. Você pode aprender mais sobre como garantimos que nosso conteúdo seja preciso e atualizado lendo nossa política editorial.

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