"Caffeine is a stimulant. That is why so many people rely on a cup of coffee in the morning to "wake them up". Luckily caffeine doesn't impair judgment, therefore it is widely accepted as a stimulant. Side effects from caffeine can be felt within an hour of consumption, and include increasing the breathing rate, heart rate, blood pressure and secretion of stress hormones, and some other hormones as well. It is also a natural diuretic, therefore dehydration is a concern. To combat dehydration, drink an extra glass of water above your normal intake, for every caffeinated drink you enjoy." [ takingfive's advice column | Ask takingfive A Question ]
Caffeine, besides making you more alert, can cause insomnia and poor sleep, shakes and nervousness, frequent urination and bladder irritation, irritated stomach, rapid heart rate, headaches, irritability, and I suspect it can raise your blood pressure (but I haven't found that listed anywhere.) It is also addictive. You develpe a tolerance to it's affects with use, and will get withdrawal symptoms when you stop.
Caffeine is not just in coffee, but tea, chocolate, Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and some other soft drinks. 7-Up, Sprite, and root beer son't have any caffeine. [ notnormal's advice column | Ask notnormal A Question ]
Cspinoza1 answered Friday April 23 2004, 10:13 pm: Just raises your awareness. Such as drinking a cup of coffee may make people feel more awake, alert, and alive. But some people such as myself a cup of coffe calms me down. But a majority of people it wakens the body allowing them to become more active.
Moggie answered Friday April 23 2004, 12:52 pm: I am an Englishman so I should not be answering this as our intake is only a fraction of yours but I always find it gives me a boost and sharpens my alertness in the morning,all the experts tell us there is a downside but what's new,
they say that about everything you enjoy and you do not have people coming up to you and say "I've got caffeine poisoning".
There is decaffeinated but ugh [ Moggie's advice column | Ask Moggie A Question ]
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