Coffee – the good, the bad and the ugly (Part 2/2)
In my previous blog, I explained how coffee and caffeine positively affect brain function and overall wellbeing. Additionally, I highlighted several benefits such as improved alertness, enhanced concentration, and reduced risks of certain health conditions. However, this discussion now shifts towards the negative aspects that arise from excessive caffeine consumption. Ultimately, understanding both positive and negative effects allows individuals to make informed choices about daily coffee intake.
Too Much Coffee & the Risks of Daily Overconsumption
Since caffeine’s stimulating effects fade after roughly six hours, many people consume additional cups to maintain alertness. Consequently, this repeated consumption throughout the day may gradually create dependence, making it difficult for individuals to reduce intake. Moreover, overreliance on caffeine often masks underlying fatigue, preventing people from addressing healthier lifestyle habits effectively. Additionally, many individuals mistakenly assume decaffeinated coffee eliminates caffeine, though it still contains small measurable amounts. Ultimately, recognising these patterns allows individuals to moderate consumption and reduce risks associated with excessive daily coffee use.
Too Much Coffee & Its Negative Impact on Health
Excessive caffeine consumption can result in caffeine intoxication, producing symptoms like restlessness, nervousness, insomnia, and heightened agitation overall. Furthermore, individuals may experience incoherent speech, disorganised thoughts, and periods of exhaustion paradoxically combined with extreme restlessness. Additionally, those attempting to reduce intake often face withdrawal symptoms including headaches, irritability, and significant difficulty maintaining focus. Moreover, physical reactions such as jitters, tremors, and rapid heartbeat can cause discomfort during caffeine withdrawal phases.
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms from Excessive Caffeine Consumption
Consequently, fatigue and depressed mood may temporarily arise, challenging daily productivity and emotional stability in some individuals. Importantly, these symptoms are transitory, resolving naturally once the body adjusts to lower caffeine levels. Ultimately, recognising caffeine’s short-term negative effects encourages moderation and healthier, more sustainable coffee consumption habits daily.
Research-Based Tips for Healthier Coffee Consumption
American Psychological Association offers some research-based tips related to coffee consumption:
- Delay your coffee for at least an hour after waking up. Caffeine isn’t really needed then because soon after waking your body naturally produces cortisol which acts as an energy booster
- Consider drinking it only when you really need a boost. For example, before a studying session or a long drive
- Time your caffeine intake as it can interfere with sleep. Consumed as long as six hours before bedtime, it can reduce sleep by an hour and also interfere with sleep efficiency and REM patterns
- Cutting back on coffee gradually should help diminish the withdrawal symptoms
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, understanding coffee’s positive and negative effects enables individuals to make healthier, more balanced decisions regarding daily consumption. Additionally, recognising symptoms of overuse or withdrawal empowers people to adjust habits and protect both physical and mental wellbeing. Consequently, adopting moderation alongside awareness of research-based recommendations helps sustain coffee’s benefits while reducing potential long-term health risks. Importantly, making informed lifestyle choices about caffeine intake ensures greater productivity, improved emotional stability, and overall enhancement of life quality.
Too Much Coffee: Written by Nataša Nikolić
Nataša Nikolić is a student from Serbia, currently completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Novi Sad. Her main goal would be to combine two of her major passions – psychology and art/design. She is participating in a summer internship programme at Willingness.com.mt.
