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- 1. Negative Effects Of Caffeine On Heart Health
- 2. Imbalance In The Doshas
- 3. Excess Coffee Boosts Anxiety.
- 4. Caffeine Contributes To Insomnia
- 5. Coffee Can Worsen Indigestion.
- 6. Other Side Effects Of Caffeine
Coffee! For many of us there’s nothing better than to wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Sipping it livens up every cell of our being and helps get our day started. Coffee is one of the most popular warm beverages in the world. Even foods like cakes and cookies are flavoured with it. Coffee has many health benefits. It can reduce the risk of disease like diabetes type 2, gout, and certain types of cancer. It also supports weight loss. And it’s an excellent source of antioxidants. But this refreshing drink also carries with it some negative effects of caffeine. In large amounts, coffee causes us more harm than good. We should therefore be well aware of the effects of coffee.
Harmful Effects Of Coffee
1. Negative Effects Of Caffeine On Heart Health
Sure, coffee gives us a much-needed energy boost in the morning and afternoon. But did you know that in the process, your heart can get harmed? Those prone to or suffering from hypertension should avoid this drink since it causes blood pressure to shoot up. The side effects of caffeine on the heart also include irregularity in heart beat. But studies have also shown that coffee can improve heart health in other ways – so moderation is key.
2. Imbalance In The Doshas
Caffeine in the coffee increases vata dosha. Vata strongly influences our digestive, circulatory, and nervous systems – so disturbance in vata leads to disorders in these systems like anxiety, and irritable bowel syndrome. In fact when vata gets disturbed, it also affects the other doshas of pitta and kapha. So the effects of coffee on vata can contribute to overall dosha imbalance.
3. Excess Coffee Boosts Anxiety.
Caffeine influences neurotransmitters that have effects on our moods. You may feel fully alive and charged up. But once it wears off, you’re prone to symptoms of anxiety like an irregular heartbeat, muscle twitches, and palpitations. You can feel restless and irritable. This is one of the well-known side effects of caffeine addiction.
4. Caffeine Contributes To Insomnia
Caffeine boosts alertness and vigilance, clarity and general boost of energy as it is a stimulator. By blocking the neurotransmitter adenosine’s receptors, it over-stimulates the brain. Therefore it can largely interrupt one’s sleep patterns, especially when taken in the evening. Coffee can worsen or even cause insomnia. Those with insomnia should avoid coffee, or limit it to three eight-ounce cups a day.
5. Coffee Can Worsen Indigestion.
If you have a digestive disorder like irritable bowel syndrome, you are probably familiar with the negative effects of caffeine on the digestive system. Coffee actually helps those with constipation since it has a laxative effect. But for others, it may cause diarrhea. Moreover, this is a very acidic drink, which can significantly worsen acid reflux and cause painful heartburns.
6. Other Side Effects Of Caffeine
- Chest pain
- Adrenal exertion
- Dehydration
- Weak bones
- Headaches
- Nausea
How Much Is Too Much?
At most, you should take not more than three cups a day. Let’s enjoy our coffee consciously and follow the Ayurvedic way of healthy living – moderate and balanced!
Note: Posts on Ayurvedum are solely for the purpose of sharing the goodness of Ayurveda and bringing awareness about natural and healthy living. Please do not substitute it for professional medical advice. Ingredients discussed can interfere with certain medications. So, before using anything to treat yourself, always consult an Ayurveda doctor or practitioner.
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