Microsoft word - caffeine.doc

CAFFEINE
ITS ACTION IN THE BODY AND COMMON SOURCES
Caffeine is a drug used by millions of people daily. Its stimulant qualities are known and are generally
enjoyed by the people who consume caffeine. Many people may experience undesirable effects of
caffeine stimulation of the body and mind.
The following information on the effects and sources of caffeine is provided to help you and your
clinician determine if there is a level of caffeine consumption which is not detrimental to you.
General
Caffeine stimulates a person’s “fight or flight” reaction. Mental activity and feelings of alertness are
increased and generally the body is prepared for quick action. This is generally why caffeine is taken.
These are the primary effects. However, “What goes up must come down.” The down is the rebound
of caffeine consumption which occurs after the last dose wears off. This is caffeine’s secondary effect.
Symptoms of the secondary effect are generally those for which caffeine was consumed for the first
time. The rebound mental dullness, sleepiness and physical sluggishness may cause a person to
desire another dose. This is the cycle of stimulant use. The up and down cycles place excessive stress
on the systems of the body and can become addictive.
Some of the adverse primary effects of caffeine stimulation on specific body systems are listed below:
Central nervous system
Stimulation which can cause behavioral changes, insomnia, restlessness, nervousness, anxiety, ringing
in the ears, muscular tremor, headaches, lightheadedness.
Cardio-vascular system
Rapid heart rate, irregular heart rate, palpitations, increased or decreased blood pressure, decreased
blood flow to the brain, cold hands and feet.
Digestive System
Increased gastric secretion, gastric irritation, ulcers, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and anal
itching.

Immune system
Decreased immune function, decreased thymus gland size, decreased levels of circulating antibodies.
Urinary tract
Kidney and bladder irritation, diuresis, increased frequency of urination, burning on urination.
Secretory glands
Increased sweating, fibrocystic breast changes.
Metabolic
Increased blood lipids, increased or decreased blood sugar levels, pancreatic cancer, depletion of
minerals and water soluble vitamins, and dehydration.
Bone health
Depletion of minerals causing bone loss and weak bones. Increased possibility of fracture.
Reproductive
Caffeine is known to cross the placenta; the safety of caffeine exposure before birth is still unknown.
Caffeine is passed unchanged through breast milk and is known to contribute to nervous irritability of
nursing infants, as well as the above-listed symptoms.
Emerald City Naturopathic Clinic, Inc., P.S. 1409 NW 85th Seattle, WA 98117 (206)781 2206 fax: (206)783-3949 email: d2rmolly@aol.com website: www.emeraldcityclinic.com
Withdrawal
After discontinuing caffeine consumption, opposite (secondary) effects. as well as headaches may
result for a short while until the body re-equilibrates.

COMMON SOURCES OF CAFFEINE
Beverages
Serving Size
Caffeine (mg)
Serving Size
Caffeine (mg)
Over-the-Counter Drugs
Caffeine (mg)

Note
Other sources of caffeine are Yerba mate, Guarana leaves, Yon pon and Kola nut. These ingredients
are in many herbal energy and weight loss formulas, so it is important to read labels. Green tea, while it
has about 35 mg per serving, has many healthful benefits, including large amounts of protective
bioflavanoids. “Decaf” products can vary dramatically in the amount of caffeine, from almost the full
amount to less than half. There are many marketing ploys out there with respect to “decaf”, so beware.
(Decaf just means “maybe-less-caf”)
Emerald City Naturopathic Clinic, Inc., P.S. 1409 NW 85th Seattle, WA 98117 (206)781 2206 fax: (206)783-3949 email: d2rmolly@aol.com website: www.emeraldcityclinic.com

Source: http://www.emeraldcityclinic.com/educational/pdfs/caffeine.pdf