For coffee lovers, a cup of coffee in the morning is a daily ritual. The caffeine in coffee can provide a boost of energy, improve focus, and even enhance mood. However, too much coffee may lead to negative health effects.

Let’s look at what happens when you drink excessive coffee.

What is excessive coffee consumption?

The amount of coffee that is considered excessive varies from person to person. However, it is generally agreed that consuming more than 400 milligrams of caffeine a day can lead to negative health effects.

This is equivalent to around four cups of coffee a day, assuming that one cup has around 100 milligrams of caffeine.

Insomnia and Disrupted Sleep Patterns

Caffeine is a stimulant that can keep you awake and alert, but consuming too much of it may disrupt your sleep patterns and lead to insomnia.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that consuming caffeine even 6 hours before bedtime can reduce sleep efficiency by 20%.

Anxiety and Jitters

Excessive coffee consumption can also lead to anxiety and jitters. Caffeine can stimulate the central nervous system, causing an increase in heart rate and breathing. This can lead to feelings of restlessness, anxiety, and even panic attacks.

In some cases, excessive caffeine consumption can also lead to muscle tremors.

Dehydration

Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it increases urine excretion and can lead to dehydration if consumed excessively. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including dry mouth, thirst, and headaches.

It is important to drink plenty of water alongside your coffee consumption to avoid dehydration.

Stomach Upset

Drinking excessive coffee can also lead to stomach upset. Caffeine can stimulate the production of stomach acid, which can lead to acid reflux and heartburn. It can also cause diarrhea or constipation, depending on your body’s sensitivity to caffeine.

Muscle Breakdown

Caffeine can increase the levels of cortisol in your body, a hormone that is released during stress. This can lead to muscle breakdown and impaired muscle function.

Additionally, caffeine can also impair calcium absorption, leading to weaker muscles over time.

Increased Risk of Osteoporosis

Caffeine may also increase the loss of calcium in the urine, which can lead to weaker bones over time. This can increase the risk of osteoporosis, especially in older adults and women who are already at risk for bone loss.

Addiction and Withdrawal Symptoms

Excessive coffee consumption can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Caffeine is a stimulant that can cause physical dependence, and stopping or reducing coffee consumption can lead to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and irritability.

Increased Blood Pressure

Caffeine is known to increase blood pressure, especially in people who are sensitive to it.

This can put a strain on the heart and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, especially in people who already have high blood pressure or other risk factors.

Conclusion

While coffee can have several benefits, excessive consumption can have a range of negative health effects. From disrupted sleep patterns to increased risk of osteoporosis, the health effects of excessive coffee consumption should not be ignored.

It is important to consume coffee in moderation, especially if you are sensitive to caffeine or have underlying health conditions. If you experience any negative symptoms after drinking coffee, consider reducing your consumption or switching to decaffeinated coffee.