Signs You May Be Overdoing Your Coffee Fix

Some people think more is better, but too much of anything can be harmful. Even something as popular as coffee isn't an exception. A financial analysis company, 24/7 Wall St. compiled a list of signs you be overdoing it with coffee.

They reviewed an analysis of the potential outcomes connected to high coffee consumption by referencing a variety of sources, including reputable medical journals like the Lancet, policy research organizations such as the American Heart Association and American Migraine Foundation, and government entities like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Coffee is associated with several potential health benefits. According to research from John Hopkins Medicine, coffee contains antioxidants and various active compounds that may reduce internal inflammation and potentially offer protection against certain diseases. Their studies indicate that coffee drinkers have a lower mortality risk from some common causes of death in women, including coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease. Additionally, consuming one to two cups of coffee daily is suggested to have a potential preventive effect on heart failure in cases where the heart faces challenges in efficiently pumping blood throughout the body.

Many of these advantages depend on specific circumstances. For instance, when coffee is mixed with added sugar and cream, its potential health advantages can diminish. Additionally, excessive coffee intake can lead to addiction and associated risks. According to the Mayo Clinic, most healthy adults are advised to limit their coffee consumption to around four cups, equivalent to approximately 400 milligrams of caffeine, as it is generally considered a safe threshold. Exceeding this amount may be considered excessive.

The study points out signs that you might be overdoing it with your coffee fix. Feeling like you're about to faint could be one of them, and this might be due to a condition called hypokalaemia, where your blood potassium levels drop. This particular study was done at Shinohara Hospital in Japan.

Another sign to watch for is what they call "caffeinism." It's when you start getting all jittery and shaky from too much coffee. According to the FDA, caffeine can rev up your adrenaline, and when you go overboard with it (the amount varies from person to person), those jittery feelings can kick in.

Then there's the digestive trouble, more specifically, diarrhea. The study suggests that drinking more than three cups of coffee a day, along with other caffeinated drinks, can sometimes turn your stomach into a bit of a mess, according to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.

If skipping your usual cup of coffee leaves you feeling drained and tired, it could be another sign. Coffee can be your go-to pick-me-up, but if you're constantly relying on it, the study warns that it might actually zap your energy once that caffeine buzz wears off.