Negative Side Effects of Caffeine Consumption

Caffeine is highly addictive and can be consumed in so many delicious ways. The scent of homemade coffee in the mornings is so comforting and is one of the best things about mornings! However, caffeine can be quite damaging when consumed in high doses, consistently. Following are a few of the negative side effects of caffeine consumption that you may not be aware of.

Bone Loss

Excessive caffeine consumption, defined as two to three cups of brewed coffee, has accelerated bone loss in women who did not consume enough calcium. The bone loss occurred in their spine, as well as other body parts.

Thyroid Carcinogenesis

Caffeine intake, may (when coupled with an iodine deficiency), promote thyroid carcinogenesis. This study was conducted in rats.

Caffeine Toxicity

Another study conducted on rats highlights the effects of too much caffeine consumption. Following are a few of the side effects:

Gastric Ulcers

When you consume caffeine it increases the production of acids in your stomach, leading to more discomfort, especially if you already have damage to your mucosal lining.

Inhibition of Oogenesis

Consumption of caffeine has an adverse effect on the fertility of women as well as the developmental stages of the fetus.

Adrenal Stressor

Ingesting caffeine will stress your adrenaline glands. It puts you into a constant fight or flight response, and increases the production of cortisol.

Loss of Red Pulp in Spleen

The consumption of caffeine may also lead to loss of red pulp in your spleen. The red pulp in your spleen aids in filtering your blood, and affects all your significant organs such as the liver, lungs, heart, kidneys, etc.

Salivary Secretion

Caffeine consumption causes a decrease in salivary secretion. It also affects your taste perception.

Uterine Fibroids

The formation of uterine fibroid is associated with an increase in caffeine intake. Women who suffer from fibroids should avoid caffeine, in all forms. Read my post on uterine fibroids here.

What to consume instead of caffeine?

How about herbal teas? Many of these are naturally caffeine-free, and gives a boost of energy. Here are a few of my favorites:

Pukka Organic Revitalize Tea

Pukka Organic Vanilla Chai

Traditional Medicinals Organic Roasted Dandelion Tea

Coffee Replacement?

For many, coffee has a depth of flavor and an enticing aroma that can not be easily found in other drinks. However, I urge you to give my Detox Chai Tea a chance, it is naturally caffeine free, warming, soothing, nourishing, healing, and thoroughly delicious! Please click here for my recipe.

What to do now?

This post was meant to empower you with information on just some of the negative side effects of caffeine consumption. It is up to you to evaluate how your body reacts to caffeine, and whether you may benefit from removing caffeine altogether. Maybe the solution is to have that delicious latte as a treat once in a while.