Health
Caffeine, Sizedoes Matter
Chad Collins,B,Sc., R.D.
Caffeine is typically foundin coffee, tea, colas and cocoa based products like chocolate.Caffeine is a true stimulant drug, increasing our breathing rate,heart rate, and blood pressure; giving it, it's wake-up effects.Generally in small doses, about the amount found in about 1 -2cups of brewed coffee, it is relatively harmless in a healthyadult.
Caffeine is not addictive, but it is habit forming, and the bodyadapts to its use to some extent. At doses greater than what thebody has adapted to causes jitteriness, nervousness and intestinaldiscomforts. Also, stopping taking caffeine after regular usein the form of coffee, tea, or colas can cause some withdrawalsymptoms, with the most typical symptom being a headache.
An important thing to keepin mind about caffeine is that it's stimulating effects are bodysize related. That is, the smaller you are the more effected youare by caffeine. This should especially be kept in mind for children.A young child drinking a small bottle of pop can have the sameeffects as an adult drinking 4 cups of instant coffee. Sugar doesnot cause hyperactivity, but the caffeine in chocolates and sodascan.
Also, during breastfeeding,caffeine can enter the breast milk causing the baby to feel theeffects of the caffeine. Breastfeeding mothers with an irritableand restless baby should determine if there is caffeine in theirdiet.
Chad Collins
Nutrix Ltd.