New dangerous effects of caffeine on the body have been identified

Although everyone’s caffeine tolerance is different, there is a limit to how much caffeine can be contained in the human body, notes CNN. Trembling fingers and a racing heart are common signs that you have too much caffeine. In more rare cases, excessive caffeine consumption can lead to a condition called caffeine intoxication or caffeine overdose.

Caffeine toxicity occurs when a person has dangerously high levels of caffeine in their body. This creates a spectrum of unpleasant and serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing and seizures. There have been several cases of people dying from caffeine intoxication.

Although it is rare, there is always the possibility of caffeine intoxication if a person drinks the beverages irresponsibly. Recognizing the signs and factors that increase your risk of caffeine overdose can help you avoid it in the first place.

Caffeine intoxication is more than the headache you get from drinking too much espresso, CNN emphasizes. This occurs when people consume excessive amounts of caffeine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration defines this limit as an amount greater than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day for healthy adults. This is equivalent to four or five cups of coffee.

According to Erin Palinski-Wade, a registered dietitian with EKP Nutrition Communications in New Jersey, consuming just over 400 milligrams of caffeine is not enough to kill or cause permanent harm to a person. The average adult is likely to feel anxious and irritable. The more toxic effects of caffeine toxicity occur when a person’s body contains 1,200 milligrams, or about 12 cups of coffee.

Caffeine intoxication has a number of serious destructive effects on the body.

Nima Majlesi, director of medical toxicology at Staten Island University Hospital, says the stimulant effects of caffeine disrupt normal heart rhythm, leading to abnormal heartbeats and possible cardiac arrest. Additionally, Palinski-Wade notes that people who overdose on caffeine may experience gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Because coffee increases urination, people who drink too much caffeine risk depleting their body of essential minerals, especially potassium, Majlesi said. Low potassium levels, or hypokalemia, can cause muscle damage and possible paralysis, cause difficulty breathing due to weakened breathing muscles, and prevent the kidneys from doing their job.

A number of symptoms of caffeine intoxication are also neurological. Anxiety, hallucinations, migraines, cerebral edema and seizures have been reported in documented cases.

Although caffeine toxicity is extremely rare, it can be fatal. Most accidental deaths associated with caffeine use involve taking multiple high-dose caffeine pills.

Palinski-Wade said most pills contain about 300 milligrams of caffeine, so taking a second pill would already exceed the recommended caffeine dose of 400 milligrams. “As with any dietary supplement, caffeine tablets should be used with caution,” she added. “I would even discuss this with your doctor because the pills are absorbed faster by the body and the amount you take may put you at risk for additional side effects.”

If you experience more than a few jitters and suspect caffeine toxicity, go to the emergency room immediately, advises Majlesi, explaining that doctors may use hemodialysis to filter caffeine from the blood. If a person has consumed large amounts of caffeine within one to two hours, Majlesi adds that doctors may also prescribe activated charcoal, which binds to caffeine and prevents it from being absorbed in the intestines.

Doctors will also prescribe medications to stabilize the patient’s condition and treat severe symptoms, CNN notes. For example, Majlesi says beta blockers and benzodiazepines are often prescribed to treat neurological problems such as hallucinations and seizures.

Both Majlesi and Palinski-Wade advised keeping an eye on how much caffeine you consume daily. Coffee is a popular source of caffeine, but foods such as soda, green tea, and cocoa can increase your caffeine intake.

Majlesi warns against energy drinks and caffeinated powders due to the high concentration of caffeine. Both products are dietary supplements and may also contain large amounts of sugar and other stimulants such as guarana.

Once you’ve decided on a caffeinated drink, Palinski-Wade recommends drinking water throughout the day. Staying hydrated can help replenish water-soluble vitamins since caffeine is a diuretic.

Having food in your stomach, especially one high in protein and fiber, can also help by allowing the body to absorb caffeine over a longer period, Palinski-Wade says. “You may experience fewer side effects compared to if you took it on an empty stomach,” she added.

In general, caffeine toxicity is preventable. The most important thing is to listen to your body and what it can tolerate, Palinski-Wade says. So, the next time you find yourself staring at that empty mug again, take a moment and consider whether you really need another drink or if perhaps you’d be better off taking a water break.