How Do You React to Caffeine?

In a recent article published by the Los Angeles Times titled, Caffeine: Best friend you ever had or your worst enemy? we learn some of the pros and cons about how our body reacts to consuming caffeine.

The article is based on findings of a registered dietitian named Ruth Frechman. Frechman says that our bodies can react in any number of ways to caffeine and that caffeine can:

• Improve athletic performance
• Enhance mental alertness and concentration
• Raise your blood pressure
• Cause jitteriness
• Cause Gastrointestinal problems
• Produce anxiety

Furthermore, people who are accustomed to drinking less caffeine (under 50 mg per day) are more apt to respond to its effects.

Rather than giving up caffeine completely, Frechman recommends that coffee lovers experiment with the levels of caffeine their bodies can handle. A good rule of thumb to safely boost your performance with caffeine is to consume about 3 mg of caffeine per 1 kg of body weight.

For reference purposes, an 8-oz cup (so smaller than a typical coffee shop “small” size contains between 100-200 mg of caffeine. This means that a 150 pound person can consume an 8 oz coffee and expect to see a change in their energy levels and physical performance.

Of course, it is still best to consult with your Doctor about caffeine consumption if you are unsure of its effect on your body.

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