Critical Essay on Whether Caffeine Raises Body Temperature

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Introduction

The viewpoint of individuals surrounding the use of caffeine, with some saying it can be detrimental whilst others believe it can be beneficial for our health. Caffeine is a neurological stimulant drug, which many people rely on during their everyday lives, as it makes the user more alert and awake. Caffeine is found naturally in coffee, cocoa beans, and tea, and is also found in products such as energy and soft drinks. The table to the left shows the amount of caffeine in different foods and beverages that someone would most likely consume on a daily basis.

Caffeine consumption

Caffeine, being a neurological drug, namely targets the brain and neurological system. Once caffeine enters the body, it acts by blocking adenosine receptors in our brain and replaces them with caffeine. Adenosine is a natural hormone that promotes sleep and tells us that we are becoming tired, when replaced with caffeine the adenosine levels drop providing us with energy surges and more alert activity. As adenosine levels lower, adrenaline levels rise, also providing further energy. The diagram to the left shows that C (adenosine), is replaced with A (caffeine) to provide the body with these boosted moods and alerted activity.

As all drugs should be, caffeine is to be consumed proportionately, and for users to understand how much caffeine is too much. It needs to be noted, that although it is rare if too much caffeine is taken it can cause a lethal overdose. The recommended daily intake for an adult is 400mg, and for an adolescent, it is recommended to not exceed 100mg. It is also to be considered how long caffeine has, and how long it will last in an individual’s body. Caffeine has a half-life of 6 hours, meaning that after 6 hours half of the caffeine would most likely be eliminated from the user’s body, and after 48 hours all of the caffeine would be gone. Though when saying this, many people need a coffee refill before the end of the day, showing that most feel the effects on their body after only half of the caffeine is utilized. The graph presented to the right demonstrates the half-life of caffeine and how it progressively drops over time until there is no caffeine left to be used in one’s body.

Benefits & Detriments of Caffeine

There are a number of long and short-term effects on the body after consuming caffeine and can be variable depending on the circumstances of each individual.

Benefits

Alertness to our body
Can minimize the risk of certain diseases and sickness
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Alzheimer’s
- Melanoma

Detriments

Can cause addiction/withdrawal effects and symptoms
Anxiety or trouble sleeping
Physical side effects such as – higher heart rate and higher blood pressure

Withdrawal and Addiction

When an individual has become addicted to caffeine it is because their body has adapted to the caffeine meaning they will require more to have a substantial effect. They will start to need caffeine daily to feel as if they can function. Withdrawal is when one stops their intake of caffeine and their body begins to have side effects without the stimulant acting upon their brain.

Signs of Addiction

Continued caffeine use
Craving caffeine multiple times throughout the day
Unsuccessful efforts on trying to limit caffeine use
Caffeine is taken in large amounts

Symptoms of Addiction

Sleep disruption
Migraines
Quickened heartbeat
Muscle tremors
Nausea

If someone is experiencing caffeine addiction, they should try cutting back their caffeine consumption but not totally cut it off as it could lead to withdrawal.

Symptoms of Withdrawal Include

Headaches
Irritability
Muscle aches and pains
Constipation
Lack of Concentration
Fatigue
Anxiety

The best way to avoid caffeine withdrawal is for the individual to slowly lower their intake of caffeine and not stop it totally all at once, so that their body can slowly adjust.

As stated above, there are multiple positive and negative effects of caffeine. It is more than often a benefit rather than detrimental to one’s health, as can help prevent diseases and provide one with a stimulant throughout the day. Caffeine only becomes a negative aspect when its use is abused and causes one to have addiction and withdrawal struggles.

Depression & Anxiety

Depending on the individual’s circumstance caffeine can either help or hinder someone if they suffer from depression and/or anxiety. If caffeine is consumed in moderate amounts it can improve their mood and can alleviate their depression to some extent. Though, after the effects of caffeine wear off their mood could instantly drop again.

With heavy use and intake of caffeine an individual, especially with anxiety, could be triggered into something similar to a fight-or-flight situation. Where their body is dealing with excess adrenaline levels and reacts with high heart rate and blood pressure, nausea, and restlessness.

Overall if someone is suffering from depression or anxiety, it is best to drink or consume caffeine in extreme moderation, as it can cause short-term fixes or cause them to go into a situation worse for their own mental health.

Conclusion

Overall, I believe that although caffeine can provide our body with detrimental effects it is the misuse of caffeine that causes these effects. If one consumes caffeine safely and in the right amounts is more beneficial and won’t cause either short or long-term issues that occur from overdose or abuse of the drug. Caffeine is not detrimental to our body and health as long as individuals know how caffeine works as a stimulant drug and overdoses can occur leading to major issues.

Bibliography

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