DUB Speak

The Unhealthy Practice of Caffeine Consumption

Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

The unhealthy practice of caffeine consumption at dangerous levels can be very detrimental to the health of students. This ‘harmless’ addiction can affect the body in unimaginable ways. Increased level of caffeine in our body can rewire our mind and mess with the hormonal levels our body.

College students have a very dynamic life which demands to be juggled very efficiently. They have to balance academics, extra-curricular activities, and social life, each of which demand a lot of time. Understandably, many of them count on caffeine to push themselves a few extra hours in each day. Mostly in the form of tea or coffee, caffeine acts on our adrenal glands and induces the secretion of adrenaline hormone which in turn rejuvenates us.

Consuming tea or coffee catapults the energy level and enhances alertness, but at the same time students are ignoring the negative implications of caffeine addiction. ‘Excess’ of anything is bad. In excess, caffeine can be really dangerous.

Caffeine abuse can cause increased anxiety, irritability, and disorientation. It is highly diuretic and can cause frequent urination which further may lead to dehydration. Caffeine addiction can leave a student jittery and nervous. Caffeine has also been known to act as a trigger for people who suffer from panic attacks.

Caffeine addiction can induce sleep disorders in the body which may lead to further complications. The addiction can also cause stomach ulcers and acid reflux which can prove fatal.

To worsen the plight, a lot of netizens are romanticizing the idea of ‘tea’ addiction over social media platforms. To keep up with the social trend, students in large numbers are getting tricked into this addiction. This ‘addiction’ is generally considered harmless but all the indiscriminate caffeine we intake can wreak havoc in our bodies and minds.

The pertinent question at this point is, what amount of caffeine is actually permissible in our body? Research suggests that each person can reap the benefits of the caffeine at an amount as small as 25 to 50 milligrams of coffee a day which is analogous to one cup of tea, and no one should exceed 250 milligrams, or 2 cups of coffee, each day.

Kicking this habit comes at the cost of undergoing the experience of the ‘withdrawal symptoms’. If you’re not so up for a few days of a headache, fatigue, and irritability, try gradually reducing the gradient of consumption. Caffeine drinks can be replaced by decaffeinated herbal drinks which are actually good for health. They don’t mess with the hormonal levels of our body.

Keeping a healthy cycle of habits in the loop of daily routine can enhance our efficiency and diminish our dependence on caffeine. Reduced caffeine dependence can make us feel surprisingly energised all the day.

 

Feature Image Credits: The Jakarta Post

Sandeep Samal

[email protected]

Comments are closed.