Caffeine is the world’s most popular stimulant, and most of us rely on caffeine to help kickstart our mornings, power us through the workday, and fight off fatigue when we need to stay focused.

 

One cup of coffee can be just what you need to get that little boost of energy and focus. However, drink one too many, and you can turn into an overstimulated mess faster than a toddler on a sugar high.

 

Too much caffeine can lead to anxiety, jitters, crash, insomnia, digestive problems, increased blood pressure, and other side effects.

 

So, does that mean you should completely cut off caffeine from your diet?

 

Probably not. 

 

But you do need to moderate your caffeine intake.

 

So, let’s see why excessive caffeine is bad for your health and how moderation can help you avoid the annoying side effects.

 

We also want to discuss Theacrine – the perfect caffeine alternative that provides a more sustainable energy boost, even better than moderate caffeine.

 

Let’s dive in!

 

How Does Caffeine Help Us Stay Awake and Focused?

After caffeine gets absorbed in the stomach, it enters the bloodstream and throughout the body. When it reaches the central nervous system, it binds to specific adenosine receptors, preventing this neurotransmitter from using the same binding spots.

 

When adenosine binds to these receptors, it triggers a reaction that makes us more relaxed and sleepy. Since caffeine blocks these effects, we feel more wakeful after consuming it.

 

Caffeine also promotes the activity of two feel-good neurotransmitters – norepinephrine and dopamine. Their effects contribute to the overall energy-promoting benefits of caffeine.

 

Lastly, caffeine triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline, hormones responsible for how we respond to stress and danger. This activity initiates the “fight or flight” response, elevating blood pressure, heart rate, and metabolism rate.

 

While our adrenaline and cortisol levels are up, we feel more wakeful, alert, and focused because the brain tries to keep everything running at 100% to overcome the “danger.”

 

Luckily, there is no danger. However, if you consume too much caffeine, you risk experiencing anxiety, jitters, a crash, and other side effects.

 

Let’s see why.

 

Perils of Excessive Caffeine Consumption 

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and most other health agencies state that consuming up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is safe for healthy adults. That equates to four to five standard (8 fl oz) cups of coffee. 

 

But many people fail to realize that caffeine also exists in sodas, teas, chocolate, dietary supplements, and many other products. So, going over the recommended daily limit is easier than you think.

 

Excessive caffeine consumption can lead to many side effects, including:

 

• A crash
• Poor mood
• Jitters
• Anxiousness
• Nervousness
• Tremors or shaking
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Headaches
• Digestive issues
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Insomnia and sleep problems

 

Why Does Caffeine Cause a Crash?

We mentioned that caffeine blocks adenosine binding to the receptors in the central nervous system, which promotes our energy levels.

 

However, a caffeine boost doesn’t last forever. After three to four hours, our body clears most of it, meaning all the adenosine receptors in your brain are available. So, what happens is that we have a surge of free adenosine binding to these receptors, causing us to feel a sudden dip in energy levels.

 

This is what most people perceive as a crash, and it can be accompanied by a lack of motivation, nervousness, poor ability to focus, and other side effects.

 

Why Do You Feel Anxious and Jittery After Coffee?

When we overindulge in caffeine, we often feel anxious and jittery. These symptoms occur because caffeine acts as a stimulant to the nervous system, increasing our adrenaline levels.

 

We already mentioned that adrenaline triggers the “fight or flight” response in our body, which can make us feel restless and jittery. Caffeine also increases blood pressure and heart rate, further contributing to feelings of anxiousness.

 

In addition to an adrenaline boost, coffee affects cortisol, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels. An overstimulated brain can disrupt the balance of these neurotransmitters, causing involuntary muscle contractions. As a result, some people experience shaking and tremors after drinking too much caffeine.

 

It’s important to note that some individuals may be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than others, which can increase their likelihood of experiencing these symptoms.

 

Caffeine and Cardiovascular Health

The relationship between caffeine consumption and cardiovascular health is somewhat complex. While some studies suggest that moderate caffeine intake benefits cardiovascular health, consuming too much caffeine is definitely not good for your heart.

 

Since caffeine is a stimulant, it raises your heart rate and blood pressure. That’s usually not a problem because most people drink moderate amounts of caffeine, and the stimulant effects typically subside after three hours. 

 

It’s important to note that people with high blood pressure should avoid high doses of caffeine because it may put an additional strain on their cardiovascular system. 

 

Lastly, most people consume caffeine in the form of coffee, sodas, or energy drinks. These caffeinated beverages also contain a lot of sugar, which could have additional adverse effects on your cardiovascular health.

 

Does Caffeine Cause Headaches?

Drinking caffeine has long been believed to cause headaches, but is it actually true? It turns out that the relationship between caffeine and headaches is complex, and the answer is not a simple yes or no.

 

Some research suggests that regular caffeine consumption could increase the chances of experiencing headaches and even migraines. That’s because caffeine alters blood flow to the brain, which can trigger headaches.

 

On the other hand, numerous studies suggest that moderate caffeine intake could help relieve headaches. That’s because this stimulant constricts blood vessels in the brain and helps reduce inflammation, alleviating headaches and migraines.

 

The most important thing to remember is that people can react differently to caffeine. And while some people can experience headaches after drinking caffeine, others may grab a cup of coffee to help them deal with a migraine. However, it’s vital to practice moderation because the more caffeine you consume, the higher the chances it will cause adverse effects like headaches.

 

Caffeine and Digestive Issues

If that first sip of coffee has you running for the bathroom, there is a good reason behind it. Coffee has laxative properties that stimulate your gastrointestinal tract.

 

Drinking a moderate amount of coffee helps digestion and stimulates regular bowel movements. However, drink too much coffee, and you may experience heartburn, acid reflux, upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, and other digestive problems.

 

Some people experience digestive issues after drinking caffeinated beverages because they can stimulate the production of stomach acid and irritate the lining. In addition, other compounds found in coffee could cause muscle contractions, leading to abdominal pain and cramps.

 

People sensitive to caffeine or acidic foods are more likely to experience digestive issues after consuming caffeine or caffeinated beverages.

 

Caffeine and Sleep Problems

Not being able to get enough sleep at night is one of the signs you are consuming too much caffeine. 

 

That’s because caffeine blocks adenosine, which plays a vital role in sleep control and deep sleep. In addition, caffeine affects levels of other hormones and neurotransmitters. 

 

For example, caffeine increases cortisol and prevents the secretion of melatonin. Melatonin is vital for inducing sleep and promoting sleepiness. When your brain doesn’t synthesize enough of this sleep-promoting hormone, it becomes much harder to fall asleep at night.

 

According to research, too much caffeine can make it harder to fall asleep, reduce total sleep time, decrease sleep efficiency, and impair perceived sleep quality.

 

Keep in mind that your body needs 8-10 hours to eliminate caffeine, which is why this stimulant is likely to interfere with sleep if you consume it in the afternoon.

 

Is Moderation Really the Key?

Yes – moderation is the key to safe caffeine consumption. It’s essential to figure out the right amount of caffeine your body needs for optimal functioning and be aware of the potential risks of consuming too much.

 

A comprehensive review has found that moderate caffeine consumption is safe for healthy adults. In contrast, pregnant women, people sensitive to caffeine, people with chronic conditions, and other vulnerable groups should limit their caffeine intake.

 

Keep in mind that while 400 mg of caffeine per day is the hard limit, some people may experience side effects even with lower doses. However, if you drink one to two cups of regular coffee per day, you should be good.

 

Now, here’s where things get a little fuzzy.

 

Over time, your body can become accustomed to the effects of caffeine. That means you need to consume a higher dose to achieve the same energy-boosting benefits because caffeine habituates as your body adapts to the regular consumption of caffeinated drinks.

 

While moderation could prevent the adverse effects of excessive caffeine consumption, it may not be sustainable in the long run. That’s because you’ll need more and more caffeine to get the same effects, making it less efficient.

 

So, is there a better way to boost energy than caffeine?

 

Absolutely!

 

Meet Theacrine: The Perfect Caffeine Alternative

Theacrine is a purine alkaloid naturally found in the leaves of the Chinese tea plant – Kucha. It belongs to the group of naturally-derived nootropics that have the ability to boost energy, stamina, and cognitive performance.

 

With a chemical structure similar to caffeine, Theacrine also stimulates the central nervous system, affecting the levels of certain neurotransmitters like dopamine and adenosine. As a result, Theacrine improves energy, alertness, and focus.

 

However, unlike caffeine, Theacrine doesn’t cause tolerance build-up, crashes, or any adverse effects of excessive caffeine use. In addition, it is not a stimulant, so it doesn’t raise your heart rate or blood pressure, which is vital for people with cardiovascular problems.

 

In addition to helping you stay awake, alert, and focused, Theacrine can help you improve your mental and physical performance. It can also help you deal with stress, improve mood, reduce depression symptoms, overcome common colds, fight inflammation, and more.

 

If you’re interested in the full scope of Theacrine benefits and how it compares to caffeine, make sure to read our Theacrine vs. Caffeine comparison guide.

 

How Do You Feel After Drinking Theacrine?

When you drink Theacrine, you probably won’t feel anything at first. You won’t feel a kick or a quick burst of energy that leaves you drained later. And that’s exactly why Theacrine is so great.

 

Instead, you’ll feel alert and able to focus on what you have to do. This subtle energy boost will continue without the crash, providing you with sustainable energy for the rest of the day.

 

But the benefits of Theacrine go beyond just energy. You’ll also be able to deal with stressful situations without feeling anxious, nervous, or moody. 

 

So, Theacrine really helps you optimize your performance and feel better about yourself.

 

But there are also other holistic ingredients that can enhance our overall health and well-being. In fact, combining these ingredients can provide even more benefits than using them individually. 

 

This is why we’ve created MTE – a unique wellness shot that includes Theacrine and other nootropics, adaptogens, and superfoods that work synergistically to help us feel and perform at our best.

 

So, if you’re running on empty and looking to fill the tank with the right fuel, you should try MTE and experience all the benefits of your daily wellness companion.