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The Effects of Caffeine On The Body
A Study on Why Caffeine Makes Workouts More Fun...
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Must Read Article💡
Caffeine is the most widely used drug in the entire world. Some people live off of caffeine. But do we really know the effect is has on our body?
In this article by healthline.com, they discuss all of the effects that caffeine has on our body. Here are some of the main points 👇👇
Regular coffee consumption has been associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's, dementia, and suicide.
Overconsumption of caffeine can lead to headaches, confusion, and high blood pressure.
Excessive caffeine consumption may interfere with calcium absorption, potentially leading to osteoporosis, and can cause muscle twitching.
During pregnancy, caffeine crosses the placenta and can affect the baby's heart rate and growth. Limiting caffeine intake is advised.
Caffeine affects the digestive system by increasing stomach acid and may cause heartburn or upset stomach.
Caffeine is so widely available that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), says about 80 percent of U.S. adults take some form of caffeine every day.
Parker’s Breakdown: Caffeine 🔑
Its widespread consumption is deeply ingrained in daily routines, often serving as a morning pick-me-up or a midday energy boost. While its effects are well-known to many, the intricate mechanisms by which caffeine interacts with the body continue to intrigue researchers and health enthusiasts alike.
Caffeine's primary action occurs in the brain, where it blocks the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine receptors. Adenosine promotes relaxation and sleepiness, but when its receptors are blocked by caffeine, neural activity increases, leading to heightened alertness and reduced perception of fatigue. This stimulation can improve cognitive functions such as concentration, memory, and reaction time, explaining why caffeine is often consumed to enhance mental performance.
Caffeine also has effects on the adrenal gland. Upon caffeine consumption, the adrenal glands release adrenaline, also known as epinephrine. This hormone triggers the body's "fight or flight" response, causing an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
Caffeine has also been shown to boost metabolism and enhance fat oxidation, making it a popular ingredient in many weight loss supplements. By stimulating the central nervous system, caffeine increases the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which promote thermogenesis (the production of heat in the body) and aid in fat breakdown.
Due to its stimulant properties, consuming caffeine close to bedtime can disrupt sleep patterns and reduce sleep quality. The half-life of caffeine—the time it takes for the body to eliminate half of the consumed caffeine—varies among individuals but generally ranges from three to seven hours. Therefore, consuming caffeine in the afternoon or evening can interfere with the onset of sleep and result in sleep disturbances, ultimately affecting overall health and well-being.
The Study 📖
In this study, the researchers aimed to investigate the effects of caffeine ingestion on plasma dopamine and serum serotonin levels during treadmill running exercise. Thirty male volunteers were randomly assigned to either the control group (CON), which consumed 200 mL of tap water, or the caffeine group (CAFF), which consumed 3 mg/kg of caffeine along with 200 mL of tap water.
Here’s what they found:
Dopamine levels significantly increased in the CAFF group compared to the CON group.
Serotonin levels significantly increased in both groups after treadmill running, but there was no significant difference between the groups.
Prolactin and cortisol levels significantly increased in both groups after treadmill running, with no significant difference between the groups.
β-endorphin levels significantly increased in the CAFF group after treadmill running and were significantly higher than in the CON group.
In conclusion, ingestion of 3 mg/kg of caffeine before treadmill running stimulated dopamine release without inhibiting serotonin, potentially reducing central fatigue.
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