The Hidden Link Between Stress, Aging and Caffeine

The Hidden Link Between Stress, Aging and Caffeine
by Caroline MacDougall Link to full article below

It’s the common complaint you hear uttered by friends, family and
co-workers throughout the day. “I just can’t get going without my cup of
coffee!” What happened to the days of childhood when we used to bound out
of bed with plenty of energy and we kept going at an energetic pace until
night? Most people assume that age causes diminished energy supply, but
the latest research is shedding new light on lifestyle practices that
ultimately lead to fatigue.
Although we reach for the coffee or tea cup hoping to boost our energy,
studies show that we are actually inducing a state of stress. Caffeine
drives the adrenal glands to produce stress hormones that can remain in
the blood stream up to 18 hours after consumption. These hormones produce
the “fight or flight” response nature designed to help save our lives when
every bit of energy was required to survive an impending disaster such as
an attack by a foe.

To read the full article: http://healthy.net/scr/Article.asp?Id=2155

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Caffeine: How much is too much?

Caffeine: How much is too much?
By Mayo Clinic staff

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/NU00600

If you rely on caffeine to wake you up and keep you going, you aren't alone. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, alleviating fatigue and increasing wakefulness.
When to consider cutting back

For most people, moderate doses of caffeine — 200 to 300 milligrams (mg), or about two to four cups of brewed coffee a day — aren't harmful. But some circumstances may warrant limiting or even ending your caffeine routine. Read on to see if any of these apply to you.
'Grande' is your middle name

Though moderate caffeine intake isn't likely to cause harm, too much can noticeably affect your health. Heavy daily caffeine use — more than 500 to 600 mg a day, or about four to seven cups of coffee — can cause:

* Insomnia
* Nervousness
* Restlessness
* Irritability
* Nausea or other gastrointestinal problems
* Fast or irregular heartbeat
* Muscle tremors
* Headaches
* Anxiety

Even a little makes you jittery

To read the full article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/NU00600