How Much is Too Much Caffeine?
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Updated: 1:12 PM Nov 20, 2008
How Much is Too Much Caffeine?
Most of us can admit to grabbing a cup of coffee or a soft drink to get pep in the morning, but where should we draw the line?
Posted: 12:00 PM Nov 20, 2008
Reporter: Denise Bradberry
Email Address: denise@wtvy.com
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Most of us can admit to grabbing a cup of coffee or a soft drink to get pep in the morning, but where should we draw the line?

We've all been told that caffeine is bad for you, but with it being part of 80% of American Adults lives, how much is too much?

Most sources say more than 500 to 600 milligrams of caffeine each day can be unhealthy.

That's roughly 15 Coca-Cola classics, 3 Rockstar energy drinks, or 2 Starbucks Grande coffees.

"Moderate amount is considered 2-3 cups of coffee; excessive is over 4 cups a day," says Bill Roberts, a pharmacist at SAMC.

That excess can have harmful effects.

"Restlessness, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, muscle twitches, and in more serious cases, heart rhythm disturbances or palpitations." says Roberts.

Whether it's a cup of coffee or a soda that you crave, caffeine can cause a physical addiction.

"Headache and irritability are signs of caffeine withdrawal and they can start within 24 hours of stopping caffeine use," says Roberts

For many, reaching for that glass of soda is simply out of habit; a habit that's hard to break.

"You have to recognize that you have a habit, and then you have to say to yourself, ‘Ok I have this habit now I have to change this habit," says Roxanna Sloan, Substance Abuse Counselor at Altacare.

The Mayo Clinic suggests you assess how much caffeine is in the foods and drinks you consume. Reduce that amount gradually and if you still crave the taste, replace drinks with their decaffeinated versions.

There is a below to a website that will tell you how many milligrams of caffeine are in your favorite drinks.


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