Is Caffeine Addicting? What is it?

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant widely used for its ability to help people wake up, stay alert, maintain energy levels and respond quickly. It is found in a variety of products, including medicines and dietary supplements, most sodas, coffee, tea and chocolate.

Once consumed, caffeine is rapidly enters the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine. From there, directly to the central nervous system that stimulates certain chemicals in the brain that produce a stimulus in the body. This effect peaks within 30 to 60 minutes of caffeine consumption.

Medically, caffeine is useful as a cardiac stimulant and also as a mild diuretic – it increases urine production. Recreationally can be used to provide a “boost of energy or a feeling of greater alertness. College students often use it to stay awake while the end of fattening and drivers use it to drive to your destination. Many people feel as if “can not work in the morning without a cup of coffee to provide caffeine and the boost it gives them.

Keep in mind that caffeine is a very  addictive drug. Among its many actions, which works with the same mechanisms that amphetamines, cocaine and heroin stimulate the brain. In relative terms, the effects of caffeine are lighter than amphetamines, cocaine and heroin, but it is manipulating the same channels in the brain, and this is one of the things that gives caffeine its addictive qualities. If you feel you can not function without it and must consume every day, then you might be addicted to caffeine.
For years, researchers have studied possible links between caffeine and certain health problems (eg, cancer, high cholesterol, ulcers). To date, no evidence has emerged linking the use of caffeine in any of these disorders, according to the American Dietetic Association.

However, people who consume high levels of caffeine may experience effects such as abnormal heart rhythm, headache, muscle tremors and gastrointestinal problems. Extraordinarily high intake of caffeine can lead to serious health consequences and may even be fatal.

In general, people are encouraged to moderate their consumption or to gradually reduce the levels of caffeine consumed. Quitting caffeine suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms.  To avoid the caffeine withdrawal symptons, some people opt to wean of caffeine in two to four weeks.

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