Impact of Caffeine on Our Health Paper Example

Introduction

Caffeine is used daily by many people around the globe to alleviate fatigue, increase wakefulness, and to improve focus and concentration (Chisolm, 2018). Beverages containing caffeine such as soft drinks, tea, and energy drinks are very popular. Although caffeine may be safe for adults, it is not a good idea for children because children are highly sensitive to its effects. However, excessive intake of the substance by the adults has been associated with headaches, anxiety, restlessness, and nausea. Normally, the effect of the substance is based on its content in the drink, and most people are likely to moderate or self-control their caffeine intake.

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In non-habitual users, caffeine often increases blood pressure by contracting the heart and blood vessels (De Mejia & Ramirez-Mares, 2014). Its heavy consumption raises the plasma levels of homocysteine, and this is a risk factor for heart disease (HeringHanit & Gadoth, 2003). In animals, the frequent consumption of caffeine is associated with poor pregnancy outcome, congenital malfunctions, fetal growth retardation, and spontaneous abortion. Moreover, the substance stimulates respiration (Kaster et al. 2015). It also inhibits vasopressin and acts as a powerful diuresis.

Which Body Parts are affected?

"Caffeine affects various parts of the body including the central nervous system, digestive and excretory systems, reproductive system, digestive and excretory systems, circulatory and respiratory systems, and skeletal and muscular systems" (Richards & Smith, 2015, pp. 1237). When the substance reaches the brain, the most noticeable effect is alertness in the sense that one may feel awake and less tired (enhanced sensory activity) and improved motor performance. Research shows that people who take coffee regularly have a lower risk of developing dementia (Richards & Smith, 2015).

Following oral consumption, caffeine is absorbed into the body tissues and the blood. This takes approximately 45 minutes (Kaster et al. 2015). Its effects will last for several hours, depending on how slowly or quickly it is metabolized by the body. Primarily, the substance is metabolized in the liver by cytochrome enzymes. Cytochrome enzymes are responsible for almost 90% of caffeine clearance (Malone et al. 2015). There are a number of factors that influence the way caffeine is metabolized and utilized in the body. The factors include the smoking status of an individual, diet, liver disease, alcohol intake, and genetic viability.

Normally, smoking stimulates caffeine clearance in the sense that it changes the pattern of caffeine metabolism back to normal (Yaghjyan et al. 2017). Additionally, the consumption of certain vegetables containing flavonoid and quercetin and the absorption of large quantities of vitamin C increases caffeine clearance. Research shows that alcohol has an inhibitory effect on the enzyme involved in caffeine clearance (Malone et al. 2015). In this regard, the substance does not modify the psychological symptoms of alcoholic intoxication. Also, it does not cancel out the negative effects of alcohol despite its effect on vigilance.

What Happens at the Cellular or Genetic Level?

Regular intake of coffee increases the amount of acid in the stomach and may cause heartburn. It can also make the blood pressure go up for a short time. This is attributed to an increase in adrenaline level (Richards & Smith, 2015). Furthermore, when used in large quantity, it may interfere with absorption and metabolism of certain minerals such as calcium and this leads to osteoporosis. Normally, caffeine travels through the bloodstream to the placenta (Mikkelsen et al. 2017). Besides increasing heart rate and metabolism in children, too much consumption of the substance can cause flowed fetal growth.

Genetics play a critical role in determining whether one experiences side effects from caffeine or not. However, it is not clear whether the inherited factor predisposes an individual specifically to caffeine. Certain food preferences such as coffee that have strong tastes are heritable. In this regard, one can say that the preference for coffee in an individual may be due to taste preferences. In as much some people may become addicted to the substance, caffeine itself can taste bitter to certain individuals. Curbing the caffeine habit can be very challenging in the sense that it may cause withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, stomach upset, insomnia, muscle tremors, nervousness, and migraine headache (Wang, Shen, Wu & Zhang, 2016). Symptoms of overdose include hallucinations, vomiting, rapid or regular heartbeat, achy muscles, breathing difficulties, and confusion. At times, caffeine overdose can results in death due to convulsions. Some researchers believe that a large amount of caffeine is likely to interfere with estrogen production (Wang et al. 2016). To change the caffeine habit, one has to do decaf, keep tabs, go herbal or shorten the brew time.

Which Chemical or Biological Issues are Important?

At times, the symptoms of caffeine are mild and temporary. Some studies have linked the use of caffeine to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension. How one reacts to the substance may be determined in part by the quantity one consumes, genetics, age, body mass, medication use, and health conditions. There are certain medications such as Echinacea, Theophylline, and Ephedrine that may react with caffeine. When Ephedrine is mixed with caffeine, it might increase the risk of heart-related complications. Taking Theophylline with caffeine might increase the adverse effects of the substance such as heart palpitations and nausea. Patients taking Echinacea risk increasing the concentration of caffeine in their blood.

Level 2: Analytical Perspective Inquiry

The Economic Issues Involved

Our debt keeps rising, and housing seems dependent on low mortgages because of the growing addiction to caffeine. The standard for being caffeinated has been raised, and some people are always on the edge between jittery and alert.

Which Economic Theories best Explain the Issue?

"The theories about the functional purpose of sleep state that caffeine blocks the binding of adenosine to receptors on neurons hence inhibiting adenosine's sleep signal (slows down the cellular activity)" (Nehlig, 2018, pp. 390). Sleep serves many purposes including facilitation of memory formation, boosting attention and alertness, stabilizing mood, and enhancing the immune system. According to the neural theories, sleep consists of a different organization of cortical activity, and it can be induced directly by electrical stimulation of certain areas of the brain.

The Statistical Facts Related to the Issue

Much of the published research about caffeine suggests that it is beneficial in moderation. The ingested dose for an adult which is considered lethal is estimated to be between 14-19 grams. This means that to reach the lethal dose, one will have to drink between 60 to 100 cups of coffee (Nehlig, 2018). While it is generally considered safe for people, it is very toxic to household pets. The consumption of caffeine various with the United States recording the highest amount of caffeine consumption in the world. The city of Seattle leads in the consumption. 54% of Americans consume caffeine on daily basis (Panza et al. 2015). Majority of those who take coffee drink approximately 3.1 cups daily. 90% of the world's population consume at least one meal or beverage with caffeine in it. In as much as the substance acts relatively quickly with the body, it is also removed from the body as fast as possible. If one can consume caffeine within a reasonable amount of time after waking up, the person is likely to experience zero negative effects.

Caffeine is consumed mostly by doctors and nurses (Reid et al. 2017). Women who drink 200mg of caffeine or more daily risk suffering from a miscarriage. As long as one is able to regulate the amount of the substance consumed on a daily basis, there appears to be very little in the way of negative effects that can result from the choices. The research conducted in Australia shows that caffeine is found in a variety of commonly consumed foods and beverages.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics indicated that adults aged between 19-70 have daily caffeine intake ranging between 104 and 183 mg per day. Good sleepers consume an average of 67 mg less caffeine daily (Reid et al. 2017). On the other hand, bad sleepers consume 70 mg and above of caffeine. "Whether it is sipped in sweet tea, savored in chocolate, or downed in cola, caffeine is a mild stimulant and affects the central nervous system" (Reid et al. 2017, pp. 67). No researcher has provided sufficient evidence to prove that caffeine can improve memory, enhance workouts, and boost concentration.

Process Used

The statistical process control method was used to analyze the behavior of a specific group of people after consuming caffeine. Individuals who have experienced the negative side effects of caffeine such as insomnia, anxiety, the risk of overdose, increased blood pressure, withdrawal headaches, jitters, and addictions are advised to quit. While the safe amount of caffeine varies based on an individual's tolerance, age, health history, sensitivity, and weight, children between 13-18 years are advised to consume 100 mg daily while those under the age of 12 should not take more than 3 mg. Caffeine addiction ranges from mild to severe, and it is always recommended to seek guidance from a qualified medical practitioner.

References

Chisolm, T. (2018). Understanding Daily Caffeine Consumption and its Effects on College Student's GPA.

De Mejia, E. G., & Ramirez-Mares, M. V. (2014). Impact of Caffeine and Coffee on Our Health. Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 25(10), 489-492.

HeringHanit, R., & Gadoth, N. (2003). CaffeineInduced Headache in Children and Adolescents. Cephalalgia, 23(5), 332-335.

Kaster, M. P., Machado, N. J., Silva, H. B., Nunes, A., Ardais, A. P., Santana, M., ... & Chen, J. F. (2015). Caffeine Acts through Neuronal Adenosine A2A Receptors to Prevent Mood and Memory Dysfunction Triggered by Chronic Stress. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(25), 7833-7838.

Malone, R. M., Giles, K., Maloney, N. G., Fyfe, C. L., Lorenzo-Arribas, A., O'Connor, D. B., & Johnstone, A. M. (2015). Effects of Stress and Mood on Caffeine Consumption in Shift and Non-shift Workers. The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 74(OCE1).

Mikkelsen, S. H., Obel, C., Olsen, J., Niclasen, J., & Bech, B. H. (2017). Maternal Caffeine Consumption from Coffee and Tea during Pregnancy and Behavioral Disorders in 11-Year-old Offspring; a Danish National Birth Cohort Study. Journal of Pediatrics.

Nehlig, A. (2018). Inter-individual Differences in Caffeine Metabolism and Factors Driving Caffeine Consumption. Pharmacological reviews, 70(2), 384-411.

Panza, F., Solfrizzi, V., Barulli, M. R., Bonfiglio, C., Guerra, V., Osella, A., & Logroscino, G. (2015). Coffee, Tea, and Caffeine Consumption and Prevention of Late-Life Cognitive Decline and Dementia: A Systematic Review. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 19(3), 313-328.

Reid, J. L., McCrory, C., White, C. M., Martineau, C., Vanderkooy, P., Fenton, N., & Hammond, D. (2017). Consumption of Caffeinated Energy Drinks among Youth and Young Adults in Canada. Preventive Medicine Reports, 5, 65-70.

Richards, G., & Smith, A. (2015). Caffeine Consumption and Self-assessed Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Secondary School Children. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 29(12), 1236-1247.

Wang, L., Shen, X., Wu, Y., & Zhang, D. (2016). Coff...