Drinking coffee in the morning is a ritual for many French people. However, this habit is not without consequences for some people. Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical, recalls that caffeine, although it stimulates concentration and alertness, can also cause sleep and mood disorders and accentuate certain cardiac risks. It therefore calls for caution, particularly among those most sensitive to its effects.
When coffee becomes a health problem
Caffeine acts directly on the nervous system and the heart. If it gives a boost, it can also increase blood pressure and accelerate the heart rate. Dr Emilie Steinbach, doctor in integrative biology and neuroscientist, specifies that some people absolutely must limit their consumption. Among them:
- People suffering from cardiovascular disorders or hypertension, “because caffeine increases heart rate and blood pressure in particular” ;
- Those prone to digestive disorders, “because caffeine promotes diarrhea and other discomforts” ;
- People suffering from stomach burn or reflux, “because coffee is acidic” ;
- Anxious people, “the risk of having a panic attack is increased beyond a certain threshold of caffeine” ;
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Pregnant, breastfeeding women or women planning to become pregnant;
- Children, adolescents and young adults, the brain developing up to 21 years old.
People most at risk from caffeine
These precautions echo those of Dr. Gérald Kierzek, who emphasizes that “certain pathologies or symptoms should contraindicate coffee consumption“. He cites in particular:
- Cardiovascular disorders such as severe (≥ 16/10) or uncontrolled hypertension, rhythm disorders or heart failure;
- Gastric problems such as gastroesophageal reflux, gastritis or ulcers;
- Metabolic and kidney diseases, including diabetes, “because caffeine could impair insulin sensitivity“, as well as kidney or liver diseases;
- Psychiatric or neurological disorders such as anxiety, nervousness or insomnia.
How much coffee is safe to consume?
For coffee lovers, all is not lost. Dr. Kierzek reminds that with regular consumption, “it may be useful to consult a doctor to assess the risks depending on your state of health“. It also warns of the presence of caffeine in other products: “Also pay attention to hidden caffeine (theine, energy drinks, etc.) which also have maximum doses to respect“.
As for the tolerable dose, researcher Astrid Nehlig, research director at Inserm, specifies: “A healthy adult should not exceed 200 mg of caffeine at one time, and 400 throughout the day. In other words, a mug, a mug and a half of coffee at once, and four to five throughout the day. If we stick to this moderate consumption, all of the scientific literature considers that there are no deleterious effects on health.“.