Do you love coffee? Attention. Certain individuals – particularly sensitive to the effects of caffeine – should put aside this drink and its derivatives (latte, cappuccino, etc.), reveals Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical.
Coffee, a poison for your health?
If caffeine has the property of stimulating brain activity (it increases attention and concentration), while improving our digestion, it also has many disadvantages… Any excess of coffee can in fact lead to various health problems.
Caffeine can thus prevent the absorption of plant iron, disrupt sleep or even cause mood disorders. Caffeine is also a cardiac risk factor in predisposed people.
Concrete risks, which should encourage individuals sensitive to its effects to reduce their consumption.
Which people should limit their caffeine intake?
Dr. Emilie Steinbach, doctor of integrative biology, neuroscientist and author of the book “Your Optimized Health,” says some people should limit their caffeine consumption. These are:
- People who have cardiovascular disorders or hypertension“because caffeine increases heart rate and blood pressure in particular. ;
- People prone to digestive disorders“because caffeine promotes diarrhea and other discomforts”, as well as people suffering from stomach burn“because coffee is acidic” ;
- People who suffer from anxiety disorders, “the risk of having a panic attack is increased beyond a certain threshold of caffeine” ;
- Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive.
- Children, adolescents and ideally young adults up to 21 years oldthe brain develops until this age (any consumption of psychoactive substances is not recommended until maturity).
Coffee and health: conditions not to ignore
A speech also given by Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical. Due to the possible adverse effects of caffeine, “certain pathologies or symptoms should contraindicate coffee consumption”, he reveals. Here are the conditions and signs to consider.
Cardiovascular disorders
- High blood pressure, particularly severe (≥ 16/10) or uncontrolled;
- Heart rhythm disturbances or chronic heart failure;
Stomach problems
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis or ulcer;
Metabolic and kidney diseases
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Diabetes (caffeine could impair insulin sensitivity);
- Chronic kidney diseases;
- Liver diseases;
- Reduced ability to metabolize caffeine.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Increased risk of complications such as premature birth or fetal growth restriction;
Psychiatric and neurological disorders
- Anxiety, nervousness or insomnia exacerbated by caffeine.
If you regularly drink coffee, “it may be useful to consult a doctor to assess the risks depending on your state of health”, underlines Dr Gérald Kierzek.
“Also pay attention to hidden caffeine (theine, energy drinks, etc.) which also have maximum doses to respect,” he warns.
Finally, how many coffees per day can you drink without risk?
Under normal environmental conditions, “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 one time, and four to five throughout the day. If we stick to this moderate consumption, all the scientific literature considers that there are no deleterious effects on health.“, recalls Astrid Nehlig, research director at Inserm.