March is Caffeine Awareness Month and HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital and HSHS Medical Group want to share how the stimulant can affect your brain and body. The FDA estimates that 80% of US Adults consume caffeine daily.  Although it can help with alertness, health experts say overdoing it can cause dangerous side effects including increased risk of heart attack, increased blood pressure, insomnia, skin aging, and wrinkling.

Stacey Waddington, a PA-C, with HSHS Good Shepherd Family Health says that caffeine is a stimulant that causes physical effects such as increased heart rate, muscle tension, and blood pressure. One known effect of caffeine is the negative stimulation of the adrenal glands which sit on the kidneys and have a role in releasing hormones when confronted by stress.  Caffeine can stimulate these glands to release adrenaline into the body.  

The FDA recommends no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine daily for adults and less is recommended for anyone who is sensitive to caffeine.  The amount of caffeine varies in different food and drink. For instance, one 8-oz cup of black coffee has 95 mg, one 8-ounce energy drink has between 50-250 mg, and one 8-ounce cup of energy coffee has 145 mg of caffeine. 

Waddington says to drink more water to avoid dehydration and cut back gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as headache and anxiety. She encourages you to cut back gradually. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with an HSHS Medical Group primary care physician or provider, call Patient Advocate Kim Schneider at 844-520-8897.  To learn more about HSHS Medical Group, visit hshsmedicalgroup.org. You can also visit hshsgoodshepherd.org.