Following a number of exchanges I have had with other writers here, it is clear that my caffeine-maxxing habit is widespread among fellow scribblers. Indeed, having a caffeine habit, along with existential angst and writer’s block, seems essential for any aspiring author, assuming one has managed to steer clear of the perils of absinthe and poetry.
My day starts with a cup containing two spoons of instant, swiftly followed by another with one spoonful of my alternative variation to Colombian marching powder, and further cups mid-morning, after lunch, and mid-afternoon. So probably the equivalent of about six cups a day, which I am well aware is probably far too much. Given all this caffeine, I ought to be incredibly productive, but truth be told, I frequently fall victim to Netflix binges.
Caffeine consumption seems to vary enormously. I know a few people who cannot tolerate even a single cup, as it gives them the shakes. Personally, unless I kickstart my metabolism first thing, I am falling asleep over breakfast, and life just seems even more “meh” than usual.
Too Much of a Good Thing?
However, can one get too much of a good thing? How much coffee is too much? Well, for most healthy adults (so that excludes me for starters), I understand that about 400 mg of caffeine per day is generally considered the upper safe limit, which works out to roughly 3–5 cups of coffee, depending of course on how strong it is.
Drinking more than that can increase the chance of side effects such as shakiness, anxiety, a fast heartbeat, trouble sleeping, headaches, nausea, or feeling restless and irritable. But don’t let me put you off!
As mentioned, some poor souls are much more sensitive to caffeine, and may feel these effects after only one or two cups. By the way, watch out for “hidden” caffeine. Energy drinks, and even just Coke or Pepsi (other artificial tooth-rotting beverages are available), and pre-workout supplements (so I am told!) can also add large amounts of caffeine very quickly without you realizing it.
A typical cup of instant coffee contains around 60–80 mg of caffeine, while brewed coffee (effort!) usually has 80–120 mg, and a single espresso shot contains about 60–75 mg. If you regularly feel jittery, anxious, unable to sleep, or dependent on caffeine just to feel normal, that’s often a sign you may be consuming too much.
Incidentally, if you are blessed with teenagers, they are usually advised to stay well below adult caffeine limits because caffeine can affect sleep, concentration, and anxiety more strongly at younger ages. Energy drinks are proving quite a challenge in schools, as many teenagers are often a bit “hyper” already, even before additional stimulation!
Health Benefits
It’s not all bad news for caffeine addicts like me. Coffee does appear to have several potential health benefits when consumed in moderation. Research has linked regular coffee drinking with a lower risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and certain liver diseases. Coffee contains antioxidants and other compounds that may help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage.
Caffeine can also improve alertness, concentration, reaction time, and physical performance in the short term, which is one reason many people feel more focused after drinking it. And no mention of it causing Netflix addiction, so my issue has another cause.
It is worth being aware that adding large amounts of sugar or high-calorie syrups can also reduce any overall health benefits of coffee, so go easy on the caramel, cream and marshmallows. Whoops!
Perhaps it is a case of moderation in all things, including moderation. Which reminds me, it must be time for another cup! Do tell me about your coffee habit if you have one!
