What is it and where is it contained?
Caffeine is a specific substance related to psychostimulants. Present in many foods and drinks, it is part of painkillers and antiallergic medications.
Products:
- coffee;
- tea;
- chocolate;
- cocoa;
- guarana seeds;
- chicory;
- mate tea;
- energetic drinks;
- Coca Cola.
Caffeine can be natural or synthetic. It is possible to distinguish between them using laboratory tests. The substance is quickly absorbed into the body, but also quickly leaves it. It takes five hours to get rid of half the caffeine you consumed.
Is it possible to get poisoned by coffee?
Caffeine is an active component not only in a significant part of “energy drinks”, but also in traditional coffee.
Amount of caffeine in different types of coffee:
- coffee beans – at the level of 380-650 mg/l;
- instant coffee – within 310-480 mg/l;
- Espresso coffee – in the amount of 170-225 mg/l.
The benefits of drinking coffee in small quantities include:
- improved performance;
- toning the body muscles;
- activation of thought processes;
- relieving fatigue;
- decreased drowsiness;
- rise in blood pressure;
- mild diuretic effectiveness;
- relieving swelling;
- increased heart rate;
- increased appetite.
An overdose of coffee has a negative effect on the heart muscle and vascular system. In this case, there is a very active production of gastric juices, a gradual narrowing of the eye vessels and attacks of glaucoma are observed, as well as changes in blood pressure. Coffee poisoning is accompanied by vomiting and increased breathing, arrhythmia and rapid heartbeat, trembling or tremor, tinnitus or dizziness, an increasing feeling of anxiety and a convulsive state.
The benefits and harms of caffeine for humans
There are different opinions about the dangers and benefits of caffeine. Many consider it necessary for the body, others argue that the substance has a negative effect on the body. What are the beneficial properties of caffeine? Actions:
- improves brain function, increases physical activity;
- helps get rid of drowsiness and fatigue;
- increases blood pressure, useful for hypotensive patients;
- speeds up metabolism;
- normalizes the synthesis of gastric juice;
- stimulates intestinal peristalsis;
- reduces the risk of developing diabetes;
- improves metabolism;
- helps get rid of pain during migraine conditions.
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However, despite the benefits of caffeine, it is not recommended to abuse products containing the substance. What harm can the compound cause to humans?
Harm of caffeine:
- heart rhythm disturbance;
- dehydration;
- negative effect on the stomach and adrenal glands;
- negative effect on bones;
- the appearance of heartburn;
- exhaustion of the nervous system.
Caffeine interferes with the absorption of vitamins and minerals. Frequent use is addictive. How much caffeine is allowed to be consumed so as not to harm the body?
A safe dosage is considered to be no more than 400 mg per day. That's about six cups of coffee. The amount of allowed black tea is four glasses, green tea – five. In some cases, it is recommended to avoid caffeine-containing products. There are several contraindications.
Contraindications when taking caffeine:
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- pregnancy;
- ulcerative and other stomach diseases;
- impaired visual functions;
- atherosclerosis;
- cholelithiasis;
- diabetes.
If you have such pathologies, it is recommended to give up coffee. If you have high blood pressure, drink the drink with caution.
How caffeine affects the body
The mechanism of action of caffeine was studied in detail by Academician I. P. Pavlov. The scientist concluded that the substance affects the activity of processes in the cerebral cortex and enhances positive conditioned reflexes. In small quantities, the alkaloid acts as a mild psychostimulant, but when safe doses are exceeded, it causes depletion of nerve cells.
More recent studies have shown that the energizing effect of caffeine is closely related to its ability to suppress the activity of receptors that produce adenosine. This substance reduces the activity of neurons, protecting them from overvoltage. High concentrations of adenosine cause fatigue and drowsiness. Caffeine inhibits these processes, so a person remains in good shape longer than usual.
Effect of the alkaloid on the body:
- dilates blood vessels;
- speeds up the pulse;
- increases urination;
- stimulates the secretion of gastric juice;
- stimulates metabolism.
A safe dose of caffeine is 300 mg per day, which corresponds to 3-4 cups of espresso. 10-20 mg of the substance in its pure form is considered lethal for humans. It is difficult to obtain such an amount from food, but excessive consumption of the alkaloid is fraught with unpleasant consequences for the body.
How much caffeine is enough to cause poisoning?
The lethal dosage is 10 g of caffeine per day. This amount is present in 100–150 cups of coffee. The toxic dosage differs depending on the individual's condition.
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Some people are intolerant to caffeine, so consuming even a small amount can lead to intoxication.
How does caffeine-induced poisoning manifest?
Symptoms of caffeine overdose:
- blood pressure rises;
- the skin acquires a red tint due to increased blood flow;
- headache occurs, tinnitus is possible;
- the respiratory process is disrupted;
- heart rate increases;
- pain occurs in the heart area, the rhythm is disturbed;
- arms and legs weaken, tremors are present, convulsive manifestations may appear;
- the patient becomes restless, irritable;
- disruptions in the functioning of the digestive system occur;
- sleep is disturbed, insomnia is present.
A person who has suffered from an overdose has a disturbance in the flow of thoughts and does not feel tired for a long time. With prolonged overdose, the patient experiences nausea, possible vomiting, and disruption of the digestive process. Severe poisoning is accompanied by hallucinations and blue discoloration of the skin.
Intoxication caused by caffeine is included in the International Classification of Diseases and has an ICD-10 code - T43.8 - Poisoning with other psychotropic drugs not classified elsewhere.
Symptoms of poisoning
Characteristic signs of coffee poisoning usually appear within half an hour after taking too much of the tonic drink. These include:
- facial redness;
- pronounced shine of the eyes;
- feeling of heat;
- trembling in the limbs or throughout the body;
- tachycardia;
- dizziness;
- nausea;
- increased sweating;
- frequent urination;
- spasmodic abdominal pain;
- diarrhea;
- nervousness and increased irritability;
- insomnia.
With severe coffee poisoning, hallucinations may appear, which is associated with excessive stimulation of some brain structures by caffeine and a sharp inhibition of others. A very dangerous symptom of coffee poisoning is cyanosis (blue discoloration of the skin), its appearance indicates a serious dysfunction of the cardiovascular system.
How to quickly remove caffeine from the body?
In most cases of mild poisoning, unpleasant symptoms disappear after a day. However, serious overdoses require treatment. If signs of caffeine intoxication are detected, first aid must be provided to the victim.
What to do:
- Rinse the stomach. The victim needs to drink a large amount of water and induce vomiting.
- They give sorbents. Medicines help speed up the removal of toxins from the body. It is allowed to take activated carbon, Polysorb, Smecta, Enterosgel.
- They give you a lot to drink. Drinking more water will help you avoid dehydration and quickly rid your body of toxic compounds. It is permissible to use the medicinal solution Regidron.
- They offer bananas. This fruit contains an increased amount of potassium and helps restore the normal state of the body.
- Provide access to fresh air. It is recommended to ventilate the room and open the windows.
If symptoms of caffeine poisoning persist, it is recommended to seek medical attention. This will help avoid negative consequences.
Features of caffeine
Caffeine is a purine alkaloid and appears as colorless or white crystals with a bitter taste. This psychostimulant is present in coffee, some types of soft drinks and tea, as well as in plant materials: coffee tree, cocoa and tea leaves. The alkaloid is responsible for stimulating central nervous system processes and enhancing cardiac activity, as well as:
- speeds up a person's pulse;
- promotes dilation of blood vessels;
- enhances the process of urination;
- reduces the process of platelet aggregation.
Blocking the enzyme phosphodiesterase, which destroys c-AMP, causes accumulation inside cells, which is accompanied by an adrenaline-like effect. For medical purposes, caffeine is used as a remedy for headaches and migraines, to stimulate the respiratory center and improve cardiac activity. The dosage of any caffeine-containing products is selected strictly individually:
- maximum adult single dosage when taken orally – 0.3 g;
- the maximum adult dose per day when taken orally is 1.0 g;
- highest adult intravenous single dosage – 0.4 g;
- The highest adult daily dose is 1.0 g.
In practical pediatrics, caffeine is used in the treatment of enuresis in pediatric patients. An overdose of caffeine is very dangerous not only for young children, but also for adults.
When is first aid needed for an overdose?
First aid helps to cope with mild manifestations of poisoning. If unpleasant symptoms persist, then you need to visit a medical facility. In what cases is the help of doctors required? Occasions:
- loss of consciousness;
- presence of hallucinations, cyanosis;
- convulsive manifestations;
- deterioration of condition;
- sudden pressure surges.
If you have such symptoms, a visit to the hospital is mandatory. If left untreated, serious complications may develop.
Caffeine antidotes
There is no specific antidote for caffeine poisoning. Therefore, treatment is aimed at eliminating symptoms and possible negative consequences. The patient is hospitalized in the intensive care unit or toxicology department. Treatment:
- Magnesium sulfate is injected into the stomach.
- Diprazine and morphine hydrochloride are administered intramuscularly.
- Beta blockers are used to prevent the negative effects of caffeine on the heart.
- Use an enema with Chloral hydrate.
- If necessary, Propranol and Esmodol are administered intravenously.
- Vitamins B1, B6 and B12 are prescribed.
In rare cases, hemosorption is required. The duration of therapy depends on the condition of the victim and the severity of the poisoning. Treatment is continued until complete recovery.
Consequences and prevention
In case of mild poisoning, a person recovers quite quickly. However, severe and chronic caffeine intoxication often causes serious complications. What consequences are possible with such overdoses?
Consequences of coffee poisoning:
- disruption of the cardiac system;
- epileptic seizures;
- increased risk of heart attacks and strokes;
- development of heart muscle failure.
Preventing poisoning is not difficult. It is necessary to limit coffee consumption and replace it with other drinks: tea, chicory, freshly squeezed juices. Products containing harmful compounds are recommended to be consumed in moderation. You should not give coffee to children; the drink is more dangerous for them than for adults.
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Caffeine intoxication occurs when you abuse products containing this substance. If unpleasant signs appear, you need to stop eating such dishes and seek help from medical professionals.
Poisoning with natural and instant coffee
Natural coffee poisoning usually occurs due to an overdose. As an option, if a person usually drinks a weak instant drink, and then decides to drink a large cup of a strong natural one.
It is much easier to get poisoned with instant coffee. It is processed chemically, and the finished powder or granules usually contain up to 15-20% of the original grains. The rest is stabilizers, preservatives, emulsifiers, dyes, starch, synthetic additives, etc. The cheaper instant coffee is, the more dangerous it is to drink, since there is less and less natural product and more and more chemicals.
Decaffeinated coffee is also unsafe. Caffeine is washed out with chemical solvents, which are also present in minimal doses in the finished product. If the coffee is instant, it also contains all the dyes and preservatives described above.
Most often, people get coffee poisoning due to an individual reaction to artificial components or a combination of them. Therefore, you should not get carried away with an instant drink from an unknown brand if you are prone to allergic reactions or have diseases of the cardiovascular system.
You can get poisoned if you usually drink coffee with milk and suddenly drink black coffee.
Video: TOP 10 reasons if you are poisoned by caffeine
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Prevention
Prevention of coffee poisoning is very simple: you must remember that you should not drink more than three cups of coffee during the day.
You should not give coffee to children, as they are sensitive to caffeine, and a single cup of the drink can cause poisoning.
If you experience even a slight discomfort associated with drinking coffee, you should immediately stop further drinking it, eat a banana and drink a few glasses of water. Usually these measures are enough to prevent poisoning.
