What Is Caffeine Intoxication And How Does It Harm The Body?

Coffee Intake: How Much Is Too Much? Coffee is almost addictive. Around the world, many people depend on the first cup of coffee to kick-start their day. When working long hours, many depend on a constant flow of the delicious beverage to keep them focused and steady, so that they can meet their deadlines. But, how much coffee is too much coffee? And, how to know if you have already crossed the threshold of acceptable coffee intake and are now veering towards danger?Caffeine Intoxication While everyone's daily intake of coffee differs -- some drink up to three cups, others limit their consumption to one cup -- know that just like other foods and drinks, there is a limit to how much caffeine you can have in your system. When you are over-caffeinated, there may be some signs like jittery fingers, a racing heartbeat, etc. Caffeine intoxication, however, is serious and it occurs when a person has 'dangerously-high' levels of caffeine in them. It can lead to severe symptoms like breathing issues and seizures; in some cases, it can also lead to death.Caffeinism Caffeine intoxication or caffeinism is the excessive consumption of coffee that brings about unpleasant symptoms. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the permissible limit is 400 milligrams of caffeine every day for healthy adults, which is equivalent to four to five cups of coffee. It is an amount that is not generally associated with 'dangerous, negative effects'.When Does It Become Dangerous? According to the FDA, over-consuming caffeine can cause: insomnia, jitters, anxiousness, fast heart rate, upset stomach, nausea, headache, a feeling of unhappiness (dysphoria). Some people are sensitive to caffeine, so they should be all the more careful -- like, someone who is pregnant, trying to become pregnant, is breastfeeding, or taking a certain medication.A Health Risk The FDA estimates toxic effects like seizures are observed with 'rapid consumption of around 1,200 milligrams of caffeine'. Since it is a stimulant, it can keep you awake at night. In fact, it can apparently take the body 4 to 6 hours to metabolise half of what it has consumed. If you think you or someone else is experiencing a caffeine overdose, with a lot of jitters and other symptoms, go to the emergency room of a hospital immediately.