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As
a stimulant caffeine causes a chemical
reaction in the brain by blocking adenosine
receptors. This blockage reduces the ability
of adenosine to bind to receptors, which
slows down cellular activity. The stimulated
nerve cells release the hormone epinephrine,
also known as adrenaline, which increases
heart rate, blood pressure, blood flow to
muscles and increases levels of the
neurotransmitter dopamine. It also decreases
blood flow to the skin and other organs and
causes the liver to release glucose. For an
easy way to learn more about the chemical
reactions that occur in your body, see
magazine titles like BioTechniques and
Popular Science magazine.
There are both positive and negative side
effects of caffeine. Determining whether
caffeine is good or bad is based on
individual health and reaction. Positive
side effects include helping muscles work
better, aiding in digestion by increasing
the amount of acid made by the stomach and
stimulating kidneys. According to research,
a reasonable amount of caffeine is 200 to
300 mg per day. Keep up with the latest
health news with Bottom Line/Health,
Consumer Reports and Health magazine titles.
Negative side effects include restlessness,
anxiety, fast or irregular heartbeat and
stomach pain. Negative symptoms indicate
over-stimulation and caffeine ingestion
should be cut down. The body is able to
build up a tolerance to caffeine and will
experience withdrawal symptoms in its
absence, indicating a reliance or addiction;
tolerance is another sign in which ingestion
of caffeine should be cut down. Caffeine may
produce problems for people with certain
medical conditions such as anxiety,
insomnia, heart disease and liver disease
among others. Health, Men’s Health and
Women’s Health are great magazine
subscriptions to renew to stay abreast of
the latest health information.
As always, consult your doctor or healthcare
team before making any decisions about your
health.
Caffeine is a chemical agent known as a
stimulant found naturally in coffee beans,
tea leaves and other foods. It is also found
in many carbonated drinks and over the
counter pain relievers. For more information
on foods and beverages that contain caffeine
see magazines like Everyday Food, Body and
Soul and Natural Health.
For a complete
listing of health and science discount
magazines subscriptions go to
www.magazines.com/ncom/mag?view=1&btn=B&l=10&search=health.
Jessica Vandelay is a free-lance writer in
New York City.
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