Finals and Caffeine

Everyone knows the effects of caffeine on the body, especially students staying up all night studying for finals. Drink some coffee and feel the newfound energy pouring out. This is due to the fact that the caffeine in coffee, along with sodas, energy drinks, and chocolate, is a central nervous system stimulant. The caffeine increases your basic metabolic rate and temporarily increases your mental clarity as well as your muscular coordination for activities like typing. However, it is true that you can become addicted to caffeine. A tolerance can be built up with more and more caffeine needed to get the same job done.

With prolonged excess caffeine levels, hormones go out of whack, leading to such symptoms as excess nervousness, irritability, insomnia, dizziness, extreme fatigue, headaches, heartburn, anxiety, hypertension, and palpitations. Many caffeinated beverages also come with tannic acid, a mild gastrointestinal irritant, that affects nutrient absorption. Sugar is also another common tag-a-long, and long exposure to it can weaken the adrenal glands. Withdrawals from caffeine are also possible. When studying for finals, remember that one grande coffee from Starbucks is already enough to reach the maximum daily intake of caffeine.


http://health.aol.com/news/story/_a/caffeine-exposed/20070411170009990001