Caffeine intolerance: drugs, symptoms, causes etc. & bull; hello healthy

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Definition

What is caffeine intolerance?

Caffeine intolerance is a digestive disorder that occurs when liver enzymes (liver) are unable to properly digest caffeine from food or drink.

Caffeine is a stimulant substance that is naturally contained in food sources such as coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa beans (chocolate), cola nuts (the basic ingredient of carbonated drinks), and so on.

Caffeine intolerance and allergy are often considered the same, even though they are different. Allergies occur when the immune system produces antibodies to fight caffeine by mistaking it for a harmful foreign substance.

Meanwhile, the body of an intolerant person does not perceive caffeine as a dangerous substance; just can't digest it properly.

How common is this condition?

This condition is common in various parts of the world.

Quite a few people are classified as sensitive to the effects of caffeine, but can still consume 200-400 milligrams of caffeine every day without feeling any symptoms. This amount is equivalent to two to four cups of coffee.

On the other hand, there are many who simply cannot tolerate even the smallest doses of caffeine. Because they are so sensitive, they must immediately experience side effects, such as stomach pain, heartburn, and insomnia, even if they only consume a little.

People with caffeine intolerance can only consume 30-50 milligrams of caffeine a day on average.

In comparison, a cup (237 ml) of brewed coffee (ground coffee beans) contains about 95-200 mg of caffeine. Meanwhile, 1 glass shot 30ml of pure espresso (no added water) can contain about 63 mg of caffeine.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of caffeine intolerance?

The reaction caused by the body due to caffeine intolerance can vary. Likewise with the intensity of the severity that is felt. Everyone may experience different things.

Symptoms of caffeine intolerance are generally harmless but one should be aware of. This is because caffeine intolerance can cause the brain to release large amounts of the hormone adrenaline.

Here are some of the common symptoms:

• Heart beating fast
• Headache
• Restless
• Feeling nervous or anxious
• Insomnia (unable to start sleeping, not sleeping well, waking up frequently in the middle of the night, or waking up too quickly)

The level of intolerance for each person can vary because it really depends on many things. Starting from the sensitivity of each person, the condition of the body at that time, to how much caffeine is getting in.

Cause

What causes caffeine intolerance?

The cause of a sensitive or intolerant body is the body that does not produce enough of an enzyme called CYP1A2. The presence of this enzyme is important for determining how quickly your liver digests and breaks down caffeine.

That's why people who are intolerant of caffeine take longer to remove caffeine from the body. As a result, caffeine levels actually build up in the blood and make the effects feel more intense and last longer.

Caffeine is a stimulant substance that affects the endocrine system. When you consume something that contains caffeine, the endocrine will inhibit the production of a chemical called adenosine. Adenosine is a substance that triggers drowsiness.

While suppressing adenosine, caffeine also stimulates the production of adrenaline which triggers an uplifting response. When adrenaline is overproduced, it can give rise to a variety of the aforementioned symptoms, such as nervousness, insomnia, headache, hot flushes, fast heartbeat, and heavy sweating.

Risk Factors

What factors increase my risk of developing caffeine intolerance?

The risk factors for caffeine intolerance are largely determined by the activity of the CYP1A2 enzyme produced by the liver.

If these enzymes can work actively to break down caffeine, your body can tolerate the effects of caffeine well. Conversely, if these enzymes do not work optimally, you will be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine.

Several factors that affect CYP1A2 activity include:

1. Age

The older we get, the more sensitive we are to the effects of caffeine because the amount and activity of CYP1A2 tends to decrease.

2. Gender

Based on the conclusion of a study from researchers at the University of Barcelona, ​​the effects of caffeine can appear immediately after 10 minutes of consumption.

However, men on average feel the impact of caffeine more strongly than women.

3. Currently using oral contraceptives

Birth control pills that contain estrogen can inhibit the activity of the CYP1A2 enzyme and make the body more sensitive to caffeine.

4. Pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the sensitivity of a woman's body to caffeine.

Generally pregnant women who have caffeine intolerance do not have to limit or avoid caffeine.

However, the adverse effects on the fetus caused by maternal caffeine intake have not been studied with certainty.

5. Side effects of certain drugs

Medicines used to treat respiratory problems or that contain echinacea can increase the effect of caffeine in the body.

6. Psychological problems

Those of you who are under severe stress or suffering from anxiety disorders are prone to worsening conditions if you consume caffeine.

According to the Anxiety Depression Association of America, caffeine can increase the risk of recurring panic attacks, insomnia, and anxiety symptoms that are also more severe.

7. Genetic

Certain genetic mutations may affect the function of the liver to produce the CYP1A2 enzyme and metabolize caffeine. People with this genetic mutation produce less of the CYP1A2 enzyme.

8. Rarely consume caffeine

If you have never or very rarely consumed caffeine and then start regularly, you are likely to experience the negative side effects that are stronger than you are used to.

It is not certain why some people's bodies are "designed" to be immune to the effects of regular, high doses of caffeine.

However, existing research suggests that consistent caffeine consumption leads to decreased production of the mood-enhancing hormone norepinephrine.

So when you don't consume caffeine, your body craves for a substance that fills that void so that the body becomes tolerant of caffeine.

Complications

What are the risks of complications from caffeine intolerance?

People who are very sensitive or experience caffeine intolerance should greatly reduce caffeine intake. If possible, avoid it even.

It is not known if there are complications from caffeine intolerance. However, consuming caffeine is known to cause blood pressure to rise temporarily even if you have no risk or history of hypertension.

It is also unclear what caused this spike in blood pressure. Some researchers believe that caffeine blocks a hormone that keeps your blood vessels dilated.

Another suggestion is that caffeine causes the body to release more of the hormone adrenaline, which causes your blood pressure to rise.

Medication & Diagnosis

What are the usual tests to diagnose caffeine intolerance?

Caffeine is contained in many food products, including beverages, food, to medicines and supplements.

If you are unsure whether you have intolerance or not, you can first write down what sources of caffeine you normally consume on a daily basis and how many portions, and watch for any symptoms that appear.

If you experience negative reactions afterward, this may be a sign of caffeine intolerance. However, you should make sure again by consulting a doctor.

The goal is also to make sure your symptoms are correct because of intolerance, not because of a caffeine allergy. Caffeine intolerance and allergy are two different conditions.

A medical examination is also needed to make sure that your symptoms are not due to other food allergies, which you may be consuming along with caffeine.

Your doctor may next recommend genetic testing to determine if you have a gene mutation that affects caffeine metabolism.

What are the treatment options for lactose intolerance?

The most important way to treat or treat caffeine intolerance is to avoid the source of the symptoms.

Reduce the portion and frequency of all forms of caffeine intake from food and drink, little by little.

In addition, you also need to be more careful in reading the food or beverage composition labels listed on the packaging.

In general, it is not recommended that you consume more than 600 milligrams of caffeine a day; regardless of whether you have an intolerance or not.

Home Care

What are some home treatments I can take for caffeine intolerance?

There are several things you can do to avoid the temptation to consume caffeine, namely:

1. Replace your routine of drinking tea or coffee in the morning with plain water.
2. If you want to drink coffee, slowly switch to a decaf version with a lower caffeine content or a lower caffeine content non-caffeine .
3. If you are used to drinking tea, try replacing it with herbal teas, apple cider vinegar mixed with warm water, or a cup of hot water with lemon.
4. Immediately drink water whenever coffee or tea cravings arise.
5. If you are used to drinking flavored sodas or energy drinks, try replacing them with fresh, carbonated water. Fresh sparkling water can help keep you well hydrated without excess sugar.
6. Get up straight from the chair and move your body when you start to feel sleepy, tired, and want to refresh your body by drinking caffeinated drinks. Even light physical activity can improve mood and increase blood and oxygen flow throughout the body, so you feel more energized.
7. When drowsiness is unavoidable, it's okay to take a break and steal time to take a nap instead of forcing a caffeine intake.