Exactly How Much Coffee Dosage Can You Drink in a Day?

Blog Category: Lifestyle

If you, like 60% of Americans, rely on caffeine to wake up in the morning you aren’t alone. Millions of people are dependent on that cup of Joe to be alert and improve concentration in the wee hours of the day. But how much coffee is too much? Coffee dosage is easy to surpass, which causes coffee users to become jittery. So, here is how you find the sweet spot in your daily java.

How Much is Too Much?

If you are consuming to 400 milligrams(mg) for your daily dose of caffeine, you are probably safe as a healthy adult. That shakes out to about four cups of brewed coffee, 10 cans of cola, or two energy shots. However, remember that caffeine content varies wildly when it comes to energy drinks and sodas. 

Caffeine in powdered form or liquid can indeed reach toxic levels in the body, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautions. Ingesting high levels of caffeine, such as 28 cups available in a teaspoon of powdered caffeine, can cause serious health problems and possible death. 

It goes without saying that though coffee is safe for adults, it should not be available to children. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their doctors about limiting their intake to 200 mg.

If You Drink More Than 4 Cups a Day

You may want to cut back if your coffee dosage is above four cups of caffeine a day, or equivalent in another caffeinated form. If you exceed this amount you may suffer from:

  • Headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Nervousness
  • Irritability
  • Fast Heartbeat
  • Muscles Tremors
  • Frequent Urination

This is especially true if you are more sensitive to caffeine than others. If you are particularly sensitive, even one cup may prompt side effects. 

Excessive Coffee Dosage Can Cause Sleep Issues

It should come as no surprise that caffeine, even in the early afternoon, can cause sleep problems. And small amounts of sleep deprivation can add up, leading to daytime drowsiness and impaired performance.

Curbing Your Caffeine Dosage

Whether you are looking to cut costs on your morning coffee or are experiencing some negative side effects, there are many reasons you may want to curb your caffeine habit. However, an abrupt decrease in caffeine may come with some side effects as well. These side effects may include:

  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty focusing

To adjust your coffee habit safely, try these tips:

  • Keep tabs on how much caffeine you are ingesting
  • Cut back gradually
  • Try decaf
  • Switch to tea
  • Shorten the brew time or try herbal
  • Check the ingredients list

If you are like most American adults, caffeine is a part of your daily life. Most of the time this will cause no issue, however, overuse can cause some unpleasant side effects. Be mindful of your intake and cut back if necessary.

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