Caffeine enhances dopamine signalling in the brain, causing feelings of alertness. However, the small rise in dopamine it creates is unlevelled by the large surge caused by other stimulants. This means coffee isn’t addictive in a scientific viewpoint, but that doesn’t mean it won’t cause withdrawal symptoms. If you suddenly stop drinking as much coffee as you’re used to, withdrawal symptoms might emerge.
This includes: tiredness, headaches, and insomnia – the inability to fall or stay asleep.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse did state that too much caffeine can be “harmful”.
“Remember, caffeine is a drug,” said Steven Meredith, a researcher in behavioural pharmacology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
Meredith concurred that users can become dependent on caffeine, finding it difficult to cut down or cut out coffee completely.
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Heartburn and acid reflux
Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest, explained the national health service (NHS).
It occurs when stomach acid travels up towards the throat (known as acid reflux).
Symptoms include:
- A burning sensation in the middle of the chest
- An unpleasant sour taste in your mouth, caused by stomach acid
- Recurring cough or hiccups
- A hoarse voice
- Bad breath
- Bloating and feeling sick
“Your symptoms will probably be worse after eating, when lying down and when bending over,” added the NHS.
Most people get heartburn from time to time, but if it’s a reoccurring problem, coffee can make it worse.
The AARP noted that caffeine is “highly acidic and is irritating to the gastrointestinal tract”.
Even switching to decaf coffee won’t help if you suffer from an upset stomach after drinking the brew.
In those situations, “avoiding coffee is the only solution”, said the AARP.
Although coffee can increase anxiety, lead to insomnia, and cause dependency, in small amounts, coffee has some health benefits.
The AARP pointed out that coffee consumption has been linked to the reduction of cognitive decline in older age.
Citing a study produced by researchers at the University of Florida, coffee consumption in mid life was linked to a 70 percent reduction in the chance of developing dementia.
Furthermore, studies have shown that coffee may lower the risk of oral cancer.
