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Coffee can be a daily pleasure for many, but for certain people, it comes with real risks. Listen to your body, know your limits, and explore gentler alternatives when needed.
Knowing who should limit or avoid coffee is key to protecting your health. If you notice negative effects after drinking it, switching to caffeine-free options like herbal tea or decaf may be a better choice.
Coffee is one of the most loved beverages around the globe, prized for its bold taste and energizing kick. But it’s not a drink for everyone. For some, caffeine can trigger unwanted side effects like anxiety, sleeplessness, acid reflux, or a racing heart. In certain cases, such as pregnancy, heart disease, or bone health concerns coffee may pose serious risks.
Knowing who should limit or avoid coffee is key to protecting your health. If you notice negative effects after drinking it, switching to caffeine-free options like herbal tea or decaf may be a better choice.
Possible Side Effects of Drinking Too Much Coffee
Insomnia and sleep disturbances – Caffeine can disrupt your sleep cycle, making it hard to fall or stay asleep.
Increased anxiety and jitters – Excessive caffeine stimulates the nervous system, causing restlessness, nervousness, or even panic attacks.
Digestive issues – Coffee’s acidity can irritate the stomach, leading to acid reflux, heartburn, or diarrhea.
Elevated heart rate and blood pressure – Overconsumption can strain the heart, especially for those with existing heart problems.
Caffeine dependence and withdrawal – Regular high intake can cause dependency, with withdrawal symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and irritability.
8 Groups of People Who Should Be Careful with Coffee
1. People with caffeine sensitivity
If you’re sensitive to caffeine, even small amounts may cause rapid heartbeat, jitters, digestive upset, or anxiety. Sensitivity can be genetic or linked to medications and health conditions. Avoiding coffee and watching for hidden caffeine in tea, chocolate, and medicines can help.
2. Pregnant women
While up to 200 mg of caffeine daily is generally considered safe, too much can raise the risk of low birth weight, premature labor, or miscarriage. Pregnant women should stick to the limit or choose decaf or herbal teas—and check labels for hidden caffeine.
3. People with heart conditions
Caffeine can raise heart rate and blood pressure, worsening issues like hypertension, arrhythmia, or coronary artery disease. Those with heart problems should consult a doctor before drinking coffee regularly.
4. People with acid reflux or GERD
Coffee’s acidity can trigger reflux, heartburn, and GERD symptoms. Low-acid coffee, cold brew, or avoiding coffee on an empty stomach may help, but for some, avoiding it altogether is best.
5. Children and teenagers
Caffeine affects younger people more strongly, causing sleep problems, anxiety, mood swings, and dependency. Experts recommend zero caffeine for children and no more than 100 mg daily for teens.
6. People with anxiety disorders
Coffee can heighten symptoms of generalized anxiety, panic disorder, or social anxiety—such as racing thoughts, restlessness, and panic attacks. Reducing or cutting caffeine often helps manage symptoms.
7. People with insomnia or sleep disorders
Since caffeine blocks adenosine (a sleep-inducing brain chemical), it can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Even morning coffee can worsen chronic insomnia.
8. People with osteoporosis
High coffee intake (3–4+ cups daily) can reduce calcium absorption, increasing fracture risk over time. Postmenopausal women and older adults should monitor both caffeine and calcium intake.
Coffee can be a daily pleasure for many, but for certain people, it comes with real risks. Listen to your body, know your limits, and explore gentler alternatives when needed.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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