12 ways coffee addiction can harm your health

Who doesn’t love a cup of joe in the morning? Drinking coffee can be rewarding as it is said to be high in antioxidants and is also linked to a reduced risk of many sedentary diseases. However, exceeding the amount of caffeine you drink in a day can do more harm than good.

The chemical effects of caffeine make a person feel energetic and lively for a longer period of time. But, the body gets used to the amount of caffeine in a short time and stops reacting to it. It is then when a person starts drinking more and more cups of coffee to get the reaction back. Increasing the dosage can have a great impact on the mind and body as it can exceed the limit that can be digested easily.

If you cannot do without three cups or more in a day, you are in trouble. A psycho-stimulant, caffeine has a high potential of addiction like alcohol and cigarettes. Therefore, a limited intake has to be ensured to keep headache, anxiety, tremors, acidity and lack of sleep in check.

Dieticians Kamal and Gunjan from Max Super Speciality Hospital list out 12 ways in which excess coffee can be harmful to your health.

Inhibits iron absorption

Can cause more forceful heart contractions

Increases the risk of miscarriage and reduces fertility in women

Overdose can cause headache, dizziness, high blood pressure, nausea, indigestion

Can cause insomnia and breast tissue cysts in women

It triggers a gout attack

Overdose leads to muscle breakdown

Leads to rapid heart rate, frequent urination and urgency

Delayed foetal growth

Worsens menopause symptoms

Interferes in the absorption of antibiotics, calcium and magnesium

 It may worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression

Wondering how to break away from that cycle? Cut down on the amount of coffee you drink slowly. Decrease the number of cups by one per day and observe if it makes any difference. Start switching coffee for other healthy drinks such as fruit juices or smoothies. Milk-based drinks like buttermilk, yoghurt, curds, ice cream, plain milk and milkshakes are a few more options that can be consumed.