Hello and
welcome to the latest edition of the JA Fitness newsletter.
Earlier in the year we were on holiday in Devon and, as we all know, this winter was the coldest for 30 years. I usually sleep very well, particularly on holiday but, by the fifth day I wasn’t sleeping well, I felt really weak and I started to shake, not just my hands but my entire body. I was really worried and imagined that I had all sorts of horrible conditions.
As I sat down to drink a cup of coffee the reason suddenly hit me. As a rule I have two cups of tea in the morning then drink water or herbal tea during the day. On this holiday I was drinking at least one cappuccino each day and then one or two cups of black coffee. Had I overdosed on caffeine? I immediately went back to my usual routine but, for the next week, felt very shaky and anxious. After this I was back to my normal self but it has made me research the effects of caffeine.
The highest levels of caffeine are found in filter coffee, then espresso, instant, tea, cola drinks and finally chocolate.
The Department of Health recommends we drink no more than 5 single espressos per day, which equals 7 instant coffees.
Quoting from an article published by the BBC in August 2007, too much caffeine can lead to restlessness, nervousness, excitement, insomnia, nausea, vomiting and a flushed face.
Caffeine is a mildly addictive drug and, quoting from Dr Dan Rutherford on www.netdoctor.co.uk, it overstimulates the central nervous system, increasing your heart rate and blood pressure.
This would explain my reaction to drinking more coffee than usual. I do not want to scare you or stop you drinking coffee, but simply pass on some facts.
If you are concerned about the amount of caffeine you are drinking it is important to change your habits gradually. The effects of caffeine, along with the amounts you can drink, are very personal. Like any drug do not stop taking it immediately, replace half a cup at a time with water, herbal teas or try a decaffeinated version instead. Then you can work out for yourself the number of cups you can drink per day and feel healthy.
As a Personal Trainer I would not ask anyone to cut a favourite food or drink out of their daily lives, as I believe this causes you to crave it more. Moderation and variety in eating and drinking is more important.
If you are going to try this it may be useful to keep a diary, or ask someone you trust to monitor the changes in your personality, sleep patterns and general wellbeing.
Best wishes
Jane Ardley
July 2010
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