If there’s one thing that most women in the US have, it’s a preference in how they have their coffee. For some, a steaming cuppa makes for the perfect first date beverage. For others, it’s an early morning wakeup call. For some, it’s the perfect companion on long work nights. For others, it’s a good replacement for water. However, sometimes, the line between taste and addiction might even blur. Is coffee as good for our health as it is for our taste buds? If you call yourself a true lover of caffeine, here are 5 things you should know about caffeine’s effects on health.
1. Increases The Risk Of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition where the body experiences too little bone development or loses too much of it. This causes weak bones that can snap easily. One in two women in America is at the risk of osteoporosis.1 And not getting enough calcium can increase the risk of osteoporosis significantly.2
Unfortunately, most Americans do not have enough calcium.3 Here is where caffeine comes in. Consumption of caffeine has been linked to increased loss of calcium through urine. This loss is not compensated for by your body, in the next 24 hours. So, unless you take steps to increase your calcium intake following caffeine consumption, you might be looking at a calcium deficiency and an increased risk of osteoporosis.4 This risk is higher in elderly women.5
2. Aggravates The Symptoms Of PMS
Premenstrual syndrome brings with it cramps, bloating, breast soreness, and mood swings. Although a warm cup of coffee might seem tempting, it does nothing good for your symptoms. Studies link caffeine consumption to increased breast soreness and tenderness. And 61 percent of women who reduced their intake of caffeine reported to having lowered breast pain.6
[pullquote]Vitamins like B6 and minerals like calcium alleviate PMS symptoms like cramps and bloating. Caffeine might lead to a loss of these nutrients.7 8[/pullquote]
Loss of minerals can further aggravate PMS symptoms and the caffeine can also cause crankiness.9 If you were considering going from 4 cups to 1 cup of coffee, then it’s important to note that limiting consumption only resulted in a slight reduction in these symptoms.10 While it’s best to ditch caffeine, you could, at the very least, limit your caffeine intake to a minimum each day.
3. Increases Cortisol Levels After Meals
A lot of us tend to reach for a cup of coffee after a meal, or during one. In women, caffeine increases cortisol levels after a meal.11 Consistent increase in cortisol levels is linked to stress, improper bone growth, low energy, obesity and lowered immunity.12 Many assume that you can increase tolerance to cortisol responses by drinking coffee regularly. However, studies have shown that these responses can be reduced, not eliminated.13
4. Causes Complications During Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings with it a series of hormonal changes and cravings. One of those cravings could be for caffeine. But, caffeine is linked to high blood pressure and heart rate particularly in women.14 Caffeine might go through the placenta to the fetus. Since the fetus is still developing the ability of metabolism, it cannot metabolize caffeine as well as we can. This could cause changes in the fetus’ sleep pattern and normal moving pattern in the latter stages of pregnancy.15
Caffeine intake is also associated with miscarriage, spontaneous abortion, fetal death, and stillbirth. It can even cause an increase in the months before childbirth by half a month.16
5. Leads To Complications In Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Fibrocystic breast disease is a term used to describe painful lumps in breasts. It’s a common condition that affects women between the ages of 20 and 25 that can be diagnosed through a mammogram. Although caffeine is not directly responsible for painful breasts, it may worsen the pain.17 The same goes for chocolate, which is also high in caffeine. Caffeine is also linked to obscured mammogram readability, and in turn, incorrect results. Since it increases breast sensitivity, it might also make undergoing a mammogram more uncomfortable.18
While having to give up caffeine entirely might seem like a nightmare, you could start by slowly reducing the amount of caffeine you have in a day. If you decide to try supplements to make up for the nutrient loss due to caffeine, then it might be a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional first. As with most other foods, when it comes to caffeine, portion control is key to a healthier life.
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