Caffeine

Definition of Caffeine:

A member of the family of chemicals that are called methyl xanthines.  It is variously classified as a stimulant, an addictive substance, a performance-enhancing drug and a slimming aid.  Sources of caffeine include drinks, foods and medications.  Examples include coffee, tea, cola drinks, the new generation 'energy' drinks, chocolate, and many over-the-counter and prescription medications.

Also: Caffeinated

Topics Related to Caffeine

5-HIAA Urine test

...as a treatment
“...These are bananas, pineapple and its juice, red plums, avocado, walnuts, kiwi fruit, tomatoes, various cough medicines, muscle relaxing medicines, acetaminophen (Tylenol), caffeine, fluorouracil, iodine solutions, phenacetin, MOA inhibitors (certain antidepressant drugs), isoniazid and phenothiazine drugs (Compazine, Thorazine).”

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

...as a treatment
“...Antagonists (substances that diminish its effectiveness) include: Alcoholic beverages tobacco (nicotine) cola drinks, most soft drinks (other than natural juices), coffee and tea (caffeinated and decaffeinated), chocolate (cocoa), inorganic mineral water (tap, well, spring), polluted air, refined sugar and refined sugar substitutes, overcooking foods (especially over...”
Diagnose your symptoms now!
  • check your overall health status
  • understand what's happening to your body
  • have a doctor review your case (optional)

More topics Related to Caffeine

Acidosis

...the condition
“...An imbalanced, acidic diet high in animal protein, sugar, caffeine and processed foods tends to disrupt this pH balance...”

Addictions / Addictive Tendencies

...the condition
“...Alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco are legalized drugs that may or may not become an addiction problem for those who use them...”

Allergic Rhinitis / Hay Fever

...recommendation Animal/Saturated Fats Avoidance
“...to cause inflammation and allergic reactions, such as saturated fats (meats and dairy products), refined foods, eggs, citrus, bananas, chocolate, peanuts, shellfish, food coloring, preservatives, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and sugar.”

Anxiety

...the condition
“...Alternative medicine has a lot to offer in this respect, common recommendations including avoiding caffeine, sugar and alcohol...”
...recommendation Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
Caffeine can cause adrenal insufficiency which in turn can lead to anxiety.”

Arrhythmias/Dysrhythmias

...the condition
“...PAT is susceptible to alcohol excess, stress, caffeine, an overactive thyroid or excessive thyroid hormone intake, and certain drugs...”
...recommendation Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
“Preventicular contractions can be caused by caffeine.”

Biotin

...as a treatment
“...Antagonists include: Alcoholic beverages, tobacco (nicotine), cola drinks, most soft drinks (other than natural juices), coffee (caffeinated and decaffeinated), chocolate (cocoa), inorganic mineral water (tap, well, spring), polluted air, refined sugar and refined sugar substitutes, overcooking foods (especially over...”

Body Odor

...the condition
“...Reduce intake of spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol which increase perspiration; Reduce intake of garlic, onions and other foods that produce pungent gasses when broken down inside the body; Wipe your armpits with alcohol, white...”

Bone Density Scan

...as a treatment
“...In general, this testing is recommended for women 65 and older along with younger postmenopausal women who have further risk factors for osteoporosis, including ... Excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption...”

Bruxism (Clenching/Grinding Teeth)

...the condition
“...The following factors are associated with bruxism ... High consumption of caffeinated drinks and foods, such as coffee, colas, and chocolate...”

Caffeine

...as a treatment
“As well as having negative effects, caffeine does possess some positive attributes...”

Caffeine Intoxication

...the condition
Caffeine intoxication usually occurs with consumption above 250mg (equivalent to about 2 12 cups of coffee)...”
...our question about Heart palpitations
Caffeine intoxication can cause a rapid or 'pounding' heart rate.”
...relationship to Increased Urinary Frequency
Caffeine is a diuretic, causing increased urination.”
...relationship to Dehydration
“Dehydration may result from the increased urinary frequency brought on by caffeine.”
...relationship to Lack of Sleep
“...This grogginess may be the result of their entering caffeine withdrawal during the night, or that drinking coffee kept them from sleeping well in the first place, or both.”

Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance

...as a treatment
“...Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, chocolate and some soft drinks...”

Carbohydrate Craving

...recommendation Alcohol Avoidance
“Limit your intake of alcohol, fruit juice and caffeinated drinks e.g. soft drinks...”

CBC (Complete Blood Count) Test

...as a treatment
“...A plethora of additional factors can affect your test results: your intake of caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and vitamin C; your diet (vegetarian vs...”

Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia Syndrome

...the condition
“...Do not consume any sweets, alcohol or caffeine for three to six months, and then limit them to moderate amounts...”

Cluster Headaches

...the condition
“...Ergotamine aerosols or ergotamine suppositories with caffeine may be useful...”
...recommendation Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
“When painkillers or caffeine are taken daily, the drugs may lose effectiveness over time and headaches can become more frequent...”

Cocaine Addiction

...the condition
“...Like caffeine, cocaine produces wakefulness and reduces hunger...”

Coffee

...as a treatment
“...Caffeine is the world's most widely-used stimulant, with approximately 80% being consumed in the form of coffee...”

Coffee Enema

...as a treatment
“...When a coffee enema is used, the caffeine from the coffee is preferentially absorbed into this system and goes directly to the liver where it becomes a very strong detoxicant...”

Cold Hands and Feet

...the condition
“...Avoid caffeine.  It constricts blood vessels...”

Consequences of Poor Diet

...the condition
“...Here are some simple rules ... Avoid drinks containing sugar or caffeine...”

Constipation

...recommendation Increased Water Consumption
“...Other liquids such as coffee and soft drinks contain caffeine and seem to have a dehydrating effect.”

Costochronditis

...the condition
“...Other things that hurt are lifting, pushing, pulling, sneezing, coughing, long hours of driving or using the computer, repetitive motions and caffeine.  Cold, rainy and humid weather also make some sufferers feel worse...”

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

...the condition
“...Although the precise cause of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome is not known, it is believed that several factors can contribute to the disorder, including ... Caffeine...”

Dehydration

...the condition
“...Caffeine and alcohol act as diuretics, further increasing your water needs...”
...our question about Soft drink consumption
“...Even though soft drinks generally contain caffeine (a mild diuretic) and/or sugar (the body tries to get rid of excess glucose through increased urine output), the overall effect of soft drinks is to reduce the risk of dehydration.”
...recommendation Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
“When taken in larger amounts, caffeine is a diuretic that causes the kidneys to remove more water from the body.”

Digestive Habit Changes

...as a treatment
“...Tobacco, caffeine and alcohol create a variety of problems, including stomach ulcers, heartburn, and interfering with the digestive process...”

Dyspepsia / Poor Digestion

...the condition
“...are often important in reducing symptoms, and diet/lifestyle changes may be all that is needed: losing weight, exercising, healthy diet, smaller meals, avoiding rich, spicy or fatty foods, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and stopping smoking...”

EFA (Essential Fatty Acid) Type 3 Requirement

...the condition
“...These include ... Caffeine...”

Ephedra (Ma Huang)

...as a treatment
“...Because it has a stimulating effect, many believe that it contains caffeine.  The truth is, the herb ephedra by itself contains no caffeine...”

Estrogen-balancing Medications

...as a treatment
“...Foods thought best avoided, either because of their low-fiber content or their history of promoting fibroid growth, include dairy products, red meat, fried fatty foods, sugar, salt, caffeine, and alcohol...”

Excessive Sweating

...recommendation Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
Caffeine and medications may be the cause of excess sweating...”

Exhaustion Caused By Emotional Upsets

...the condition
“...Reduce your consumption of alcohol and caffeine, and exercise aerobically – fast walking, jogging, swimming, or bicycling twenty minutes every other day...”

Fibrocystic Breast Disease

...the condition
“...For years, doctors have recommended that women avoid caffeine, high fat diets and so on, and even to take drugs with strong side effects...”
...recommendation Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
“Long-term and complete avoidance of caffeine reduces symptoms of fibrocystic disease...”

Gastric/Peptic/Duodenal Ulcers

...the condition
“...Self-help measures can help – avoid smoking; avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, and caffeine containing soft drinks; and avoid aspirin...”
...our question about How much coffee you drink
“The caffeine, oils and acids in coffee irritate the stomach lining, which can cause excessive production of stomach acid and lead to a variety of digestive disorders...”

Glaucoma

...recommendation Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
“A single dose of caffeinated coffee (but not decaffeinated coffee) can increase intraocular pressure in persons with glaucoma...”

Green Tea

...as a treatment
“...Tea contains between 1 and 5% caffeine as well as other alkaloids...”

Guarana

...as a treatment
“...While guarana is most often used for its caffeine content, some have used it for its tannin constituents as an astringent (for diarrhea, intestinal inflammations etc...”

Headaches

...the condition
“...Your diet can also make you vulnerable to migraines: red wine, cheese, chocolate, nuts, soy sauce, citrus fruit, alcohol, excess caffeine (eg.  cola, tea, coffee) and some food additives (monosodium, glutamate, sodium nitrate) are all possible triggers...”

Heartburn / GERD / Acid Reflux

...the condition
“...Caffeinated drinks and decaffeinated coffee increase acid content in the stomach...”

Hot Drinks

...as a treatment
“...The caffeine in tea has been shown by some studies to help improve mood and relieve fatigue without the "buzz" associated with coffee...”

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

...our question about How much coffee you drink
Caffeine raises the production of the adrenal hormone cortisol, a stress hormone...”
...recommendation Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
Caffeine raises the production of the adrenal hormone cortisol, which causes the blood vessels to constrict and the heart to pump harder, which leads to high blood pressure...”

Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)

...recommendation Coffee
“...The amount of caffeine normally found in two cups of coffee (200mg) can decrease postural hypotension in young adults and can be safely used by older adults as well.”

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

...the condition
“...Caffeine causes loose stools in many people, but it is more likely to affect those with IBS...”

Increased Intestinal Permeability / Leaky Gut

...the condition
“...Alcohol and caffeine decrease number of friendly bacteria, and again allow Candida to proliferate...”

Increased Sleep

...as a treatment
“...Good sleep habits include ... Limit sleep disruptors Alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, big meals, and spicy meals can disrupt sleep...”

Inositol

...as a treatment
“...Intake of caffeine is known to deplete the bodies supply of inositol...”

Insomnia

...the condition
“...Substances such as panax ginseng, hydrocortisone taken late in the day, caffeine, and too much alcohol, cocaine or sedatives can cause insomnia...”
...recommendation Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
“People suffering from insomnia often have elevated caffeine levels compared to normal sleepers...”
Concerned or curious about your health?  Try The Analyst™
Symptom Entry
Symptom Entry
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Suggestions
Suggestions
LifeMeter
LifeMeter®
Full Explanations
Explanations
Optional Doctor Review
Review (optional)

More topics Related to Caffeine

Interstitial Cystitis

...the condition
“...The list can be very long but some of the commonly mentioned ones include tomatoes, spices, chocolate, caffeinated and citrus beverages, high-acid foods and artificial sweeteners...”

Jet Lag Susceptibility

...the condition
“...Prevention of Jet Lag can be simple: good sleep while aboard a plane and an adequate intake of fluids (without excessive amounts of caffeine or alcohol) to reduce the effects of dehydration and the interruption of regular eating/drinking patterns...”

Kidney Stones (Urolithiasis)

...recommendation Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
“A study published September, 2004 in the journal Urology suggests people prone to kidney stones should limit their intake of caffeine and cut down on the amount of coffee they drink...”

Kombucha Tea

...as a treatment
“...Green tea will contain less caffeine than black tea...”

Liver Detoxification / Support Requirement

...the condition
“...Clearance tests using saliva, urine, and/or blood after chemical challenge by caffeine, aspirin, and acetaminophen can be useful in detecting Phase I and II imbalances...”

Liver Detoxification Phase II Support

...as a treatment
“...Patients with underactive Phase 1 detoxification will experience an intolerance to caffeine, perfumes and other environmental chemicals, and an increased risk for liver disease, while those with an overactive system will be relatively unaffected by caffeine drinks...”

Liver Detoxification Profile

...as a treatment
“A typical Detoxification Profile will assess the body's capacity to carry out detoxification through functional challenges – caffeine, acetaminophen, and salicylate – which evaluate specific aspects of the detoxification process and free radical damage...”

Low Adrenal Function / Adrenal Insufficiency

...our question about How much coffee you drink
Caffeine raises adrenaline levels and heavy coffee consumption can lead to a state of adrenal gland exhaustion, where the adrenal glands are no longer able to adequately respond to stress by releasing...”
...relationship to Panic Attacks
“When adrenal function is low, caffeine consumption may contribute to panic attacks...”
...recommendation Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
Caffeine raises adrenaline levels and heavy coffee consumption can lead to a state of adrenal gland exhaustion, where the adrenal glands are no longer able to adequately respond to stress by releasing...”

Low Melatonin Level

...relationship to Caffeine Intoxication
Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine deplete melatonin levels.”
...recommendation Sugar Avoidance / Reduction
“Avoid stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol and sugar, which may interfere with melatonin production.”
...recommendation Alcohol Avoidance
“Avoid stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol and sugar, which may interfere with melatonin production.”
...recommendation Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
“Avoid stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol and sugar, which may interfere with melatonin production.”

Magnesium Requirement

...the condition
“...Magnesium elimination is increased in people who use alcohol, caffeine or excess sugar, or who take diuretics or birth control pills...”

Meniere's Disease

...the condition
“...Triggers Although the precise cause of Meniere's disease is unknown, there are various known triggers of vertigo: stress, allergies, excess salt intake, caffeine, and migraine headaches and barometric changes in pressure...”

Migraine/Tension Headaches

...recommendation Coffee
“Researchers at the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago, Illinois have found that caffeine may make your headache feel better...”

Motherhood Issues

...the condition
“...Smoking, excessive caffeine intake (more than 5 cups per day), hormonal problems and fatigue have also been associated with poor milk ejection reflex...”
...recommendation Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
“...Fetuses and newborns cannot metabolize caffeine in their livers, so it remains in their bodies for up to four days, stimulating their nervous system the entire time, causing irritability and sleeping difficulty.”

Muscle Cramps / Twitching

...the condition
“...In some cases the twitching may be due to simple muscle fatigue, eye strain, stress, drug reactions, and even caffeine.  In other cases, it could indicate a disease or situation requiring serious attention...”

Myeloproliferative Neoplasm

...the condition
“...Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco...”

Nocturia

...the condition
“...In addition to aging, nocturia may also be symptomatic of the use of diuretic substances (including caffeine and alcohol), prescription drugs, edema from heart failure, insomnia, pain and prostate or bladder disorders.”
...recommendation Alcohol Avoidance
“Diuretics such as alcohol and caffeine may increase urine output and cause nighttime urination.”

Osteoporosis - Osteopenia

...our question about Drinking caffeinated soft drinks
“Regular consumption of caffeinated carbonated beverages has been associated with increased risk of bone fracture both earlier and later in life, yet the contributions of the individual components of these beverages to...”
...recommendation Sugar Avoidance / Reduction
“...Diets high in refined sugar, protein, salt, caffeine, and phosphorous contained in soft drinks, all promote calcium excretion in urine.”

Panic Attacks

...the condition
“...Male smoking rates did not differ between the groups and caffeine intake did not appear to explain these findings...”

Parasite Cleanse

...as a treatment
“...Dairy products, eggs, artificial sweeteners and additives, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, soft drinks, unfiltered tap water and peanuts, cashews and their products also feed parasite growth...”

Platelet Aggregation (Clotting)

...the condition
“...Specific causes include: High triglycerides, excessive red meat, stress, caffeine, sodas, chocolate, and others...”

Poor Bone Health

...the condition
“...Avoid bone-leaching foods such as red meats, refined and acid-forming foods, fried or fast foods, sodas, dairy, sugared foods, caffeine, excess salt, and foods that contain solanine, such as eggplant, tomatoes, and those of the nightshade family...”
...recommendation Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
Caffeine leaches calcium from the bones.”

Poor Small Intestine Health

...the condition
“...Spices, alcohol and caffeine can cause irritation and result in oversecretion of mucus in the small intestine...”
...recommendation Low/Decreased Carbohydrate Diet
“Avoid spicy food, caffeine, alcohol, refined carbohydrates (sugar, white flour, white rice) so you won't oversecrete mucus and decrease your absorption.”

Potassium Need

...the condition
“...So are those taking certain cardiac drugs, diabetics, those with Cushing's disease, and those who use too much caffeine or have liver disease...”

Pregnancy-Related Issues

...recommendation Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
“...Pregnant women are also three times slower to metabolize caffeine than nonpregnant women...”

Premenstrual Syndrome

...the condition
“...Other factors that have been associated with Premenstrual Syndrome include ... Alcohol or caffeine...”
...recommendation Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
“Several studies have linked caffeine consumption to a higher incidence of PMS symptoms including tension, irritability, anxiety, fatigue, sleep disturbance and breast tenderness...”

Problems Caused By Being Overweight

...recommendation Ephedra (Ma Huang)
“Contrary to commonly reported stories, 3 months of intermittent or continuous treatment with an ephedra-containing weight-loss product containing ephedra (but not caffeine) had no ill effect on heart rate or blood pressure and there were no cases of serious adverse effects reported in a well-controlled study of 279 healthy, overweight people...”

Reduced Water Consumption

...as a treatment
“...It has become a common belief that we need "2 liters or 8 glasses" of water daily and that beverages containing caffeine or alcohol do not count because they increase the excretion of water or have a diuretic effect...”

Restless Leg Syndrome

...relationship to Caffeine Intoxication
“Excess caffeine levels cause restlessness...”
...recommendation Sugar Avoidance / Reduction
“See the link between Restless Leg Syndrome and Caffeine Avoidance.”
...recommendation Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
“Regardless of which form of restless leg syndrome you may be having, it is important to avoid caffeine and sugar during the day because both of these substances will increase the intensity of restless leg syndrome.”

Rheumatoid Arthritis

...the condition
“...Caffeinated coffee intake was not associated with the risk of developing RA...”
...recommendation Test for Food Allergies
“While virtually any food can result in aggravation of rheumatoid arthritis, the most common offending foods are dairy protein, wheat, corn, citrus fruits, eggs, beef, sugar, fats, salt, caffeine and nightshade (Solanum) family foods (tomato, potato, eggplants, peppers and tobacco)...”

Rosacea

...the condition
“...It may also help to cut down on caffeine.  When under stress, try deep-breathing exercises...”

Schizophrenia

...recommendation against Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
“According to some, no caffeinated beverages – or even decaffeinated ones – should ever be taken, as these deteriorate into homogentisic acid which is known to be excreted in larger quantities in schizophrenics than in...”

Scleroderma

...the condition
“...For relief of symptoms such as Raynaud's and heartburn, you may want to particularly avoid ... caffeine (can trigger Raynaud's and heartburn)...”

Silicon / Silica

...as a treatment
“...Antagonists include alcoholic beverages, tobacco (nicotine), cola drinks, most soft drinks (other than natural juices), coffee and tea (caffeinated and decaffeinated), chocolate (cocoa), inorganic mineral water (tap, well, spring), polluted air, refined sugar and refined sugar substitutes, overcooking foods, dairy products, refined...”

Susceptibility To Hangovers

...recommendation Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
Caffeinated coffee and cola drinks are an area of controversy...”

Susceptibility To Miscarriages

...the condition
“...People with the following conditions or characteristics are at risk of having a miscarriage ... Caffeine consumption...”
...recommendation Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
“Some substances – including caffeine and pesticides – easily cross the placenta from the woman's body to her fetus...”

Therapeutic Fasting

...as a treatment
“...The withdrawal symptoms of addiction to such drugs as alcohol, cocaine, nicotine and caffeine are resolved quickly while fasting...”

Tinnitus

...recommendation Conventional Drug Avoidance
“...This list includes some commonplace drugs such as aspirin, alcohol, caffeine, quinine, birth control pills and antibiotics such as gentamicin...”

Tremors

...the condition
“...If shaking or trembling has been present for less than 2 years, it may be caused by temporary conditions such as ... Caffeine excess or caffeine withdrawal...”

Trichotillomania

...recommendation Sugar Avoidance / Reduction
“...is a simple test that can be done: eat as much of a snack such as peanut 'M&M's (containing sugar, chocolate and legumes) as you can stand at one sitting, washing them down with Coca-Cola (cola, caffeine and more sugar or aspartame, which is just as bad)...”

Tyramine-containing Foods Avoidance

...as a treatment
“...Other items with similar actions: chocolate (cocoa) and caffeine (coffee, tea, colas)...”

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

...recommendation Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
“Coffee, soda and other caffeinated beverages may irritate the bladder lining and are not recommended.”

Weight Loss

...as a treatment
“...Sometimes dieters resort to the use of metabolic stimulants such as caffeine and ephedra (often from the herb ma huang) which are central nervous system stimulants that, when combined, may help people lose weight...”

Zeolites

...as a treatment
“...migraine headaches frequently are aware that certain foods will trigger headache attacks, for example red wine, preserved meats treated with nitrites and nitrates such as sausages, hot dogs, salami, caffeine, chocolate, some dairy products (aromatic cheeses) and so on...”
Report by The Analyst™
Click to see sample report
Health problems rarely occur in isolation or for obvious reasons

Your body is a highly complex, interconnected system.  Instead of guessing at what might be wrong, let us help you discover what is really going on inside your body based on the many clues it is giving.

Our multiple symptom checker provides in-depth health analysis by The Analyst™ with full explanations, recommendations and (optionally) doctors available for case review and answering your specific questions.

We use cookies for traffic analysis, advertising, and to provide the best user experience