The Truth Behind Caffeine

The truth behind caffeine? It’s a god. We could end this post here, but we figured you might appreciate some back story.

Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant that can be isolated from over 50 plants. Today caffeine is easily extracted and found in our fav beverage, coffee. Did you know caffeine is found in many other products we consume daily – sodas, ice creams, candy, medications and alcohol. When 82% of adults in the U.S drink coffee daily, it begs the question – What is all this caffeine doing to us? Here’s the truth behind some of the most common questions regarding caffeine.

1. Is caffeine an addictive drug?

This myth is partially true. But don’t go losing your mind just yet! Caffeine is one of the most comprehensively studied substances with centuries of safe consumption. Because caffeine stimulates the central nervous system it has been classified as a drug. However, caffeine has also been examined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administrative and was deemed safe and effective — effective being the key word. 

2. Why does coffee make me poop?!

We’ve all been there people! You drink your first cup of coffee…oh no. Often we place the blame of our bowel sensitivity on caffeine. While caffeine is a potential player in this inconvenient phenomenon, it’s not the only thing sending you running for the porcelain throne. Some tests have shown coffee drinkers that use dairy in their cup-o-joe could be experiencing a sensitivity to lactose. Additionally, some people attribute the time of day to these urgent situations. Many people believe their stomachs are kicked into first gear after laying still all night at that first cup of coffee. The jury is still out though on exactly why this happened. If you are running a large scale study — let us know.

3. If I stop drinking coffee will I go through withdrawals?

It has been reported that if caffeine is consumed in excess there is the possibility of moderate withdrawal symptoms. Some of the symptoms include headache, fatigue and jitteriness. However, caffeine has been deemed safe by the FDA and is not considered a controlled substance. Moderation is the key to this question. The safe recommended daily consumption of caffeine is up to 400 Mg. Did we mention there are 95 Mg of caffeine in an 8-ounce cup of coffee? 

Like all the best things caffeine needs to be consumed in moderation. Personally, coffee is our favorite way to get that central nervous system boost. Is it less cool if we say it that way? The flavor, smell and kick in the ass is all we ever asked for in a mildly addictive but totally delicious beverage.