by S. Todd Stolp MD
©January 2008
Snowfall has a captivating ability to slow us down. Some of this effect is surely mediated by an interest in self-preservation while driving in traffic on snowy roads, but some of the effect seems almost metaphysical, more closely related to the silent fascination that we have with those snowy scenes in a freshly shaken glass ball. To a person experiencing a snow day, the satisfying therapeutic effects of slowing down is hard to ignore. Why then do we find ourselves in a society so hopelessly dependent upon caffeine? In light of recent research that raises new questions about the safety of caffeine, it may be worthwhile to wipe frost from the window for a clearer look.
Coffee, along with the oil industry, has historically been one of the greatest contributors to our trade deficit with the rest of the world. The average American consumes almost 8 pounds of coffee per year. If there is any question about the adulation bestowed upon caffeine, consider the burgeoning “energy drink” industry. With names such as “Full Throttle,” “No Fear,” “Rockstar,” “Monster,” “Red Bull” and “Adrenalin Rush,” one might think we have entered the world of Pinocchio’s “Pleasure Island.” If any message floats to the surface, it ought to be an appeal for moderation.
An impressive amount of research has been done to explore the risks of caffeine consumption. Judging from the data, “excess coffee consumption” can be defined as over three cups of regular coffee, or approximately 300 mg of caffeine per day for an average adult. However, it should be remembered that each patient has a different tolerance to the negative effects, such that for certain individuals even one cup of coffee, or 80 to 100 mg of caffeine, may be too much. One ounce of espresso contains approximately 65 mg of caffeine, and, contrary to popular intuition, dark coffee usually yields less caffeine because of the effects of increased roasting of the beans. Tea contains about half as much caffeine per cup of caffeine-bearing tea.
Caffeine is a stimulant, closely related to a number of medications and mediators in our bodies that modify our cellular “carburetors” to increase the rate at which we burn fuel.
The dangers of excessive use of caffeine to people with heart rhythm abnormalities, to pregnant patients and to people with sleep and anxiety disorders are well documented. The occasionally head-splitting consequence of caffeine withdrawal when a regular coffee devotee abstains is convincing evidence that our bodies quickly learn to mourn the loss of a regular caffeine dose. The effects of caffeine on increasing blood pressure have been inconsistent but probably also significant. Recent studies have raised new questions about the safety to diabetics, and medication interactions abound.
Because of it’s effect upon appetite and activity levels, caffeine is a common component of diet or “weight loss” tablets. The tendency for companies to present caffeine-rich tablets and beverages as some sort of healthy way to achieve a performance “boost” is both deceitful and misleading. Such a solution is no more healthy than applying additional pressure to the accelerator in the car without regard to need.
The bottom line is that we live in an over-caffeinated society. In the interest of full disclosure, regular sips of coffee on this snowy morning have accompanied the recording of ruminations in this column. Nevertheless, the risks of allowing the triad of social trend, corporate capability and marketing expertise to propel us towards over-consumption of caffeine-rich beverages and over-the-counter medications only makes the need for deliberate personal moderation all the more important. If you have any doubts about the benefits of taking the world a little slower, take a few moments to absorb the silence that follows a fresh snow.