How much coffee should I drink a day?

I have a habit of drinking coffee many times a day to stay awake at work. How much coffee a day is safe for health? (Manh Hung, Hanoi )

Reply:

Caffeine is a substance that affects the nervous system, found in coffee, energy drinks, green tea, cocoa... helps increase alertness.

When you drink a beverage containing caffeine, the stomach and small intestine quickly absorb the nutrients. Maximum absorption occurs after about 30-60 minutes depending on the individual. Once absorbed, caffeine crosses the blood-brain barrier and quickly reaches the entire body.

In the brain, caffeine blocks adenosine (one of the receptors that causes sleepiness). Normally, adenosine gradually accumulates in the brain when awake. The amount of adenosine increases, the body feels sleepy. Therefore, when drinking coffee, the drinker feels awake.

Caffeine consumption can bring health benefits. However, overusing this drink can easily cause insomnia, restlessness, and irritability. People who are used to drinking a lot of caffeine when cutting back may have headaches, dizziness, nausea, and negative moods. These symptoms usually appear about 12-24 hours after stopping drinking.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the safe daily intake of caffeine should not exceed 400 mg. A cup or packet of regular coffee contains about 70-100 mg of caffeine. Thus, a healthy adult should not drink more than 4-5 cups per day.

You should also note to drink coffee about 6 hours before bedtime at night. For example, if you sleep at 10pm every day, avoid drinking coffee or other drinks containing caffeine after 4pm to limit insomnia.

People who are sensitive to caffeine or have certain medical conditions should be more cautious. Consumption may need to be reduced or consult a doctor to use caffeine appropriately for health conditions and medical conditions.

Doctor Tran Thi Tra Phuong
Nutrihome Nutrition Clinic System

Readers ask questions about nutrition here for doctors to answer

Source link: https://vnexpress.net/nen-uong-bao-nhieu-ca-phe-mot-ngay-4683051.html