Scientific studies show that coffee has a unique quality that gives us the “get up and go” drive we need in the morning. Scientists have found that it gives us mental alertness that seems to increase concentration and clear thinking.

Studies also show that coffee boosts mood and reduces tiredness. It’s also effective against heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes. The list is endless.

On the flip side, there are also some negative effects of coffee. Caffeine addiction is a significant issue and the cause of several health issues. For instance, although coffee is effective against heart disease, drinking too much coffee is bad for your cardiovascular health.

Moreover, although coffee could be the fuel that gets you going in the morning, it could also be the source of fatigue that makes you unable to complete the work you started. Therefore, it’s important to understand these adverse effects to stay healthy and productive at home and work.

Seven Negative Effects of Coffee to Your Health and Wellbeing

The following is a roundup of seven common negative effects of coffee and potential solutions to help you stay healthy and productive.

1. Frequent urination and urgency

The stimulatory effects of caffeine have one major side effect – frequent urination. You may have already noticed this. When you drink a lot of coffee, what follows almost immediately is a trip to the loo. Eventually, the number of trips depends on the amount of coffee you had. Even worse, caffeine causes incontinence, i.e., the inability to hold back urine. Reducing your intake can reduce these symptoms.

2. Increased fatigue

It sounds counterintuitive that a product that tends to boost energy levels in the morning can also cause fatigue later in the day. But, it’s true. This effect is known as rebound fatigue and only occurs when caffeine leaves your system. In one study whose findings are now available in Health Line magazine, it was found that patients exhibit increased alertness and improved energy levels for several hours after taking coffee but are usually more tired the following day.

3. Altered heart rate

The stimulatory effects of caffeine may also alter heart rhythm. This is especially common in younger people who consume too many energy drinks filled with caffeine. High quantities of caffeine raise blood level epinephrine. In pure forms, epinephrine can increase blood pressure, increase the heart rate’s contractility or force, and ultimately increase the heart rate. The issue is especially worse in people with heart problems and can cause heart failure in extreme cases.

4. High blood pressure

In addition to raising your heart rate, too much coffee can also cause high blood pressure. Studies show that people who drink too much coffee are at a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and other heart-related diseases. The explanation is coffee damages arteries over time, thus restricting blood flow to the heart and brain. Coffee may also temporarily raise your blood pressure during exercise, thus increasing the risk of a heart attack.

5. Muscle breakdown

Coffee is one of the less common causes of Rhabdomyolysis. This medical condition damages muscle fibers and causes the damaged fibers to enter the kidney, potentially leading to kidney failure and other medical challenges. The condition is also caused by trauma, drug abuse, infection, and muscle strain. Signs and symptoms of the condition include nausea, vomiting, and dark urine.

6. Reduced fertility

While one or two cups of coffee a day won’t affect your fertility in any way, too much caffeine may adversely impact your ability to reproduce. This is true for both men and women. In women, it even increases the risk of miscarriage. Gil Weiss, MD, OB/GYN Partner at the Association of Women’s Healthcare, says that the reason remains a mystery. Nevertheless, she still advises women to drink less coffee when pregnant.

7. Addition issues and withdrawal symptoms

The last one on the list of negative effects of coffee is a condition many people have experienced. You skip coffee for just one day, and suddenly you feel like life isn’t as beautiful anymore. It’s the result of coffee addition. Once you’re hooked to it, there’s no going back. If you try to leave, you’re asking for incessant headaches, exhaustion, brain fog, and irritability.

Summary

Coffee is good for your health. There are even claims that it makes you live longer. However, as you look forward to the next cup, it helps to keep the negative effects of coffee in mind too.