When consumed in moderation, caffeine can make you feel more awake, boost your mood and increase your concentration. But what happens when you drink more than two cups of coffee or caffeinated drinks a day?
Let’s talk about pH first. Ph measures the acidity and alkalinity of our blood and tissues. The pH ranges from 0 to 14. (Acidic: 0-6.9; Neutral: 7; Alkaline: 7.1–14) Our blood and tissues have a 7.36 pH, slightly alkaline. This alkaline pH creates an inner ecosystem where our immune system can perform at its peak.
Minerals are required to balance pH in our body. Coffee is a big enemy of minerals since it’s very acidic. When you drink caffeinated beverages throughout the day, you are pretty much flushing all your pH-balancing minerals down the toilet.
In addition, caffeine increases your heart rate and metabolism. I know what you are thinking now… “So if caffeine increases my metabolism, then it is a good option for losing weight, right?” Yes and No…
After a while, caffeine acts like a constant stress on your body, and it raises your cortisol levels. Cortisol in excess turns your FAT programs on and make you start gaining weight. Weight gain from increased cortisol levels tend to collect around the stomach area. Fat cells in the stomach area are more sensitive to cortisol, and they are very effective at storing energy. Stomach fat is not only unattractive, it can also lead to many serious health conditions like diabetes and heart disease. A high consumption of caffeine over a long period of time can increase your blood pressure as well.
In conclusion….drink with moderation. 😉
Ana C. Quiroga
200hr March-April 2014
Reference:
www.mayoclinic.com – Coffee and Health
