Coffee, tea, energy drinks\u2026 Caffeine is part of the daily routine of a large number of people. From morning coffee to pre-workout supplements, caffeine is one of the most consumed compounds \/ supplements.<\/p>\n
Caffeine is a bitter-tasting substance, known and characterized mainly for its stimulant properties <\/strong>on the central nervous system. It can be obtained from more than 60 plants, including coffee beans, tea leaves, guarana, and cocoa, and it can even be synthetically produced in laboratories.<\/p>\n It is classified as an alkaloid<\/strong>, which is part of the xanthine family. Xanthines are a group of substances with stimulating properties that are found in natural<\/strong> form<\/strong> in plant species along with theophylline and theobromine. <\/strong>They can be found in the foods mentioned in the previous section.<\/p>\n Caffeine acts by inhibiting adenosine receptors<\/strong>, since caffeine has a molecular structure very similar to them, specifically A1 receptors (distributed throughout the central nervous system)<\/p>\n This compound produces its stimulating and excitatory effects by releasing the tonic inhibition of dopamine, and through A2A receptors located in regions rich in dopaminergic neurons<\/strong>. Caffeine begins to act depending on the format and dose in which it has been consumed, within a period of 15 to 60 minutes. <\/strong><\/p>\n To eliminate it, the body will require a longer or shorter period of time depending on factors such as age, physiological condition, tolerance, amount consumed, medications, etc. The average is two to eight hours until its complete elimination.<\/p>\n Caffeine is a substance whose consumption generates dependence. To continue noticing the same effects as time passes, it is necessary to gradually increase the amount as the body becomes accustomed to it.<\/p>\n As a general recommendation, do not exceed 400 mg per day.<\/p>\n Other side effects<\/strong> that excessive consumption may produce:<\/p>\n Anhydrous caffeine<\/strong>: this is one of the most commonly used forms. It is characterized by being absorbed very quickly, within an average of 15 minutes, and reaches its peak blood concentration between 30 and 60 minutes.<\/p>\n Extended-release caffeine:<\/strong> its effects are neither as strong nor as immediate. It is characterized by lasting over time.<\/p>\n Di-caffeine malate: <\/strong>the least commonly used form. <\/strong> It is a combination of caffeine and malic acid, intended to improve absorption and reduce digestive problems.<\/p>\n Over time, the body becomes accustomed to the amount of caffeine we consume. To notice the same effect, it is necessary to increase the dose.<\/p>\n From time to time, it is recommended to follow the protocol known as a caffeine detox.<\/p>\n A caffeine detox is a period of time during which we reduce caffeine intake, either completely or progressively, according to preference, reducing the amount consumed so that the body gradually becomes accustomed to the new doses and we can continue reducing them without completely giving up its effects.<\/p>\n\n\nAverage amounts of caffeine in beverages<\/h3>\n
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The effects of caffeine<\/h2>\n
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Types of caffeine and mechanism of action<\/h3>\n
The side effects of caffeine<\/h2>\n
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Types of caffeine<\/h2>\n
How can you avoid or reduce caffeine tolerance?<\/h3>\n