National Caffeine Awareness Month: How Much Caffeine is Too Much Caffeine?

National Caffeine Awareness Month takes place each March. There are many misconceptions on caffeine. Sometimes, people don’t understand that this substance can be deadly if too much is consumed.

Caffeine is found in so many things. It’s in chocolate, coffee, sodas, certain waters, and some energy supplements and products. Here are some of the things you need to know.

What is the Most You Should Consume?

Experts at the Mayo Clinic agree that adults should limit caffeine intake to 400 mg a day. This may seem like a lot, but you need to stop and look at how much caffeine is in different products.

• Black tea 8 oz. – 25 to 110 mg
• Chocolate cake 2.8 oz. slice – 36 mg
• Coca-Cola 12 oz. soda – 35 mg
• Coffee ice cream 8 oz. – 50 to 60 mg
• Coffee 8 oz. – 102 to 200 mg
• Decaf coffee 8 oz. – 3 to 26 mg
• Energy drinks like Red Bull 8 oz. – 80 mg
• Pepsi 12 oz. soda – 38 mg

Looking at those examples, just four small cups of black tea could put your parents at the daily limit. It takes just two small cups of coffee to reach that. When you add things like coffee ice cream, cake, and sodas, your parents are likely reaching that limit very quickly.

Caffeine and Certain Medications Should Not Be Used Together

Does your mom or dad have asthma and use medications the help open the airways? If so, those medications can increase the risk of caffeine symptoms like a faster heart rate, anxiety, indigestion, and nausea.

Some decongestants have ephedrine. Mixed with caffeine, it can raise blood pressure and lead to other issues like heart attacks and strokes. Pain relievers like Anacin or Excedrin often contain caffeine. If you take those pills with a caffeinated beverage, you’re doubling the caffeine intake.

If your parent uses medications to help control blood sugar levels, talk to a doctor about the use of caffeine. Caffeine can raise blood sugar levels in some people, so the dosage may need to be adjusted to account for caffeine intake.

How well do your parents focus on what they drink and eat? Sometimes, it can be hard for seniors to keep track. If dementia is present, you might find your mom or dad drinking dozens of cups of coffee. This can be dangerous.

Hire elderly care services to help your parents manage the things they eat and drink each day. In addition to having help with meals and beverages, caregivers can help your parents with shopping and other errands. Call an elderly care agency to discuss these and other services.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20045678

http://www.drlisawatson.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Caffeine-Chart7.pdf

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Spotswood, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Care Street Home Care Serving Somerset and Middlesex/Union Counties today. Call (732) 607-8870.