CAA: Christian Anime Alliance

I enjoy coffe. I don't drink it every day, but I do enjoy it every so often; say once a week?

But I'm a tad worried about how the caffeine affects me. Don't get me wrong; I'm a friendly, outgoing person naturally. But when I've had a coffee I feel much more amiable towards the world. I'm more creative and motivated to work.

However, the downside is that my mind can start to over-work, to buzz. I've also heard that too much coffee can burn out your adrenal glands.

So... now for the 20 questions. How does coffee affect you? Have you experienced anything similar to what I've mentioned here? Any information about the negative effects of the drink?

I'd just like to get some general opinions so I can either be reassured or change my habits.

Coffee is evil!!! *ahem* Well, what I meant to say is, I don't drink coffee because I don't like the taste of it. I do drink other forms of caffiene (soda), but I've never noticed any adverse effects. But honestly, it depends entirely on the person. The effects can be so faint that they're unoticable, or strong enough to cause heart palpitations. Each person is different.

I've never heard of what you described (about the adrenal glands), but coffee does sometimes have bad effects on the body. I know it stains teeth, and I've heard it can stunt growth if you drink it when you're younger (though I'm prone to think that's just an urban legend--heck, I'm 5'6" and I drank small amounts of coffee around age 10 or so. XD). Caffeine is typically not good for you, though, and too much of it will make me nauseous/jittery/light-headed (I had to leave the SW Episode 3 Midnight Show because the caffeine in the coffee I had had earlier had me feeling so sick, I couldn't concentrate on the movie--yeah, that sucked XD), so I generally stick with decaf.

I'm about the same as you in how often I drink it, though. I think the important thing is to keep yourself from becoming dependent on coffee, which you seem to be doing just fine (my definition of dependent would be drinking it every morning and getting caffeine headaches when you don't). Anyways, that's about all I can come up with as far as coffee side-effects go. XD

I used to down coffee all the time...before I became an uber worry wart...^^; One time I drank coke and it caused my heart rate to rise...(I freak myself out if my heart is just a tad fast...so... everytime I drink caffine I worry that I will suddenly keel over from a heart attack...so the effects are a bit more annoying for me....because I worry so much...

Isnt that horrible? When I get to the point that I cant even eat or drink something without worrying what it will do to me? *siigh* I think I need to see a phsychiatrist...(SP)

but anyway back to the question. If I drink too much coffee I get a little jittery and hyper.. Plus side: I get a lot of artworks done! ^_^

Well, the title to this thread caught my attention instantaneously

I am a coffee ADDICT. I will admit it. I actually tend to get suspicious headaches when I forgo my morning cup of coffee. I usually try to limit it to one or two cups though. But I do make at least half a pot on the average all-nighter. I usually feel the effects under those circumstances, such as jittery hands, a slightly amped up pulse, an overall sense of nervousness which is really nasty when it's 4 AM and you're in a dark basement panicking about a project.

I've also noticed that I tend to get quite dehydrated. Ugh. And my teeth are admittedly rather...er..'golden'. Heheh, that sounds better than yellow

But I can't stop drinking the stuff. Maybe it's the cold climate that I live in, but I just love curling up with a cup of coffee first thing in the morning when there's snow outside and I know that I'm facing an hour on transit going to school. Plus I've had so many interesting chats with friends at coffee shops, and my family always brews coffee during Christmas get togethers and such. Overall there's alot of positive associations when it comes to me and coffee.

But espresso is scary. I spent an hour sitting at my desk after drinking an espresso and feeling like I had just run up a flight of stairs O_O

And the fair trade issues frequently make me feel guilty >_<

Well, I'm far from an addict, though I went through a period where I was having a latte once or twice a week from Dunkin Donuts. Decaf though - regular coffee and espresso do give me heart palpitations. At least I think that's what it is. I'm not sure how to describe it. However, I have to stay far away from the flavored coffees. They do the same thing only worse. Somehow, I start to feel very agitated, shaky. Almost like I feel like I need to get out of my skin. I can't describe it well, but my brother felt the same thing once so he knew what I was talking about.
Anyway, then someone introduced me to Teavana. Now I'm hooked on Green Tea Mojo. XD I looooove it so much I prefer it over coffee. I never thought I could find a tea I'd like more than coffee! And, it's not decaf, but it doesn't seem to affect me. At least, if it does, it's not in the heart palpitation/jittery area. I can even drink it before bed (well, other than it making me get up a dozen times to use the bathroom - I don't hold liquids well).
But yeah, coffee messes with me when it's not decaf. And if I drink it after like 5PM I can't sleep at all that night.

dyzzispell wrote:Now I'm hooked on Green Tea Mojo. XD I looooove it so much I prefer it over coffee. I never thought I could find a tea I'd like more than coffee! And, it's not decaf, but it doesn't seem to affect me. At least, if it does, it's not in the heart palpitation/jittery area. I can even drink it before bed (well, other than it making me get up a dozen times to use the bathroom - I don't hold liquids well).
But yeah, coffee messes with me when it's not decaf. And if I drink it after like 5PM I can't sleep at all that night.

Yeah, I usually drink tea, too, if I'm just looking for something warm. Well, that or hot chocolate. XD For me, though, I think that has something to do with the fact that it's just easier to make. XD No brewing necessary!

I personally can't stand the stuff.

As far as side effects, your brain actually becomes addicted to it after a while, which 'causes people to not be able to function with out it. When you hear people say they can't do anything without their daily cup of coffee, they can quite literally mean it.

That's enough to keep my from trying to acquire the taste.

The effects of caffeine on Strong Sad:

Subject became erratic, violent, and really funny to watch.

Um. I like coffee and I tend to need caffeine once a day, but...I don't think it really affects me that much. At least, not as far as I can tell.

Along with coke, I don't like it. I "sometimes" like the smell.
But I've never touched it really. too much caffeine. hehe

Caffeine + Azier = Very Productive Azier.

I love coffee. Black coffee. It tastes so good. The one downside is that because I have a hyper-active metabolism I get the shaky hands after a cup and a half.

Coffee is only bad if you drink it in large quantities. I doubt just one cup a week would be bad for you.

Personally, I love my coffee strong and dark. That said, I've stopped drinking coffee after 20:00 in the evening because it affects my sleep, and I'm trying to cut down as well.

Coffee be not evil, Esoteric! It is fantastic. In fact, sometimes I wonder if it should be labelled a dessert instead of a drink.

So it makes you a little light-headed at times, too, Radical Dreamer? Hmm. Its good to know its not just me who gets like that.
I agree with you about not getting dependent on coffee. Since I've been working full time I've got access to a coffee machine and my coffee intake has gone up, but I'm trying to watch it. The last thing I want is to get caffeine headaches. Thanks for your help!

Actually, Christian Ronin, I think that you've got the right end of the stick in being concerned about your health. If it is worrying you... perhaps try decaf or an alternative. Hot Chocolates and Chai Lattes both taste good and are a great substitute for buying a coffee at a cafe. In the office, you could try herbal teas, hot chocolate or decaf. I like the fruity herbal teas; if you really stir and crush the teabags with a spoon you can make them really strong and tasty.
I don't think you'd be alone in worrying so much about what you eat or drink. If it really is eating away at you, I would suggest finding someone to talk to about it: a friend or some sort of counsellor, just so that they can reassure you or offer some tips to help you out.
I find coffee helps me to get things done, too. That is the unfortunate positive side.

I didn't realise you were a coffee addict, LQ! Its a bit worrisome that you get caffeine withdrawl headaches, though. If you wanted to cut down the coffee you could always just reduce your intake a little; if you have instant you could use less coffee in the glass, etc. *Sigh* I know what you mean about using coffee for all nighters. I sometimes wonder if being reliant on coffee for those sorts of things could be some form of substance abuse. It keeps you going... but if you're anything like me, you really crash afterwards.
Jittery hands, amped pulse, nervousness... yeah, those symptoms are pretty similar to what I get. Hmm. Yikes! I wouldn't want to be like that doing an all nighter in a dark basement!
I've been told coffee is a diuretic (must double-check how to spell that word) so it makes you lose water. To counteract that, I've heard it suggested to drink a cup of water for every cup of coffee. Maybe you could try that? It would certainly help with the dehydration. Yeah the coffee stains worry me, too. When I drink a lot of coffee I can see them go that way, too. However if make sure my toothbrush is in good condition and cut down the coffee intake they get back to normal.
Well, coffee is certainly better than smoking. And it is so warm, tasty and motivational, even. I'm not saying that you want to or have to give up coffee, but if you ever do, it could be easier to try substitution. A hot chocolate instead of a coffee, or something. If I find myself getting too addicted to coffee thats what I'm planning to do. Ugh, yeah, espresso is really scary. Filter and black coffee, too. I really feel the jitters when I try that stuff. There's not so much exposure of Fair Trade issues here in NZ

So you get a weird heartrate thing from coffee too, Dyzzispell? Its interesting that the flavoured coffees make it worse. I find mochaccino does the same as regular coffee to me... but to be honest it depends where I get my coffee from. Dunkin Donuts make me get really, really jittery. I get the same symptoms as you're describing.
Teavana. Hmm. I'm not a big tea fan. I've also heard that Tea contains quite a lot of caffeine, too. (Something like 40% compared to coffee's 50% if I remember correctly). Not sure about green or herbal teas, though. The latest I can drink coffee is about 4 o clock. Otherwise I'm too mentally alert to sleep at a decent hour.

That's probably a good idea, SamuraiDragon. I don't think the odd coffee here and there (once every week or two) is particularly bad. But when people get to the state they can't function without it then I start to get a little concerned. Plus, its not like you have to like coffee, or drink it at all. At least you're aware of the issues in order to make an informed decision about coffee consumption.

I remember that episode of Strong Bad's emails, too, Shiroi! XD Loved it. Interesting that you don't seem to get such symptoms.

I like the smell of coffee too, Evangeline-san. I think its good that you haven't really touched it. But if you do one day, at least you're aware of the effects it might have. Hey, another person who doesn't like coke! I don't really like it, either.

Haha. I'm glad it helps you, Azier. Coffe + Creature Art = Very productive but slightly paranoid Creature Art.

You like it black, Ikimasu? Hmmm... another person who gets the shaky hands from it.

What method are you using to try to cut down, Bigsleep? Are you going cold turkey? I will drink black coffee, but I haven't really acquired the taste for it yet.


Thanks for all the help, guys! Its very interesting to read about everyone's coffee experiences and opinions. Although I'm not franticly concerned about my intake I will certainly monitor it, and try to keep my water intake high, too.

CreatureARt you have such fantastic replies!! you reply for everyone that's so nice!!!!

Actually, Christian Ronin, I think that you've got the right end of the stick in being concerned about your health. If it is worrying you... perhaps try decaf or an alternative. Hot Chocolates and Chai Lattes both taste good and are a great substitute for buying a coffee at a cafe. In the office, you could try herbal teas, hot chocolate or decaf. I like the fruity herbal teas; if you really stir and crush the teabags with a spoon you can make them really strong and tasty.
I don't think you'd be alone in worrying so much about what you eat or drink. If it really is eating away at you, I would suggest finding someone to talk to about it: a friend or some sort of counsellor, just so that they can reassure you or offer some tips to help you out.
I find coffee helps me to get things done, too. That is the unfortunate positive side.

I always tell my parents when something like that happens and they just stare at me and shake their heads and say "YOU ARE TOO YOUNG!! STOP WORRYING!!" baah.. easier said than done.

Well since people take the time to answer I try to take time to reply. ^^; But I appreciate that a lot, CR.

Haha, must get annoying to be told to stop worrying. However I've had a few friends who struggled with worry. I seem to remember something about REM; Rational Emotive Therapy... or something like that. I mean, the Bible tells us not to worry and I look at it like this: it is good to be concerned about things and to be aware of possible consequences. That's being mature and cautious. However if the worry is over things that might not happen or that we have no control over, then it may be getting into dangerous territory. Once you've done what you can do then its time to let go of the worry, because it can make you unsettled, stressed and afraid.

That said, I know its easy for me to spout that. I get worried at times but am typically easy-going. Not everyone else is like that. I also don't know what sort of worry you have.

One of the mottos I don't spout often (because it makes people worry... even fellow Christians) is that the worst that can happen is that I'll lose my life... and if that happens, Jesus has got me. That might depress other people but it makes me a lot more content when I remind myself of that fact.

Argh, I'll stop rambling. I don't know what sort of worry you're talking about or if this all helps, but I hope if it is of any use you'll take it with a good dose of salt.

After all, this is the internet, and my name might not really be CreatureArt.

What method are you using to try to cut down, Bigsleep? Are you going cold turkey?

Cold Turkey? I don't know what that means. I'm just not drinking more than one cup a day. Some days I drink three though, but that's once a week.

Cold turkey means you're quitting something altogether. No minimizing the amounts along the way. For example, I once stopped drinking soda period.

As for me, I drink decaf. I find that when I don't, I feel the rush, and then the crash is just awful almost right after it. I end up unusually sleepy and my stomach feels weird.

BigsleepJ wrote:Some days I drink three though, but that's once a week.

Wow. Then again, on odd occasions I'll have two coffees in a day. Cool that you're cutting down, though. Are you getting headaches from cutting down or is it all going fine?

K. Ayato wrote:As for me, I drink decaf. I find that when I don't, I feel the rush, and then the crash is just awful almost right after it. I end up unusually sleepy and my stomach feels weird.

Coffee can give me stomach-aches sometimes. I have to make sure I'm not drinking it on an empty stomach. I haven't tried drinking decaf... but that's only because I've heard bad things about the proccess they use to decaffinate the coffee beans. I should probably go and check on that, though.

I useualy tend to avoid coffee, but energy drinks containing coffine is not unuseual to me. I think if you keep your adrenaline glands in pratice then you will do well, however I do not see coffee as a smart option at many instances

CreatureArt wrote::lol: Wow. Then again, on odd occasions I'll have two coffees in a day. Cool that you're cutting down, though. Are you getting headaches from cutting down or is it all going fine?

The days when I have a lot are the days when (sometimes) I buy a bottomless cup at a coffee shop and want to get my R10.00's worth of coffee.

I don't get headaches; I'd only get them if I had a caffeine addiction, which I never had. I'm doing fine, basically.

I think coffee makes you feel more alert, and somewhat more "active". I am just repeating what some of my colleagues have said, because I drank coffee for one year before, and personally felt no difference, so don't really know.

Coffee also makes you smarter; tests have shown that it increases your IQ level for a short duration.

I'm not addicted to coffee; I drink it when I feel like I'm in the mood for it, which comes every now and then. So I rarely suffer any side effects as some of you have described.

1) However, I must note that caffeine may increase heartburn. It's still debatable but I'm erring to the safe side and have been avoiding coffee eversince the day my stomach developed gastric problems.

2) I have also observed that drinking coffee during that time of the month (Ladies, you know what I mean) increase those stinkin' cramps, especially the first day. I'm not sure what the correlation is, but it just happens to me and it's a no coffee day then.

Mave wrote:2) I have also observed that drinking coffee during that time of the month (Ladies, you know what I mean) increase those stinkin' cramps, especially the first day. I'm not sure what the correlation is, but it just happens to me and it's a no coffee day then.

You're absolutely right. This is the only time when caffeine affects me noticeably. Except not only on the first day, but the whole time. @_@

Whoah...a coffee thread.

The highly addicted Q's take on coffee: if you're in college and not a morning person, coffee is one of a very limited set of options for getting you up at 7am (one of the others being a cold shower...I thought about that but realized that people on the floor wouldn't appreciate hearing a hysterical screech every morning). Before I started drinking coffee in the mornings, I was a grouch. If anyone talked to me before about 9am they got glared at and clobbered with whatever object happened to be at hand (generally a pillow, thankfully). Coffee solved that. I won't throw things at people anymore in the morning (my roommate stays silent for a while after I get up just in case, though). Now I'll just stare in a zombie-like manner at them while trying to remember if I put all the right textbooks in my backpack. I drink at least 1 cup a day...but I admit that I do have a dependence on it. I get the dreaded caffeine headaches when I don't get my allotted amount...which sometimes results in a migraine. So a bit of advice for getting off of coffee...DO NOT GO COLD TURKEY. I tried that. It wasn't a good thing. Go halfcaf and reduce it from there.

As far as the jitters are concerned, it really does depend on the person. I jitter without coffee...having a high metabolism in the first place. Coffee does make it worse. I have noticed that if I've had about four cups of coffee or more I get paranoid and/or extremely hyperactive. Er...I only did that once or twice last semester...one does have to study late sometimes. But the normal amount of coffee does wonders for my sanity, especially before tests. And it helps me focus.

Oh...and another thing: empty stomach + coffee = stomachache. If you don't eat breakfast, coffee may not be a good idea, 'specially if you like it kind of strong.

Actually, my take on coffee is that if you can do without it, don't drink it. Go for orange juice or something. As for us caffeine addicts...maybe someday they'll discover something to get us up in the mornings that doesn't involve cold water...



That being said...I think I'm going to drink some non-caffeinated soda or something...*goes to find some sprite*

Caffeine and especially coffee has different effects on different people because of differences in metabolism and the ability to digest and absorb it properly.

As far as I go,I love coffee.Personally I can't go a day without having a couple cups.It's one of life's little rewards.

There are a lot of famous coffee drinkers,among them Bach and Voltaire.I believe it was Voltaire who used to drink up to 45 cups per day.

Like Evangeline-san, I like the smell of both coffee and cola, but not the taste of either. I'll just stick with my morning hot chocolate. =^_^=

Q: You're too young to be an addict.
CA: You don't have anything to worry about.

As for the subject of coffee, I think I qualify as an addict. In college, I was up to 8 pots (yeah, you read that right) a day. After college, I weened my self down to around one. Now, 10 years later, I think I'm down to around 7-8 cups a day. I can't really have caffine after about 2:00 PM, or it triggers thees funky sleep patterns (I wake up 2-3 times during the night, or just once at 3:30 and can't go back to sleep).

Coffee really does make me more productive. Just ask my boss. The day I had my last physical, I went in to work and COULDN'T have coffee (no food for 12 hours before).


My Boss: So, what are you up to this morning.
Mith: I'm counting ceiling tiles.
My Boss: Ha ha! You're a funny one. What are you really doing.
Mith: You broke my concentration; now I'm talking to you.
*boss senses something is wrong*
My Boss: Hey, you look really down. Is something wrong?
*mith explains the situation - it only takes 15 minutes*
My Boss: As long as you're not going to be productive, can you sit up front? That might keep the wind bags there from being so loud when they complain about our customers.

I've been depending on coffee this entire week because of f i n a l s.

3 hours of sleep in 4 days! XD Coffee normally makes me really fidgety and excited for anything. There was a lot of senseless giggling this week.