Introduction:
Caffeine can be found in many drinks and foods. It was found that it can have a positive link with all-cause mortality and chronic diseases. Moderate consumption of caffeine has benefits for physical and mental health. Thyroid hormones are responsible for the regulation of systemic metabolism and neurological development. It was observed that there is a link between caffeine and thyroid.
What Is Caffeine?
Caffeine is a naturally occurring central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. It comes under the methylxanthine class. It is considered to be the most common psychoactive stimulant taken worldwide. Caffeine is mainly found in coffee beans, tea, and cocoa beans. It stimulates the brain and CNS. This results in alertness and prevents fatigue. After consumption, caffeine is absorbed by the gut and reaches the bloodstream. Then, it reaches the liver and is broken down into compounds. These may affect the various organs of the body. Its main effect is on the brain. It blocks the neurotransmitter called adenosine. This adenosine was found to be responsible for the relaxation of the brain and makes the person feel tired. During the daytime, a build-up of adenosine occurs. This makes the person feel tired, and the individual feels like sleeping. Caffeine helps keep the person awake by connecting to adenosine receptors in the brain and keeps the receptors busy without activating them. This action helps block the effects of adenosine and leads to decreased tiredness. Caffeine increases the adrenaline levels in the brain and increases the brain activity of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters. This helps increase alertness and focus. Caffeine is found in seeds, nuts, and leaves. It can be found in dark chocolates and incorporated with certain medications. It is used as a supplement for weight loss. These help improve mood and brain function.
A study noticed that those who consumed 37.5 to 450 mg of caffeine improved alertness, short-term recall, and reaction time. A study observed that those who consumed two to three cups (200 to 300 mg of caffeine) of caffeinated coffee per day showed a 45 percent decreased risk of suicide. Another study has shown a 13 percent decrease in the risk of depression among caffeine users. When the mood is considered, high caffeine is not necessarily better. A study noted that caffeine if consumed within eight hours of the gap, is more effective. Otherwise, it may not benefit. Another study found that consuming caffeinated coffee of more than three cups per day may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease by 28 to 60 percent. It is also noted that coffee and tea contain other bioactive substances that work along with caffeine.
Other uses of caffeine include:
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Caffeine helps improve metabolism and fat loss.
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It helps exercise for a long period and improves exercise performance.
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It helps reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
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It can help protect the liver.
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It can reduce the risk of cancer.
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Caffeine can protect the skin.
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Play a role in gout prevention.
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It helps increase the gut bacteria.
Caffeine at 200 mg per dose and 400 mg daily is considered safe.
How Caffeine Is Linked to Thyroid?
The thyroid is a gland at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It secretes thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are capable of affecting every cell of the body. These hormones control the way the body uses energy. These control many important functions of the body, like breathing, heart rate, weight, digestion, and mood. Thyroid problems or diseases are caused when there are variations in the levels of thyroid hormones.
These include:
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Goiter: An enlarged thyroid gland.
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Hyperthyroidism: Increased thyroid hormones than needed by the body.
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Hypothyroidism: Decreased levels of thyroid hormones than needed.
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Thyroid nodules, lumps in the thyroid gland.
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Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland.
Thyroid diseases are on the rise. This condition may affect any age group, from adolescents to the elderly. The reasons for these conditions may be lifestyle and dietary choices. It was found that increased intake of caffeine may cause thyroid problems.
Effects of caffeine include the following:
- Increased Blood Sugar: Studies have noticed that caffeine can increase blood sugar levels. This causes the drain of adrenals, resulting in thyroid problems. This situation may be worse in the case of hypoglycemia. It may cause nervousness and anxiety throughout the day. Regular intake of coffee may cause dependency.
- Interfere With Hormones: Caffeine can affect the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal gland trio. This causes thyroid problems. Consuming too much caffeine can stimulate increased secretion of epinephrine and cortisol stress hormones. Because of this, the body remains in a constant state of anxiety. For those under hormone replacement therapy (HRT), caffeine can affect the conversion and absorption of hormones.
- Tired Adrenal Glands: Caffeine stimulates the adrenal gland to release cortisol. A high caffeine content with a high carbohydrate diet may wear out adrenal glands. This causes hypothyroidism by slowing down the thyroid gland.
- Oxidative Damage: Caffeine is considered to be highly inflammatory. This can cause damage at the cellular level. Certain foods are also inflammatory and cause cell damage and eventually die. Inflammations may result in diabetes, muscle cramps, brittle skin and nails, insomnia (sleeplessness), and thyroid problems. Caffeine is acidic. If it is consumed on an empty stomach, it may cause damage to the intestinal and stomach lining.
- Insomnia: Caffeine is a stimulant and inhibits sleep-related hormones in the brain. Consuming more caffeine throughout the day may cause insomnia and anxiety at night. Those who consume caffeine with milk and sugar are affected more. The reason is increased insulin in the bloodstream because of milk and sugar. This further affects the thyroid hormones.
Conclusion:
Caffeine is considered a brain stimulant. It has been in use worldwide. If it is consumed excessively, it may lead to problems such as thyroid problems, sleeplessness, diabetes, etc. Hence, knowing about caffeine and how it can cause thyroid problems becomes important. Knowing about the effects of caffeine, one can take measures to avoid the problems caused by it. A moderate intake of caffeine can be beneficial. Hence, knowledge can improve an individual's quality of life.
