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| Index of Diseases and Conditions: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
Caffeine is a bitter substance found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate, some nuts and certain medicines. It has many effects on the body's metabolism, including stimulating the central nervous system. This can make you more alert and give you a boost of energy.
For most people, the amount of caffeine in two to four cups of coffee a day is not harmful. However, too much caffeine can make you restless, anxious and irritable. It may also keep you from sleeping well and cause headaches, abnormal heart rhythms or other problems. If you stop using caffeine, you could get withdrawal symptoms.
Some people are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than others. They should limit their use of caffeine. So should pregnant and nursing women. Certain drugs and supplements may interact with caffeine. If you have questions about whether caffeine is safe for you, talk with your health care provider.
'''Caffeine''', also known as '''trimethylxanthine''', '''coffeine''', '''theine''', '''mateine''', '''guaranine''', and '''methyltheobromine''', is an alkaloid found naturally in such foods as coffee beans, tea, kola nuts, Yerba maté, guarana, and (in small amounts) cacao beans. Plants create caffeine as a pesticide, to paralyze and kill the insects feeding on them. While caffeine in its pure form is the chemical standard for bitterness, it is added to some soft drinks such as colas, Irn-Bru and Mountain Dew ostensibly for its taste. Caffeine's main drug properties are: a stimulant action on the central nervous system with psychotropic effects and stimulation of respiration, a stimulation of the heart rate, and a mild diuretic effect.
Guerrilla Productions - Fueled almost entirely by a highly caffeinated Edward Martin III, Guerrilla Productions has created a half a dozen short movies and is in various stages of production on another half dozen.
Triple Espresso - A highly caffeinated comedy. The hit show that has charmed audiences around the country.
Nude as the News: Oh What a Beautiful Morning - Brad Caffeine's review: "Even after almost an hour, it still leaves the listener wanting more." 8.5 out of 10.
Caffeine Kid - Utah punk rock band with a slice of emo. Pictures, profiles, show dates, and merchandise.
Caffeinated Places Headquarters - Rotating list of OLP fansites.
Firehammer, Mark - Original songs, lyrics, tour schedule, photos and road notes from the Caffeine Tour.
Eternal Caffeine Junkie - Funny color strip by Stephanie Burrows.
Caffeine Destiny - A webzine which publishes contemporary poetry of the Pacific-Northwest. Includes regular columns and reviews.
Laws, Darren - 24/7 Caffeine Nights - Short story fiction. Dark, quirky, edgy and humorous fiction.
Caffeinated Scifi Suzi and Yellow Dog - Movie reviews, news, links, 3D wallpaper and art.
Posted by Steve S from Helena, MT, USA on 2007-11-29
I've was addicted to caffeine for 12 years. One morning I asked myself why I drank coffee, and I couldn't come up with a good reason. I don't like the taste: I put a ton of cream and sugar in it to make it tolerable. It's probably not very good for me: I know the studies say different things, but I'll err on the side of caution. The only coffee ever did for me was wake me up, and I figure I could probably get used to living without it. So, I gave up cold turkey a few months ago. The first few weeks were pretty hard. I felt tired and not very mentally sharp. Now, I feel normal, and I don't need that cup of horrible tasting crap each morning.