The TLDL version is that caffeine and guarana extracts are placed in a lot of food items and health supplements. If you have certain kinds of physical health symptoms or you are caffeine sensitive, you can have amp up anxiety symptoms or a really serious health problems. Read the label. Ask questions before you consume.
For the rest of us...
There is a suggested limit of 400mg of caffeine a day. And for most people that is doable and they don't normally exceed that amount of caffeine. Knowingly.
8oz/240ml of coffee has between 80 to 200mg.
8oz/240ml of Matcha tea has between 50 to 70mg, depending on brand and brew intensity.
Again, most people will be fine.
Unless you are buying the extra large size or you have super sized with black tea and lots of sugar.
Guarana extracts tends to be used in certain types of energy products. Supplements, gummies, some meal replacement bars. A lot of the extract can be found in energy drinks that can have as much and 250 to 300mg of caffeine or Guarana extract.
We're talking anything from those small bottles found at gas stations, (please don't buy herbal drinks from gas and convenience stores). Certainly there is the "Bull" inspired line of energy drinks,
In supermarkets there are whole aisles that are dedicated to drinks with some form of claims to boost your energy. Usually in large cans. More size, more caffeine.
16oz/500ml of an energy drink can rack up 300mg of caffeine. Most cans marketed to teens have 24 to 32 oz of the stuff.
Why am I bringing this up?
If you have anxiety symptoms and you consume a lot of caffeine/or extract from the Guarana plant, your symptoms can get worse. You might be experiencing additional symptoms and you don't know where they are coming from.
I beg of you. Take a look at what you are consuming.
One can of Coke or Diet Coke has about 46mg in a can. Some of you are downing two or three cans a day. Those of you on the Dew or Dr. Pepper may be consuming more.
A coffee energy drink can give you an extra 240mg and that is a lot.
Excessive caffeine can affect your ability to sleep, make you cranky and increase your symptoms.
So if you have a physical can or bottle, you should be able to find out what is in the container.
However, I have experienced the hidden caffeine/extract situation.
Few years back, I got caught by a flavored drink that I use to pick up before heading to work. I was gang busters knocking stuff out and making it happen.
Until I started to crash and couldn't string two thoughts together. My symptoms got worse. I was waking up constantly, could not get a good night's sleep.
Got up the next day and do it again. Until months later, I found out that the restaurant were putting extra caffeine in the fruity drinks. I would have never purchased it if I had known.
I'm not saying give up on these types of drinks. I am saying know what you are consuming.
Be aware of what your body is telling you. If you are extra jumpy, did something change?
Or did you just finish your 3rd Dr. Pepper with a donut chaser?
We need to constantly be aware of what we put in our bodies. It is part of our challenge to get better. Sometimes you have to let go of an old favorite. It isn't fair but it is the truth.
Resources Mentioned:
From EBSCO, an explainer on Guarana's therapeutic uses, with a mention that if you are taking MAO inhibitors or other medication then you have to be especially careful. You must check in with your provider to ensure safety and minimize drug interactions.
National Center For Complementary and Integrated Health has a page on energy drinks. It was last updated in 2018 so it doesn't look like the current administration has got to it at this time.
Emergency Resources
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online. There are phone lines for those serving overseas. Visit the website to find the current status of the Veteran line and international calling options.
National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7. This service operates independently of the 988 service. Users can use text, chat or WhatsApp as a means of contact.
Disclaimer:
Links to other sites are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute endorsements.
Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health disorder.
This blog and podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this program is intended to be a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with questions you may have regarding a medical of mental health disorder. Comments are moderated; play nice and be fair.