FOOD ALLERGY OR INTOLERANCE: CAFFEINE CAN HAVE A POWERFUL EFFECT ON BOTH MIND AND BODY

One important dietary component, that can have a powerful effect on both mind and body, is caffeine. This drug is found in coffee and tea, and, in lesser amounts, in chocolate, Coca-cola, Pepsi-cola and other cola drinks. Some experts advise a maximum dose of 350-500 mg per day, but according to others, a dose of 250 mg a day is potentially toxic. Two to six cups of coffee (depending on its strength), three to seven cups of tea, or seven cans of cola supply this amount. Children are more susceptible to caffeine than adults and should probably not drink more than one or two colas a day. Some individuals are far more sensitive than others and should not consume caffeine at all.

Taking excess caffeine can produce anxiety, mood swings, tremors, insomnia, abnormal heart rhythms (palpitations), sweating and weight loss. Hyperventilation sometimes accompanies these symptoms, producing breathlessness, chest pains, tingling in the toes and fingers, dizziness and fainting. Some patients who drink too much caffeine show none of these symptoms, but vomit violently instead – this is particularly common with tea drinkers. Abdominal pain and diarrhoea can also be produced by too much caffeine, and in children it can produce hyperactive behaviour.

Those who drink large amounts of coffee during work hours may suffer from caffeine withdrawal at weekends, or if they miss their morning cup of coffee. They may be irritable, lethargic, depressed, drowsy or nervous. Nausea, sneezing and a runny or congested nose are other possible symptoms, and a headache may follow. Some cases of ‘weekend migraine’ may be due to caffeine withdrawal.

Another symptom that has been attributed to excess caffeine is the restless legs syndrome. Extreme discomfort in the legs, and sometimes the arms, leads sufferers to constantly move their legs around in bed, resulting in insomnia for themselves and anyone unfortunate enough to have to share a bed with them. Although not all doctors would agree that restless legs are attributable to caffeine, anyone suffering this condition should try avoiding caffeine for a while to see if it makes any difference. The amount of caffeine should be reduced gradually, over a period of two to three weeks, to minimize withdrawal reactions. Remember that some painkillers contain caffeine (eg Ana-din) and cut these out as well.