Hidden risks: why mixing coffee and medications can be dangerous for your health

Hidden risks: why mixing coffee and medications can be dangerous for your health

November 9, 2023 – 05:00

Coffee provides multiple benefits as well as contraindications. Find out to what extent your health can be affected depending on the medications you combine with the most chosen drink to start the day.

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One of the favorite infusions to start the day is coffee. For many, it is one of the best ways to wake up, however, there are some issues to keep in mind regarding its consumption.

He coffee has various effects on the metabolism, both beneficial and harmful. One of the most notable effects is the stimulation of the central nervous system. It also helps weight loss by releasing free fatty acids from adipose tissue. Among its negative effects, coffee can affect the kidneys, increasing urination, which can trigger dehydration.

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Experts say healthy adults can drink up to five cups of coffee without this being harmful to health. Although it is important to moderate the consumption of this drink, taking into account each person’s body. Some people may be more sensitive to effects of caffeinedepending on certain conditions of health and medicines.

Health specialists point out that the intake of this drink modifies the absorption of nutrients and medications in the body.

When coffee can be harmful

Coffee can affect the effectiveness of certain medications. For example, medications such as phenothiazines, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and sleeping pills should be taken at least one to two hours before or after drinking coffee, as the tannins in coffee can interfere with the body’s absorption of these medications. The same goes for medications for anxiety and insomnia.

  • Caffeine raises the heart rate and, consequently, can directly influence blood pressure, which is why it can be risky to mix this drink with high blood pressure medications, since they produce opposite effects.
  • For people with thyroid problems, it is recommended to take medications such as levothyroxine in the morning, ideally 30 minutes before breakfast or any caffeinated beverage, as coffee can interfere with the absorption of the medication and reduce its effectiveness over time. half.
  • Iron supplements. Drinking them with coffee or tea makes it difficult to absorb the pill.
  • Caffeine can decrease the effect of antidepressants, since these medications seek to block serotonin in the arteries.
  • For people with asthma who use bronchodilators such as aminophylline or theophylline, coffee can trigger side effects and reduce the absorption of the medication, which can cause headaches, restlessness, stomach upset, and irritability.

Benefits of coffee

He coffee He didn’t have a good reputation in the past. Until less than ten years ago, it was believed that its consumption increased the risk of cancer. However, multiple current studies determined the opposite. It was observed a lower risk of certain types of cancer among people who consume coffee regularly.

According to American Heart Associationhe caffeine consumption It helps reduce the risk of heart failure in the future. The studies carried out conclude that its intake reduces the risk of heart failure by approximately 12% for each cup. However, the institution also points out that increasing the amount of coffee consumed should not replace habits proven by medicine to reduce heart risks, such as quitting smoking, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight.

This drink can even be considered a healthy drink if consumed moderately. Studies carried out on athletes confirmed that caffeine not only improved their physical performance but was also linked to a decrease in muscle pain.

Source: Ambito

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