Introduction of Topic
Coffee is a common drink consumed by many people across the globe. Individuals who want to function optimally in their fast-paced working environments tend to drink coffee. Personally, I have been drinking coffee to stay awake and energetic. However, my experience shows conclusively that the human body becomes less sensitive to increased coffee consumption.
This means that people’s sensitivity to caffeine decreases when more cups of coffee are consumed frequently. Unfortunately, this issue has been underexplored by psychologists and researchers. Although many people strongly believe that an increased coffee intake results in high sensitivity, the opposite is true (Bolton & Null, 2014). Past studies focusing on this issue have not presented convincing conclusions. That being the case, this discussion uses evidence-based research findings to address the issue. More information will be collected using interviews and research studies. Coffee shops and beverage consumers will be targeted for this study. The gathered information can make it easier for more people to change their coffee intake habits.
Thesis Statement
Since individuals who drink more coffee become less responsive to caffeine, new studies should be conducted to come up with new ideas to inform the consumption of this addictive compound.
Evaluation: Mental Effects of Caffeine
Coffee contains “caffeine and is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance across the globe” (Kucer, 2010, p. 106). When an individual consumes coffee, the psychoactive chemical is absorbed and distributed through the bloodstream. Consequently, caffeine is known to block a neurotransmitter called adenosine. The reduced level of this inhibitory neurotransmitter is associated with increased production of other nucleosides in the body such as dopamine and norepinephrine (Kucer, 2010). The increased level of these neurotransmitters results in increased neuron activity in the body. Such neurons eventually increase the level of brain activity. The individual will become vigilant, alert, and productive.
Bolton and Null (2014) indicate that “caffeine contained in coffee plays a critical role of stimulating the central nervous system” (p. 205). This study also indicated that individuals who consumed increased levels of caffeine shown increased mental activities. People who take coffee will improve mental performance and realize their potentials. The consumers also record increased levels of concentration and attention.
Another study conducted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) indicated that the increased consumption of coffee led to improved attention. The targeted consumers were observed to complete their tasks much faster and accurately (Roehr, 2013). When the level of alertness decreases, an individual can consume caffeine in order to become awake. Professionals who work during the night can benefit significantly from the consumption of coffee.
Kucer (2010) argues that caffeine has the potential to improve memory performance. Repetitive or tedious tasks can be completed successfully by people to take coffee. This analysis shows clearly that caffeine has the potential to boost mental performance. Heatherley (2011) argues that caffeine should be classified as a pharmacological compound capable of increasing human activity. The compound also “increases effortful behavior in daily activities” (Heatherley, 2011, p. 92).
As discussed earlier, adenosine is the main receptor site for different compounds such as caffeine. When caffeine is consumed, neural firing increases significantly since the activity of adenosine is minimized. These facts explain why new neurotransmitters are produced in the body. Increased intake of coffee eventually results in new adenosine receptors in the human brain (Roehr, 2013). Individuals who want to record increased activity and mental performance can consume more caffeine every day.
This discussion shows conclusively that caffeine and alcohol have similar responses in the human body. When “huge quantities of caffeine are consumed frequently, the brain becomes excessively sensitive to adenosine” (Bolton & Null, 2014, p. 206). New adenosine receptors grow in the brain. This growth is what causes increased tolerance for the stimulating compound. That being the case, the affected individuals will be forced to consume high doses of coffee in order to increase the level of caffeine in the bloodstream. This development occurs when the growth patterns of different neuro-receptors such as adenosine, dopamine, and norepinephrine change significantly.
Roehr (2013) defines “caffeinism as a condition characterized by increased caffeine tolerance and verifiable withdrawal symptoms” (p. 6346). These signs are used to identify individuals who are addicted by caffeine. Past studies have indicated that individuals who take coffee in the morning remain fruitful and alert throughout the day. They also deal with the major health issues affecting them. This analysis shows conclusively that caffeine is a useful compound that can address a wide range of health problems affecting mankind.
Future Studies
Experimental analyses and studies are needed to establish the relevance of caffeine in a number of psychiatric disorders. The putative efficacy of this compound on such disorders can support the needs of more people in the society (Bolton & Null, 2014). Past studies have indicated conclusively that increased intake of the compound results in reduced responsiveness (Lara, 2010). However, this issue has been heavily contested by many scholars. That being the case, more studies should be conducted to determine the average quantities that should be consumed in a day.
Some people might be forced to consume more quantities of coffee in order to complete their demanding activities. Consequently, some experts have argued that such intakes might result in negative psychological implications. It is therefore necessary for researchers to complete more studies to understand this issue much better (Roehr, 2013). New studies should be conducted to identify the right amounts of coffee that should be consumed daily.
Past studies have revealed that the continued consumption of caffeine can deal with various health conditions. For example, some headaches caused by withdrawal and anxiety can be avoided by taking coffee (Lara, 2010). However, this knowledge has not been supported by past research findings. Future studies should therefore examine how caffeinism influences physical activity. The proposed studies should also explain how caffeine can be used to treat migraines and headaches. This knowledge will guide more people to consume the right quantities of this beverage.
Conclusion
Caffeine has been observed to have positive impacts on mental activity. People who drink more coffee every day find it easier to complete various demanding tasks much faster. The individuals also become alert and vigilant. The compound is also associated with increased concentration and performance (Lara, 2010). However, people who drink more coffee will become less responsive to caffeine. That being the case, new studies should be conducted in order to understand how caffeinism affects the lives of more people. The knowledge will also promote better consumption behaviors. This knowledge will support the personal and health needs of more people in the society.
References
Bolton, S., & Null, G. (2014). Caffeine psychological effects, use and abuse. Social Research, 1(1), 202-211.
Heatherley, S. (2011). Caffeine withdrawal, sleepiness, and driving performance: What does the research really tell us? Nutritional Neuroscience, 14(3), 89-95.
Kucer, N. (2010). The relationship between daily caffeine consumption and withdrawal symptoms: A questionnaire-based study. Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences, 40(1), 105-108.
Lara, D. (2010). Caffeine, mental health, and psychiatric disorders. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 20(1), 239-248.
Roehr, B. (2013). Energy drinks: cause for concern or scaremongering. British Medical Journal, 347(1), 6343-6358.