The dos and don’ts of caffeine pills

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Caffeine pills can help boost your energy during the day. Just make sure you get all the facts before deciding to take them. CREDIT: PEXELS

The dos and don’ts of caffeine pills

Get the facts before turning to caffeine pills to get you through school

GABRIELLA DRITSAS

With hopes of increasing their energy for school, university students have begun using caffeine pills.

On online forums such as Reddit, students have been recommending caffeine pills to their peers in study-intensive programs who need help focusing and absorbing information quickly.

Some say that they’ve turned to the pills as an inexpensive way to get energy without having to pay for pricey coffees and energy drinks that are filled with sugar. The pills are also convenient to individuals who do not have time to stop for a coffee or do not have access to a bathroom when drinking caffeinated beverages. Additionally, for some people, coffee can cause heartburn and worsen symptoms of acid reflux, making it even more difficult to focus on their work.

If you find yourself to be experiencing any of these issues, you may find yourself considering caffeine pills.

So, what are they exactly?

As noted by Health.com, caffeine pills can be made with a variety of products. The caffeine contained in them can be natural or synthetic and the pill can also include fillers such as colouring agents, emulsifiers, and other additives.

Each pill typically contains 100 to 200 mg of caffeine, states WebMD. For comparison, the average cup of coffee usually has 100 mg of caffeine.

Caffeine impacts your central nervous system. It is a stimulant that helps keep you awake and alert. Taking caffeine in pill form provides an alternative to consuming other products—such as sodas, coffee, and energy drinks—to keep you energized.

While there are benefits to caffeine, it is important to consume it cautiously and with a plan.

Typically, it is recommended that no more than 400 mg of caffeine is ingested per day, according to WebMD. With caffeine pills, 400 mg is equivalent to two to four pills, depending on the specific brand. Each product is different, so if you decide to take caffeine pills it is suggested that you read the label thoroughly. In addition to being aware of the directed use, you must plan on when to use them.

The amount of time that it takes for an individual's body to metabolize the pills can vary. As a result, it can take about an hour for caffeine pills to be fully absorbed and take effect, states Pharmacy Times, and the effects can last anywhere from three to 12 hours.

So, to ensure that you are being safe when using caffeine pills, be sure to properly monitor your body. Your resting pulse should not be more than 90 beats per minute. If you find that it is higher, discontinue the use of the pills. If you have a smartwatch that detects BPM, you can see your normal resting heart rate and monitor changes.

Keep in mind that caffeine pills can be harmful when not used properly. As mentioned, in addition to boosting your heart rate they can also cause an increase in blood pressure.

This can be unpleasant if it is improperly planned. For example, if a caffeine pill is taken before bed, it can make it much harder to fall asleep. Consuming large amounts of caffeine can also cause some people to become anxious, and experience digestive issues, according to Healthline.

In addition, the body can also become addicted to caffeine if you’re consuming a lot of it regularly. This means that you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you do not consume it. These symptoms can include headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and more.

It should also be noted that caffeine pills cannot be used to replace sleep. Sleep is necessary to keep you healthy, and most adults need at least seven hours per night, according to the CDC. Sleep heals and repairs your heart and blood vessels which reduces future risks of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and strokes.

Whether you choose to take caffeine pills or not, it is important to be conscious of what you are putting into your body. Ensure that you read the label if you do choose to consume them and remember the importance of sleep and balance. If you find yourself having no interest in taking caffeine pills, that is okay too. There are plenty of other energy boosting things you can try out, such as exercising and eating healthy snacks.