Often we have taken support of zillion cups of coffee and tea to remain awake for that all Si mpor t ant exam or for tha t appointment that would determine the
course of your remaining life wonders Pulkit Singh. And worse still, not paid an iota of heed to the damage that caffeine present in these drinks has caused.

What is Caffeine?
A drug that is naturally produced in the leaves and seeds of many plants, caffeine is also produced artificially and added to certain foods. Caffeine is defined as a drug because it stimulates the central nervous system, causing increased heart rate and alertness. Most people who are sensitive to caffeine experience a temporary increase in energy and elevation in mood.

It is found in tea leaves, coffee beans, chocolate, many soft drinks, pain relievers, and other over-thecounter pills. In its natural form, caffeine tastes very bitter. But most caffeinated drinks have gone through enough processing to camouflage the bitter taste.

Most teens get the majority of their caffeine intake through soft drinks, which can also have added sugar and artificial flavors.

Cause for concern
If taken in moderate amounts caffeine increases mental alertness. Higher doses of caffeine can cause anxiety, dizziness, headaches, and can interfere with normal sleep.

Caffeine may cause withdrawal symptoms for those who abruptly stop consuming it. These include severe headaches, muscle aches, temporary depression, and irritability.

Caffeine sensitivity refers to the amount of caffeine that will produce an effect in someone. This amount varies from person to person. On average, the smaller the person, the less caffeine necessary to produce side effects. However, caffeine sensitivity is most affected by the amount of daily caffeine use. People who regularly drink beverages containing caffeine soon develop a reduced sensitivity to caffeine. This means they require higher doses of caffeine to achieve the same effects as someone who doe sn' t dr ink caffeinated drinks every day. In short, the more caffeine you take in, the more caffeine you'll need to feel the same effects.

Caffeine moves through the body within a few hours after it's consumed and is then passed through the urine. It's not stored in the body, but you may feel its effects for up to 6 hours if you're sensitive to it.