What does the Heart Foundation recommend?
When it comes to our energy levels and overall health, caffeine cannot replace the combination of a well-balanced
heart-healthy diet, exercise and sleep.
A moderate amount of caffeine should be fine for most healthy people to consume. Keep in mind the recommended limit of 400mg per day to avoid any negative side-effects. It is important to remember we are all different and some of us are more sensitive to caffeine than others. These sensitivities can result in several negative symptoms mentioned above which can be unpleasant or unsettling.
If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms, take a note of how much caffeine you have consumed and aim to reduce this gradually until you reach a point where you are no longer experiencing these adverse effects. Some people prefer to remove caffeine entirely and that is completely OK as well.
Do keep in mind the timing of your last caffeine intake. Caffeine can still be in our system around six hours after our last cup. Good quality sleep is important for maintaining health and preventing disease. Be mindful of whether a late afternoon or evening coffee is keeping you up later than planned or preventing a restorative sleep that the body needs every night.
The risk from pure and highly concentrated caffeine products is clear, and the Heart Foundation recommends avoiding all types of products that contain this type of caffeine.