From the Fall 2001 Issue
HEALTH
Caffeine
Caffeine
can increase concentration and counteract fatigue. It is a favourite
drug for late night study sessions and long stints of driving.
In high levels it can cause insomnia, tremors, anorexia, restlessness,
excitement, gastrointestinal disturbance, palpitations, and
irregular heartbeats.
The average lethal dose is 10 grams (about 200 cups of coffee
all at once). Regular caffeine consumption reduces sensitivity
to caffeine (habituation/tolerance). Caffeine withdrawal is characterized
by irritability, headache, feeling sleepy, and inability to achieve
normal level of work. Aspirin may be effective for withdrawal
headache. Excessive coffee use may lead to heartburn and gastric
reflux (that means fluid in your stomach flows back into your
lower throat...mmmm)
According
to the National Soft Drink Association, the following is the caffeine
content in mgs. per 12 oz (355ml) can of soda:
