Coffee is one of the most popular beverages worldwide, valued for its bold flavor and energizing effects. However, coffee is not suitable for everyone. Some individuals experience adverse side effects from caffeine, including anxiety, insomnia, acid reflux, and increased heart rate. People with caffeine sensitivity, heart conditions, pregnancy, or osteoporosis may face serious health risks. Children, teens, and those with sleep disorders or anxiety should also avoid coffee. Understanding who should not drink coffee is essential for overall health. If you experience negative symptoms, consider coffee alternatives like herbal teas. Learn more about caffeine side effects and how to stay safe.
Side effects of drinking too much coffee
Who shouldn’t drink coffee: 8 people at risk
1. People with caffeine sensitivity
If you are highly sensitive to caffeine, even small amounts of coffee can cause:
Rapid heartbeat
Jitters and nervousness
Insomnia
Digestive issues
Anxiety
Caffeine sensitivity can be genetic or caused by medications and underlying conditions. If you notice these symptoms after drinking coffee, it's best to cut back or avoid it entirely.
2. Pregnant women
While moderate caffeine intake is considered safe during pregnancy (about 200 mg/day), excessive caffeine can increase the risk of:
Low birth weight
Premature labor
Miscarriage
Pregnant women are advised to limit or avoid coffee and opt for caffeine-free alternatives like herbal teas or decaf coffee.
3. People with heart conditions
Caffeine can increase heart rate and blood pressure. For people with:
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
Coronary artery disease
...coffee can worsen symptoms or trigger complications. Always consult a cardiologist before consuming coffee regularly if you have a heart condition.
4. People with acid reflux or GERD
Coffee is acidic and can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to:
Acid reflux
Heartburn
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms
If you suffer from digestive issues after drinking coffee, consider low-acid coffee, cold brew, or avoid it altogether.
5. Children and adolescents
Caffeine affects children and teenagers more intensely than adults. It can cause:
Sleep disturbances
Increased anxiety
Poor focus and mood swings
Dependency
Health experts recommend that children avoid caffeine completely, and teens should limit their intake to no more than 100 mg per day.
6. People with anxiety disorders
Coffee stimulates the central nervous system, which may exacerbate anxiety symptoms, such as:
Panic attacks
Racing thoughts
Increased heart rate
Restlessness
Those with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, or social anxiety are typically better off avoiding caffeine.
7. People with insomnia or sleep disorders
Because caffeine blocks adenosine, a sleep-inducing chemical in the brain, it can disrupt your sleep cycle. Coffee late in the day can cause:
Difficulty falling asleep
Poor sleep quality
Frequent waking at night
If you have chronic insomnia, drinking coffee—even in the morning—can contribute to ongoing sleep problems.
8. People with osteoporosis
Coffee may reduce calcium absorption, especially in individuals who already consume low calcium diets. Over time, excessive coffee intake (more than 3–4 cups a day) may lead to:
Lower bone density
Increased risk of fractures
Women post-menopause and the elderly should monitor both their calcium intake and coffee consumption.
Also read | How olive oil helps manage cholesterol naturally: A heart-healthy choice for everyday life
Side effects of drinking too much coffee
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances – Excess caffeine can interfere with your sleep cycle, making it difficult to fall or stay asleep.
- Increased anxiety and jitters – High doses of caffeine can overstimulate the nervous system, leading to restlessness, nervousness, and panic attacks.
- Digestive issues – Too much coffee can irritate the stomach lining, causing acid reflux, heartburn, or diarrhea.
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure – Excessive caffeine may elevate heart rate and blood pressure, posing risks for those with heart conditions.
- Caffeine dependence and withdrawal – Regular overconsumption can lead to dependence, with withdrawal symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and irritability when intake is reduced.
Who shouldn’t drink coffee: 8 people at risk
1. People with caffeine sensitivity
If you are highly sensitive to caffeine, even small amounts of coffee can cause:
Rapid heartbeat
Jitters and nervousness
Insomnia
Digestive issues
Anxiety
Caffeine sensitivity can be genetic or caused by medications and underlying conditions. If you notice these symptoms after drinking coffee, it's best to cut back or avoid it entirely.
2. Pregnant women
While moderate caffeine intake is considered safe during pregnancy (about 200 mg/day), excessive caffeine can increase the risk of:
Low birth weight
Premature labor
Miscarriage
Pregnant women are advised to limit or avoid coffee and opt for caffeine-free alternatives like herbal teas or decaf coffee.
3. People with heart conditions
Caffeine can increase heart rate and blood pressure. For people with:
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
Coronary artery disease
...coffee can worsen symptoms or trigger complications. Always consult a cardiologist before consuming coffee regularly if you have a heart condition.
4. People with acid reflux or GERD
Coffee is acidic and can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to:
Acid reflux
Heartburn
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms
If you suffer from digestive issues after drinking coffee, consider low-acid coffee, cold brew, or avoid it altogether.
5. Children and adolescents
Caffeine affects children and teenagers more intensely than adults. It can cause:
Sleep disturbances
Increased anxiety
Poor focus and mood swings
Dependency
Health experts recommend that children avoid caffeine completely, and teens should limit their intake to no more than 100 mg per day.
6. People with anxiety disorders
Coffee stimulates the central nervous system, which may exacerbate anxiety symptoms, such as:
Panic attacks
Racing thoughts
Increased heart rate
Restlessness
Those with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, or social anxiety are typically better off avoiding caffeine.
7. People with insomnia or sleep disorders
Because caffeine blocks adenosine, a sleep-inducing chemical in the brain, it can disrupt your sleep cycle. Coffee late in the day can cause:
Difficulty falling asleep
Poor sleep quality
Frequent waking at night
If you have chronic insomnia, drinking coffee—even in the morning—can contribute to ongoing sleep problems.
8. People with osteoporosis
Coffee may reduce calcium absorption, especially in individuals who already consume low calcium diets. Over time, excessive coffee intake (more than 3–4 cups a day) may lead to:
Lower bone density
Increased risk of fractures
Women post-menopause and the elderly should monitor both their calcium intake and coffee consumption.
Also read | How olive oil helps manage cholesterol naturally: A heart-healthy choice for everyday life
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