Caffeine overuse is implicated in many health conditions, but how many of us really know why? Homeostasis is what sets warm blooded animals apart from cold-blooded. It is the process by which the body maintains a constant internal environment which includes maintaining a body temperature of 98.6 degrees (in humans,) as well as correct hydration levels so that nutrients are delivered to all parts of the body and wastes removed. The constant infusion of oxygen, fluid and food from the outside fuels these systems.
Kidneys are the primary filtering agents of the blood, and this filtering process involves maintaining the proper hydration of the body. If a person isn't drinking enough water, the ADH (antidiuretic hormone) kicks in and slows down urine production. Typically what happens when one does not drink enough water is that urine becomes more concentrated. This is because the kidney's first job is to make sure there is enough fluid to maintain cellular activity.
This means that when you don't drink enough water the kidneys take care of the body fluids first, then what is left over goes to urine output.
This means that when you don't drink enough water the kidneys take care of the body fluids first, then what is left over goes to urine output.
The effect of caffeine on the kidneys is enormous. Caffeine overrides the ADH message to slow urine output, instead stimulating the kidneys to produce more urine, even though body systems may need more fluid. This creates dehydration in the body. What this means in layman terms is that drinking several cups of coffee or caffeinated sodas a day stimulates the kidneys to keep producing urine in unnatural quantities which, in turn, robs cells in the body of needed fluids, as well as creating an extra workload on the kidneys.
The real danger of drinking too many caffeinated drinks is that people often substitute them for water, which magnifies the dehydration effect on the body.
Excessive use of caffeine over a long period of time contributes to kidney disease because of the increased stimulation. Kidney disease is an increasingly huge problem, filling the dialysis clinics with younger and younger people. For the sake of your body, limit caffeinated drinks and drink plenty of pure water daily!
