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Friday, February 21, 2014

Caffeine and its impact on physical activity


Caffeine is an organic compound of plant origin, has a white colour and bitter taste. Naturally found in coffee, cocoa, tealeaves of some other plants. Caffeine has no nutritional value for humans, but its use is widely prevalent due to its pharmacological action.



Physiological effects of caffeine

There are individual differences in how caffeine affects. In some people, an amount of 250 mg of caffeine may affect alertness and activity, and in the other can cause exaggerated nervous reactions. Such reactions are usually common in people who rarely consume caffeine drinks because regular use of caffeine makes organism tolerant of this substance, and such reactions are rare. 30-60 minutes from taking the drink containing caffeine achieves the maximum level of this substance in the blood.

Caffeine has stimulating effect on some functions of the central nervous system, directly or indirectly. A stimulus effect of caffeine on the heart is expressed through increased heart rate and increased force of contraction, thereby increasing the volume of the heart. It stimulates the release of adrenaline, thus contributing to the release of some higher fatty acids in the blood, which can be used as an energy source by muscles. Under the influence of caffeine also increases the secretion of stomach acid, which can affect uncomfortable with people who have stomach problems. Especially important feature of caffeine is that it strengthens the discharge fluid from the body.



Effects of caffeine on athletes

Studies have shown that caffeine has no significant effect on the achievements of athletes in sports where the action takes less than 1 hour. On the other hand, when the sports activity lasting more than a few hours and require greater endurance (marathon, cycling, etc.) caffeine can have positive effects. It is considered that in these circumstances with the release of higher fatty acids it provide additional energy required for activity.

One dose of coffee before exercise can be helpful, while higher doses may have harmful effects.

Due to his action on the heart and central nervous system, this substance is not recommended for people with neurotic problems, upset stomach, high blood pressure or other cardiovascular diseases. In children greater amount of caffeine can be manifested by hyperactivity, nervousness, headache, cold sweat and others.

Caffeine is on the list of prohibited funds from the International Olympic Committee. The presence of more than 12 milligrams of caffeine in urine is considered as doping and is sufficient for disqualification of athletes. To achieve this concentration of caffeine in the urine, it is necessary to intake a very large amount of this substance.



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