Truemors
All women
undergo life’s natural transition of menopause, although the symptoms
associated with it can differ, with some experiencing more accentuated
symptoms compared to others. Many menopausal symptoms like hot flashes,
vaginal dryness, difficulty in sleeping, an increase in the risk of
heart attack, and osteoporosis are aggravated by the consumption of
caffeine. It has also been found that high consumption of coffee can
bring on menopause at an earlier age than normal.
1 - Coffee consumption hinders absorption of minerals
Caffeine
consumption has a direct affect on minerals that are vital for women’s
well-being being absorbed and excreted. Consuming caffeine results in
the reduction of the re-absorption of magnesium and calcium in the
kidney, which causes the minerals being excreted by the urine. Calcium
is essential for preventing osteoporosis and also for maintaining
healthy functions of the nervous system and the heart. Magnesium is
vital for the normal functioning of the body such as effective glucose
utilization, metabolism of energy, healthy functioning of the heart,
and proper balance of hormones. Coffee also hampers the absorption of
iron. Iron is an important component in red blood cells and its
deficiency is a contributory factor of anemia, which many menopausal
women suffer from. Older women’s bodies find it difficult to compensate
for the loss of these vital minerals.
2- Lower density of bone related to caffeine
High
intake of coffee is also linked to an increase in the risk of older
women suffering from lower density of bone. There is an increased rate
of bone loss in women who consume large amounts of caffeine. Caffeine
linked loss of bone is especially prevalent in women who do not have
enough calcium in their diet.
3 -Caffeine consumption linked with increased hot flashes
Women
who consume less coffee experience lower rates of hot flashes. Since
coffee is also responsible for disrupting sleep, this results in
increasing the intensity level of hot flashes. As a thumb rule, women
who suffer from hot flashes are advised to reduce their consumption of
coffee.
4- Stress hormones are elevated by caffeine consumption
The
levels of stress hormones like adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine
are elevated by caffeine. These hormones cause an increase in the heart
rate along with blood pressure, which results in a sense of “panic
response”. Oxygen to the extremities and the brain is reduced, and
there is a suppression of the immune system.
The
objective of this “panic response” normally is to provide a temporary
boost of energy during an emergency when there is a necessity of
fighting or fleeing. However, with the sedentary lifestyle of today,
the artificial elevation of stress hormones due to consuming coffee has
negative effects on women’s health, especially in post-menopausal women.
5- Caffeine interacts negatively with hormones
Postmenopausal
women undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT), who also consume
caffeine have increased chances of getting Parkinson’s Disease, an
ailment related to advancing age.
Caffeine
consumption has various other negative effects on women such as
increasing the levels of homocysteine, which is responsible increasing
the risk of getting osteoporotic fractures. It increases the levels of
serum cholesterol. And it also interferes with the metabolism of
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is important for the management
of stress and mood, along with the proper functioning of the heart.
Many menopausal women complain that caffeine induces hot flushes and
this can be read in details in a book written by Dr Susan Lark. Dr
Susan Lark’s the Menopause Self Help Book: A Woman’s Guide to Feeling
Wonderful for the …. Published 1990 Celestial Arts Consumer Health.
Since
caffeine impacts almost all aspects of women’s health, it is
recommended that postmenopausal women should either lower or eliminate
their caffeine consumption. Changes in the diet, which includes
replacing caffeine with other healthier substitutes, can help to reduce
the above-mentioned symptoms and conditions substantially.
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