Too much caffeine when cramming for finals poses health risk to students
As exam season is upon us and a number of students across the country will be pulling caffeine-fuelled all-nighters in an attempt to cram a year’s worth of information into their heads, but Pharma Dynamics, a pharmaceutical company, warns of caffeine-induced anaphylaxis or allergy.
Mariska van Aswegen, spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics says with the final exam set to begin, the next month will be stressful for students.
“Whether intentionally or not, many students tend to leave studying for finals till the 11th hour, resulting in many nocturnal hours spent slumped over a desk in last minute preparation,” said van Aswegen.
She adds that is then when stimulants such as coffee and energy drinks become the option in order to help students stay awake and alert.
But too much caffeine can lead to caffeine-induced anaphylaxis or caffeine allergy toxicity, especially in sensitive individuals.
Van Aswegen explains that a caffeine allergy can be deceptive.
“The allergic person may experience typical symptoms associated with an allergy which include; sneezing, difficulty breathing, hives and itchy or swollen mouth and tongue, heart palpitations, dizziness or eczema,” said van Aswegen.
She said students may diagnose their symptoms as a sign of overtiredness making them reach for yet another cup of coffee or an energy drink.
This, she said, may provide minor relief but it just continues to jeopardize the body.
Van Aswegen said those not used to consuming lots of caffeine on a regular basis, can be allergic to its negative effects.
“Consequently they experience hypersensitivity or inflammation in certain organs, so it pays to have your limits with caffeine,” said van Aswegen.
Her advice for to students studying for exams is as follows:
* Drink water, water gives the brain the electronic charge it needs for all brain functions including thought and memory processes.
* Eat a well-balanced diet of fruit and vegetables at least a week prior to and during exams.
* Take a five minute break every hour to allow your body to produce more glucose, the fuel you need for studying. Eat snacks such as blueberries, avocados, fatty fish and yoghurt.
* Get enough sleep and avoid the all-nighters
* Avoid distractions such as listening to music, SMSing or tweeting while studying, as this will limit your ability to retain information.
– Information provided by Brigitte Taim from Lange360 strategic communications
As exam season is upon us and a number of students across the country will be pulling caffeine-fuelled all-nighters in an attempt to cram a year’s worth of information into their heads, but Pharma Dynamics, a pharmaceutical company, warns of caffeine-induced anaphylaxis or allergy.
Mariska van Aswegen, spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics says with the final exam set to begin, the next month will be stressful for students.
“Whether intentionally or not, many students tend to leave studying for finals till the 11th hour, resulting in many nocturnal hours spent slumped over a desk in last minute preparation,” said van Aswegen.
She adds that is then when stimulants such as coffee and energy drinks become the option in order to help students stay awake and alert.
But too much caffeine can lead to caffeine-induced anaphylaxis or caffeine allergy toxicity, especially in sensitive individuals.
Van Aswegen explains that a caffeine allergy can be deceptive.
“The allergic person may experience typical symptoms associated with an allergy which include; sneezing, difficulty breathing, hives and itchy or swollen mouth and tongue, heart palpitations, dizziness or eczema,” said van Aswegen.
She said students may diagnose their symptoms as a sign of overtiredness making them reach for yet another cup of coffee or an energy drink.
This, she said, may provide minor relief but it just continues to jeopardize the body.
Van Aswegen said those not used to consuming lots of caffeine on a regular basis, can be allergic to its negative effects.
“Consequently they experience hypersensitivity or inflammation in certain organs, so it pays to have your limits with caffeine,” said van Aswegen.
Her advice for to students studying for exams is as follows:
* Drink water, water gives the brain the electronic charge it needs for all brain functions including thought and memory processes.
* Eat a well-balanced diet of fruit and vegetables at least a week prior to and during exams.
* Take a five minute break every hour to allow your body to produce more glucose, the fuel you need for studying. Eat snacks such as blueberries, avocados, fatty fish and yoghurt.
* Get enough sleep and avoid the all-nighters
* Avoid distractions such as listening to music, SMSing or tweeting while studying, as this will limit your ability to retain information.
– Information provided by Brigitte Taim from Lange360 strategic communications
