GIVE ME ENERGY! - How CAFFEINE works in our body

Caffeine is a staple in many of our daily routines, providing a much-needed boost to help us power through the day. From the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee to the refreshing sparkle of a soft drink, caffeinated drinks come in various forms, each with its unique appeal. Whether it's the robust kick of an espresso, the invigorating zing of energy drinks, or even the subtle lift from tea, these beverages are often our go-to sources for increased alertness and focus. Understanding how caffeine actually works in our body can help us manage our intake and optimize the benefits of this popular stimulant.

When we take that first glorious sip of coffee in the morning, a chemical reaction occurs. Not just in our stomach, but in our brain as well! This interaction is how Caffeine gives us that feeling of being more alert.

When Caffeine enters the brain it resembles another neurotransmitter (a chemical message) called Adenosine.

Adenosine is naturally occurring in the body and helps us to regulate our sleep cycle, essentially by making our brain recognise when we're feeling tired. Adenosine binds to it's special receptors in the brain, and we start to feel like it's time for a nap. Because Caffeine has a very similar shape to Adenosine, it can bind itself to those same receptors, and hey presto! we feel more alert.

Our Brains response to this?..... It creates more and more Adenosine receptors! This is the reason why over time we need to consume more and more Caffeine for it to have the same effect on us. We develop a tolerance, so that’s why it’s a good idea to have some ‘caffeine free’ days.

☕ Ways to Keep Your Caffeine in Check (Without Crying About It)

We all love our coffee (some of us are coffee until about 9am), but too much caffeine can mess with your sleep, recovery, and even your gains. Here’s how to keep it under control:

👉 Hydrate before you caffeinate – your body wants water first thing, not a triple shot long black.
👉 Pick a caffeine curfew – try cutting it off after 2pm so you’re not counting sheep at midnight.
👉 Downsize the dose – one strong coffee > three watery ones. Trust us.
👉 Mix it up – swap an afternoon coffee for green tea or even sparkling water if you’re feeling brave.
👉 Watch the sneaky stuff – energy drinks and pre-workouts can sneak in way more caffeine than you think.

Keep your coffee love strong, but your caffeine habits smarter. Your body (and your sleep) will thank you.

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