??? How Much Caffeine is Too Much? It Depends on Your Genes! ????

I’ll admit it—I love a good cup of coffee (or three!). I’ve tried cutting back more times than I can count, but somehow I always end up back at my usual two or three cups a day. That said, I’ve learned not to touch caffeine after 10am, especially now that I’m in perimenopause and value my sleep more than ever.

But did you know how much caffeine you can handle actually depends on your genes? Some of us can sip away without a care, while others have to be much more cautious. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Fast Metabolisers: If you’re lucky enough to be a fast metaboliser, your body can handle more caffeine without a second thought. A double shot of espresso? Easy. You might even find yourself craving a top-up later in the day without it affecting your sleep.

1. Slow Metabolisers: For slow metabolisers, even a small amount of caffeine can stick around for hours. That 3pm cup of coffee? It’s going to haunt you at bedtime! If this sounds like you, a single 50 mg dose of caffeine might be all you need, and even then, you’ll want to avoid it in the afternoon.

1. Mixed Alleles: If you’re somewhere in the middle, caffeine might not work wonders for you at all—or worse, it could even make you feel worse. In this case, cutting it out altogether could be the way to go.

Finding Your Caffeine Sweet Spot:

• Listen to Your Body: Take note of how you feel after that morning cup. If you’re jittery or tossing and turning at night, chances are you’re a slow metaboliser. If you need a few doses to stay alert, you might be a fast metaboliser.

• Start Small: Instead of going straight for the biggest cup, start with a smaller amount and see how your body reacts. Then, adjust your intake to keep your energy levels up without sacrificing your sleep.

So, whether you’re a coffee lover like me or more of a tea drinker, understanding how your body processes caffeine can make all the difference—especially as we get older and need that all-important shut-eye.

?? Lisa xox