Interesting stuff for all coffee drinkers...

[}TCP{Coco]

This is really interesting: http://theoatmeal.com/comics/coffee

[Marwin]

Are u regular coffee drinker Coco?

[}TCP{Coco]

More or less. I usually drink one cup in the morning and that's it. But some mornings, I also drink tea or hot chocolate instead.

[}TCP{Ramses]

I drink lots of coffee but can't say I notice any particular affects, although I know it's supposed to liven you up

When I go away for a week or two I drink hardly any and again don't notice any difference (or withdrawel symptoms or cravings) .

I bet I have no receptors, wouldn't surprise me

I do remember seeing a program about Greenland which said that the eskimos got so addicted to coffee when it was introduced to them that they traded the skins that they were wearing in order to get their fix; risking frostbite ... or was that chocolate ?

[}TCP{Carnage]

I do the same when i run out of beer rams

[Marwin]

I bet I have no receptors, wouldn't surprise me

Rofl Rams!

[}TCP{Coco]

Well, the effect of caffeine is interesting. While active, nerve cells (especially in the brain) consume energy (by splitting ATP into ADP + adenosine + energy). So the more activity there is, the more adenosine is being produced. There are receptors for adenosine at the nerve pathways with the purpose to avoid exhaustion. The adenosine can dock at the receptors with the effect that the cells are being slowed down in activity. This is what makes us tired.

Now caffeine is able to dock at the adenosine receptors as well, but in opposition to adenosine won't slow down activity. As a result, the adenosine can't dock anymore and the cells will continue with their activity. This is why caffeine usually prevents tiredness.

However, the regular consumption of much caffeine will constantly block the receptors. The nerve pathways will produce additional receptors in order to protect the brain from exhaustion. The adenosine can dock again and the nerve cell activity will slow down again. The body develops a tolerance towards caffeine, so the person affected won't notice the bracing effect anymore. Instead, even more caffeine is require to saturate the receptors. Such a tolerance already is acquired after 2 weeks of consuming caffeine in high doses!

This is exactly the reason why I try not to drink too much coffee.