Caffeine powder can kill
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Caffeine powder can kill


You might have heard of molly or spice, the latest synthetic drugs to fall into the hands of naive kids. But what about caffeine powder? Doesn’t sound so sinister, but just one spoonful could be fatal. The drug is also cheap, potent and easy to acquire.

It’s also easy to overdose on a drug whose serving size is one-sixteenth of a teaspoon. This tiny amount contains the same amount of caffeine as two cups of coffee. The everyday kitchen teaspoon can’t measure such a miniscule amount. So imagine what mixing two spoonfuls into a drink will do … it’s the same as drinking 70 Red Bull energy drinks, which is enough to kill a person.

The drug is popular as a dietary supplement among those looking to lose weight. It can be mixed into shakes or drinks for a quick and effective pick-me-up. But taking too much can cause, at the very least, jitters, heartburn, sleeplessness and anxiety. It can lead toan increased risk for cardiac arrhythmias, palpitations, seizures, strokes or death. According to national poison control centers, caffeine has been linked to two deaths and 40 life-threatening episodes between 2008 and 2012.

The good news is that the Federal Drug Administration says 400 milligrams of caffeine a day is generally not dangerous to adults. That equals about 20 to 28 ounces of coffee. But if you feel the need to cut back on caffeine, there are a few easy methods. Don’t go cold turkey — cut back gradually. Mix in decaf with regular, or trade your cup of joe with tea instead. Espresso shots are also a smart sub since they contain half the caffeine of a cup of drip coffee but will still satisfy your craving.

And believe it or not, water will help hydrate you and cure cravings.

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