It goes without saying that many of us like to start our day with a hot cup of coffee. But does this tasty beverage have any effect on our gaming ability?
Performance specialist for 100 Thieves and Complexity Gaming, Edward Cleland, has taken it upon himself to explain to the gaming public how much caffeine is having a major impact on your gaming experience.
The science behind caffeine according to Edward Cleland
As the world’s most used nervous system stimulant, caffeine is classified as a nootropic drug, i.e. a drug that improves cognitive function but does not provide us with more energy after we consume it. It only alters our receptors which prevents us from thinking that we’re tired.
“Caffeine’s stimulant effect comes from its impact on adenosine receptors in the neural membrane,” explained Cleland. “Adenosine is a central nervous system neuromodulator. When adenosine binds to its receptors, neural activity slows down, and you feel tired. Adenosine facilitates sleep.”
It also helps our body produce more adrenaline, which is the “fight or flight” hormone. This makes us feel more awake and raises our attention levels. The most alarming note shared by Cleland is that like most drugs, increased caffeine usage increases our tolerance to it, which can lead to us consuming more.
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How to properly regulate your caffeine intake
Cleland recommends avoiding these ingredients because they are disease promoters and hormone disrupters.
- High sugar content
- dairy
- high fructose corn syrup
- food colorings and dyes
He also stated that traditional Indian and Chinese medicine suggests we should moderate our consumption of caffeine.
Health tips and alternatives
Cleland recommends not to consume caffeine on an empty stomach and to hydrate better. It is also important not to use it as a means for addressing energy deficits because it could lead to hormonal problems.
Those looking for an alternative can look into other nootropics like teas or non-psychedelic mushrooms instead of consuming coffee.
In closing, Cleland acknowledges that caffeine is a performance-enhancing drug in gaming that most players use. “When used appropriately, by a healthy individual who feels good using it, I support its usage in moderation while preparing to and competing.”
As the Wellness Director of Mind Body Esports, Edward Cleland has helped many professional esports players from Valorant and CS:GO improve their games by focusing on their health, which goes beyond traditional diets and exercise programs.
The complete thread can be found on Edward Cleland’s Twitter page.
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