Drinking Too Much Coffee Could Cause This Surprising Side Effect

Aside from possibly causing anxiety, coffee has a variety of side effects that the most avid drinkers should be aware of. Since this drink works as a nervous system stimulant, it can contribute to an overall sense of unease, wreak havoc on your digestive system, and spike your blood pressure, according to Healthline. While all of these are important to be aware of, a lesser-known side effect may be plaguing you as well.

In fact, Mindbodygreen reports that there may be an easy way to distinguish between the right amount of coffee and too much. All you have to do is look at your lips.

The outlet recommends checking the moisture level of your lips first thing in the morning. If they're dried out or cracked, you may be suffering from dehydration. Of course, one of the main causes of dehydration comes from caffeine. This issue may be exacerbated by your morning routine as well. If you reach for a few cups of coffee once you wake up rather than water, you could be depleting your system of moisture.

If coffee is your main drink of choice with water coming in second, it may be time to rethink your routine. Especially since you aren't hydrating throughout the night when you sleep, reaching for a highly dehydrating coffee in the morning can make your skin brittle. Whenever you notice your lips feeling extra chapped — either in the morning or throughout the day — it could be a sign you need to dial your caffeine intake back a few notches.

Mindbodygreen offers a simple solution. While you make your coffee, chug a few cups of water. That way, you'll have hydrated your system before you drink your morning brew and you'll feel more grounded as well. However, don't forget to drink water throughout the day to keep hydrated overall.

A soft pout is always in style. Don't dry it out with too many lattes! Keep your water nearby and eat hydrating foods to stay healthy from the inside out.