Woman Featured on TLC's 'My Strange Addiction' Drinks 100 Cups of Coffee Daily Somedays

A preview of an episode, of My Strange Addiction from TLC, spotlighted a woman named Angela, who reports consuming up to 100 cups of coffee per day.

Angela stated that she drinks coffee continuously throughout the day and considers it part of her daily routine. During a medical consultation shown in the episode, a physician named Dr. Sweta Shah, inquired about her bowel habits. Angela reported experiencing diarrhea every day and indicated that she believed this to be normal.

Medical Evaluation and Reported Symptoms from Caffeine Overconsumption

During the televised consultation, the Dr. Shah questioned Angela about gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly bowel frequency and consistency. Angela acknowledged having daily diarrhea but did not initially perceive it as abnormal.

Caffeine is a known gastrointestinal stimulant. It increases intestinal motility by stimulating smooth muscle contraction in the digestive tract. In high amounts, caffeine may accelerate bowel movements and contribute to loose stools.

See also: Coffee and Blood Pressure: How Caffeine Affects Your Heart

How Much Caffeine Is Considered Safe?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, roughly equivalent to 4–5 cups of coffee, is generally considered safe for most healthy adults. The caffeine content of one cup of brewed coffee averages approximately 80–100 milligrams, depending on preparation.

If Angela consumes 100 cups daily, her estimated caffeine intake could far exceed 8,000–10,000 milligrams per day, depending on brew strength. Such intake is significantly higher than recommended safety thresholds.

Excessive caffeine consumption has been associated with:

• Gastrointestinal disturbances, including diarrhea

• Increased heart rate (tachycardia)

• Elevated blood pressure

• Anxiety and restlessness

• Sleep disturbances

• Dependence and withdrawal symptoms

Caffeine and Gastrointestinal Effects

Caffeine stimulates gastric acid secretion and increases colon motor activity. According to clinical literature, stimulant-induced diarrhea may occur due to increased intestinal transit time, reducing water absorption in the colon.

Chronic diarrhea can lead to complications including:

• Dehydration

• Electrolyte imbalances

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Fatigue

Medical professionals typically assess duration, frequency, associated symptoms, and dietary habits when evaluating persistent diarrhea.

Caffeine Dependence and Behavioral Patterns

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. Regular high intake can lead to physiological dependence. Withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, may occur within 12–24 hours after cessation in habitual users.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) recognizes caffeine withdrawal as a clinical condition. While caffeine use disorder is not formally classified as a substance use disorder, problematic use patterns are increasingly documented in medical literature.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Healthcare providers generally recommend medical evaluation if an individual experiences:

• Persistent diarrhea lasting more than several weeks

• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, reduced urination)

• Heart palpitations

• Severe anxiety or insomnia

• Inability to reduce caffeine intake despite adverse effects

Treatment approaches may involve gradual caffeine reduction, hydration management, dietary adjustments, and monitoring for complications.

Reference

1. Schiller, Leslie R. “Chronic Diarrhea.” In StatPearls, edited by Trever B. Ault, Updated 2023. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Accessed February 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532910/?report=printable.

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