Energy Drinks
Sometimes, we need a little pick-me-up to get us through the day. To do this, some people turn to coffee, 5-hour energies, or some type of energy drink. While we may feel a boost of energy after consuming one of these options, they can have some troubling side effects that are unhealthy for our bodies. Because of the loaded amounts of sugar found in energy drinks along with the sweetened flavor, these beverages can go down easily and even become addicting to some. But, what exactly happens to our bodies when we consume an energy drink?
An article created by Mayo Clinic suggests that weight gain is a common side effect of energy drinks due to the large quantity of sugar found in the beverages. To go along with that, large amounts of caffeine, or caffeine-like substances, can also lead to:
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Rapid heartbeat
- Increased blood pressure
The boost that you may get from energy drinks is short-lived due to the excessive caffeine and sugar found in them. Your body will soon come down from your “sugar high,” and you will experience a crash in your energy level. A recent publication by the National Institute of Health also suggest that the day following your energy drink consumption, you will experience “excessive daytime sleepiness” as well.
The advertising of energy drinks can oftentimes be misleading. Usually, athletes are featured in energy drink advertisements, suggesting that the drink can help improve or boost athletic performance. However, an article by Health Beat suggests otherwise. They state that “although the ads feature athletes, there’s no good evidence to support the idea that they improve performance. Some include ginseng and taurine, which could improve athletic performance, but there’s not enough of these ingredients in energy drinks to make a difference.”
Researchers have also emphasized that people with preexisting heart conditions, teenagers, and pregnant women should avoid these sugary energy drinks in order to prevent against serious medical complications. It is suggested that people should limit themselves to 16 ounces (500 ml) a day when it comes to energy drink consumption. Healthier alternatives to wake yourself up and give you more energy, however, are highly recommended.
CK
