Are energy drinks doing you more harm than good? They have been a new craze among teens and young adults. These sugar and caffeine filled beverage seem to be more able to consume for energy, than drinks like coffee and tea. The drinks are consumed to simply gain a burst of energy. Studies are showing consumption of energy drinks to be linked to adverse health effects. These include side effects such as hypertension, hyperactivity, and anxiety.
Moderation is key!
A case study in the BMIJ Case Reports Journal was published about a 50-year old man. This man was omitted to the hospital because of an inflamed liver. His symptoms included pain, vomiting, and dark urine. Doctors were able to conclude that his liver problems were a result of his consumption of energy drinks. This man was consuming four to five of these drinks every day for three weeks, before these symptoms occurred!
Energy drinks contain more stimulants other than just caffeine including herbal supplements, and vitamins. The dosages of each are not always within the range of the recommended daily intake. Some brands are seen making new energy drinks even bigger, with more sugar, and surpassing the daily intake levels.
Children and Adolescents
A study was done surveying teens aged 12 to 18, from June 2011 to June 2013. Results showed that adolescents who consumed energy drinks, were more likely to obtain unintended side effects such as headache, anger, and difficulty breathing. Many of these teens were drinking energy drinks to increase performance in school and sports. They also said it was used for an increase in overall alertness.
It is even mentioned by researchers that the ingredients and stimulants in these drinks do not need to be seen in the diet of children and adolescents. This means this is something that they really have no need to be consuming at all.
Next time you go to grab an energy drink, think about other options that may be available to you. What about coffee or tea? A drink where you can control and limit the amount of sugars, and other ingredients that are added. Don’t forget food is fuel! Foods like nuts and beans are known to supply our bodies with energy. Simple carbohydrates with high-glycemic indexes are a healthy way to give you a boost as well, like honey.
Article written by GUADS member Breanna, with contributions from time.com
Episode 4: Successfully Navigating Your Twenties