People from all walks of life – students, sports enthusiasts, employees, artists, businessmen and professionals – take energy drinks to boost their physical and mental energy whenever they need to overcome fatigue or whenever they want to extend their staying power to a certain level beyond their normal limits.
In this blog post, we will dive deep into the dangers of energy drinks on the body and how we can prevent them.
But are energy drinks really good for your health?
Studies show that energy drinks, which generally contain large amounts of caffeine, sugar and large doses of amino acids or taurine and guarana, are not good for anyone’s health.
Excessive use of energy drinks can lead to undesirable conditions which include high blood pressure, abnormal palpitation, seizures and strokes. Aside from these side effects, these drinks can also cause dehydration which is even worse if mixed with exercise or alcohol.
The undesirable fact about energy drinks is they are so loaded with sugar that a 17-ounce serving of common energy drinks contains 58 grams of sugar while its caffeine content is about 80 milligrams on average.
For example, Guarana, which also contains caffeine, is an optional component of energy drinks, but its caffeine content is usually not included in the count.
You may not know it, but guarana is so rich in caffeine that it contains three times more caffeine than coffee.
Consuming at least 37 milligrams to 75 milligrams can enhance a person’s memory and make a person alert. But a study revealed that the consumption of large doses of guarana can trigger abnormal heart palpitation, vomiting, abdominal cramps and spasms.
Now, why are talking about it today? Well, it is due to the fact that guarana is present in two of the top 10 energy drinks in the market today; one of them contains 25 milligrams while the other contains 6009 milligrams.
The third component of energy drinks, taurine, is an amino acid that helps to develop the nervous system.
Taurine also plays a role in the body’s control of its water and mineral salt levels. Health experts relate that this type of amino acid is beneficial to health if consumed at 3,000 milligrams per day. However, it is believed that the occurrence of stroke increases when taurine is combined with caffeine.
The fourth known component of common energy drinks is Vitamin B. The highest amount of Vitamin B among the 10 most popular energy drinks is 10 milligrams of Vitamin B6 and 5 micrograms of Vitamin B12.
Our body’s normal need for Vitamin B6 is 1.3 milligrams, but it can still take up to 100 milligrams without the adverse effect. There is no established upper limit on a person’s daily intake of Vitamin B12 which can cause side effects.
What are the 5 negative effects of energy drinks?
Consuming energy drinks can have a range of negative effects, especially in young adults. The most common and serious of these are dehydration, increased blood pressure, insomnia, headaches, and feelings of anxiety or restlessness.
1. Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the negative health effects associated with consuming energy drinks. Often, this condition is caused by the diuretic effects of caffeine in energy drinks which leads to excessive urination.
It can occur when large amounts of these beverages are consumed in a short period of time, leading to restlessness and other symptoms.
Energy drinks are marketed as beverages that provide an energy boost, but they can also be dehydrating since they contain caffeine and sugar. It is important to stay hydrated while consuming energy drinks, and it is recommended to drink sports drinks alongside them to rehydrate the body.
If dehydration persists despite drinking water or sports drinks then it is best to see a healthcare professional.
Taking care of your hydration levels is very important, especially when consuming energy drinks on a regular basis.
2. Increase in Blood Pressure
Increasing blood pressure is one of the most common effects of consuming energy drinks. Energy drinks can contain high amounts of caffeine and other stimulants, which can cause a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
The effect is usually short-term but can be dangerous for people with existing heart conditions or those who are sensitive to caffeine.
Furthermore, it may lead to headaches, insomnia, nausea, dizziness, and an increased risk of stroke or heart attack. It is important to note that energy drinks should not be consumed in excess as they can have serious health implications.
Consumption should be limited to a maximum of two cans per day to ensure that your body remains healthy and safe from any potential adverse effects caused by excessive consumption.
4. Anxiety and Restlessness
Energy drinks may contain much caffeine, as well as other stimulants which can have an adverse effect on the body. Drinks that contain high levels of caffeine and sugar can cause increased energy levels, but this is often followed by a crash in energy.
These caffeinated beverages can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to feelings of unease, agitation, and even panic.
Over time, frequent consumption of energy drinks can lead to physical symptoms. For instance, excessive consumption has been linked to headaches as well as feelings of anxiety or restlessness due to the stimulants they contain. Other symptoms include stomach pains, insomnia, and more.
If your lifestyle includes a regular intake of energy drinks then it’s important to be aware of the potential risks they carry.
Taking breaks from drinking them or reducing their quantity can help reduce anxiety and restlessness while still benefiting from their energizing effects.
5. Increased risk of Diabetes
Energy drink consumption has become increasingly popular in recent years and although it may provide a quick energy boost, there are many potential health risks associated with it. Some energy drinks contain high amounts of sugar which can lead to obesity and other health problems such as diabetes.
Diabetes is one of the most serious health conditions linked to consuming energy drinks.
Binge-drinking energy drinks can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels which can increase one’s chances of developing diabetes over time.
This is why it is so important for those who consume energy drinks to pay close attention to their health and wellness, as well as monitor their overall intake of energy drinks.
Anyone with a family history or pre-existing health condition should consult their doctor before consuming energy drinks, as they can be especially risky for certain individuals.
Keep in mind that it is important to be aware that while energy drinks may provide a quick boost of energy, there are potential negative side effects associated with them.
These are the potential risks of excessive consumption of energy drinks to your health. We hope that helped you gain more knowledge on the importance of being mindful of what you consume every day. To learn more, you can check out our food blog posts.
