Energy drinks are dangerous.

Be it an athlete, a working professional, or a student, energy drinks have become a go-to snack for many. Energy drinks can be equated to caffeinated drinks like coffee, as they provide instant energy. However, energy drinks are not always healthy, and excess consumption can have various side effects. First, let us understand what energy drinks are and why they can be dangerous.

What are energy drinks?

Energy drinks are beverages intended to increase your physical and mental energy. Most energy drinks contain significant amounts of caffeine, which helps stimulate brain functioning, reduces fatigue, and increases alertness and concentration levels.

Besides caffeine, an average energy drink consists of ingredients such as sugar, vitamins, amino acid derivatives, and herbal extracts. Some of the most well-known energy drink brands include Red Bull, Monster, AMP, Rockstar, 5-Hour Energy, and Full Throttle.

Energy drinks are quite popular among people who are always on the move. In today’s fast-paced world, where people are always short on time, consuming energy drinks seems like the best way to boost energy levels instantly. The sale of Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar, and 5-Hour Energy had reached a whopping $57.4 billion in 2020, and this industry is expected to grow by 7% between 2020 and 2025.

Why are energy drinks not good for you?

Although energy drinks help reduce sleepiness and fatigue, and boost energy levels, they have many side effects. Here is why energy drinks are not good for you.

First, the consumption of energy drinks may lead to heart problems. Several studies have shown that energy drinks can increase blood pressure and heart rate. They can also reduce the important markers of blood vessel functions, which could have adverse health consequences.

Second, many energy drinks are loaded with high amounts of sugar. Consuming energy drinks in excess amounts can lead to a sudden elevation in blood sugar levels in the body, further leading to diseases such as inflammation, diabetes, and oxidative stress. Moreover, high consumption of energy drinks can also lead to weight gain and obesity.

Third, energy drinks can lead to the development of kidney stones. Kidney stones usually develop due to excessive dehydration. Since caffeine is present in high amounts in energy drinks and caffeine naturally induces a lot of urination, energy drinks could cause severe dehydration. Hence, those who consume a lot of energy drinks are at risk of excessive dehydration and developing kidney stones.

Fourth, energy drink consumption can cause bowel cancer due to its high sugar and calorie content.

Fifth, some people mix energy drinks and alcohol, which can be dangerous. Large amounts of caffeine and alcohol can lead to severe intoxication, adversely impacting their motor coordination and cognition. It can also impair sleeping patterns and encourage people to indulge in high-risk behavior.

Lastly, energy drinks can negatively impact mental health. While studies have not been able to understand why this happens, it has been proven that energy drinks have led to anxiety, depression, and increased stress levels in people.

It is also said that adolescents and growing children should be kept away from energy drinks. These drinks can put growing children at the risk of obesity and lead to many other problems, including poor sleep patterns, trouble concentrating, poor digestion, and dehydration. It can also impair muscle and cognitive growth. Caffeine may also harm the growth of children's cardiovascular and nervous systems.

Can you have energy drinks in moderation?

Since energy drinks are considered unhealthy, it is best to avoid consuming them altogether. While you can drink them occasionally, there are several healthier and safer alternatives to increase your energy levels.

You can substitute energy drinks with snacks rich in protein and carbohydrates, such as apples, bananas, and string cheese. You can also have dark chocolate since it contains antioxidants, flavonoids, and caffeine, which help in reducing brain fatigue and improving concentration.

Moreover, it is important to ensure that you have a healthy routine. This includes sleeping for seven to eight hours daily and exercising regularly.

Conclusion

Due to the high amounts of caffeine, it may not be easy to stop the consumption of energy drinks altogether. Caffeine withdrawal can lead to symptoms such as headaches, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue. Hence, it is best to reduce the consumption of energy drinks one step at a time.

For instance, if one consumes two energy drinks daily, they can reduce it to one. After a week or two, you can consume one energy drink on alternative days. Further, you can substitute your energy drink consumption with black tea or coffee in moderate amounts.