Energy drinks are often the drink of choice for young adults and teenagers. We see more and more of these types of beverages because many companies are cashing in on the profits of our desires.
While no one actually needs these types of drinks, they can be helpful in some cases. Many of the problems that arise from energy drink consumption have to do with the frequency with which a person drinks them.
So, let’s explore the facts.
What is an energy drink?
An energy drink is any beverage containing stimulant drugs, chiefly caffeine, which is marketed as providing mental and physical stimulation. Sugar is also a main ingredient in these types of drinks.
Some common energy drinks are: Coke, Pepsi and other caffeinated colas, as well as coffee, espresso and some teas.
Examples of high-risk energy drinks include: 5-Hour Energy, AMP Energy, Crunk Energy Drink, Full Throttle, Glaceau Vitamin Energy, Jolt, Lift Plus, Monster, Red Bull, Rockstar, SoBe and Vault — to name a few. There are over 57 names or types of energy drinks, with more developed daily.
Beverages with the highest amounts of caffeine are:
Espresso (20-60 mg/fl oz) Spike Shooter (35.71 mg/fl oz) Street King (35.71 mg/fl oz) 5-Hour Energy (104 mg/fl oz) Effects on the body
These drinks have no nutritional value; in fact, they can cause malnutrition if they are a part of your daily intake. For people with certain medical conditions, energy drinks should be avoided at all costs because they have the potential to interfere with medication effectiveness.
Research has also shown energy drinks have an immediate negative impact on the body. The findings of a 2013 study conducted by the Radiological Society of North America showed "healthy adults who consumed energy drinks high in caffeine and taurine had significantly increased heart contraction rates one hour later."
Other side-effects of energy drink consumption include:
Heart palpitations High blood pressure Tremor/shaking Agitation/restlessness Gastrointestinal problems Chest pain Dizziness/syncope Paraethesia, tingling or numbing of the skin Insomnia Respiratory distress headache Mental confusion Kidney problems Many energy drinks are marketed in a way to give the public the impression they are safe, with no long-lasting effects. The truth is they are very addictive drinks because of the amounts of caffeine they contain, and your body will go through withdrawals after stopping prolonged use.
Withdrawal symptoms from energy drink consumption can last for several days or weeks. They include:
Caffeine headache Sleepiness with no relief Anxiousness and irritable Lethargy Constipation Depression Muscle pain/stiffness Mental confusion Flu-like symptoms If you have a caffeine addiction you need to kick, Health magazine has several helpful suggestions. These ideas include gradually cutting back, choosing a non-caffeinated "go-to drink" to replace your energy drink, and having plenty of Tylenol on hand to combat the headaches that will come.
Jordan Ormond contributed to this story.
