We are seeing energy drinks everywhere. Energy drinks are no longer sold separately, but instead added to other products. Energy drinks can be added to juices, novelty drinks and coffees.
It may seem impossible to believe, given the many ways in which energy drinks are consumed and their popularity, that they can have harmful and even deadly side effects. Think about the issues before ordering your next energy beverage.
Hidden Levels Of CaffeineMost foods and beverages are evaluated and controlled by the FDA. Many energy drink manufacturers claim their products are natural supplements. This unique product category removes federal government authority and creates a gap in consumer protections. This classification does not require energy drink manufacturers to provide specific nutritional information to consumers. Energy drinks in 16-ounce can range from 150 mg to 300 mg caffeine. The larger cans contain around 500 mg caffeine! The average soda only contains 35 mg caffeine.
This might seem to be a good way to begin your day but caffeine consumption at this level can cause some serious problems.
What are the dangers of energy drinks ?
Consuming too much caffeine in a short time can have more drastic effects than just making you alert or awake. These include:
- Heart Rates Increase
- Increased blood pressure
- Restlessness
- Dehydration
- Trouble Sleeping
- Heart palpitations
While these symptoms can be alarming, many people use energy drinks multiple times per day for a few days each week. These effects can become chronic over time. Sleep problems are associated with a number of health issues, including stress, stroke risk, heart disease and obesity.
Stopping the Flow of Energy drinks
Caffeine is unfortunately classified as an active substance. Caffeine can become a habit for the body, and stopping caffeine consumption can have complex side effects. These symptoms include anxiety, sweating and headaches.
You can discuss with your doctor a plan to reduce your consumption of energy drinks if you think they could be harmful to your health. Some people have found that replacing energy drinks with coffee or soda can help them reduce their caffeine intake. You may even be living a healthier lifestyle!
