Energy drinks are getting a lot of buzz, not because of their effectiveness in giving a person an instant boost, but because of the dangers and stimulating properties of these drinks. The caffeine in most energy drinks may be less than that of a Starbucks coffee, but they consist of exceedingly high amounts of sugar and are more appealing to the minors because they are convenient.
We know that energy drinks are bad for us but how bad are they?
Read on to find out the dangers of overconsumption of energy drinks:
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Insomnia
Caffeine prevents sleep. We all know that. If you’re working at night or have to study for an exam, you may turn towards an energy drink. However, when overused, energy drinks can lead to insomnia, causing drowsiness, poor concentration and lack of productivity at work.
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Headaches/Migraines
Excessive usage of caffeine may result in withdrawal symptoms, which include severe headaches. If you keep changing your intake, chances are the frequency of headaches you experience will drastically increase.
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Addiction
You can get addicted to energy drinks and caffeine. This may result in lack of concentration, inability to work properly and drowsiness during work hours if energy drinks are not consumed regularly. You become dependent on caffeine.
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Nervous problems
Excessive use of caffeine and energy drinks may cause jitters and anxiety. People become more fidgety when they are high on caffeine and this can result in emotional problems and severely affect one’s social, professional and personal life. According to a study, just 250 ml of an energy drink can elevate anxiety levels in young men.
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High-risk activity
A study published in The Journal of American College Health indicated that teenagers are more likely to get involved in risky activity when they are high on caffeine. This could increase their risk of going to jail or suffering from an injury.
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Cardiac arrest
While this may not take place in people with completely healthy hearts, people with any type of heart condition may be at risk. Studies show that people with underlying heart conditions have suffered a cardiac arrest by consuming just a few energy drinks. Therefore, before drinking an energy drink or a beverage high in caffeine, make sure your heart is healthy. One study indicated that energy drinks may lead to highly forced heart contractions, which may be lethal if a person has an underlying heart condition.
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Type-2 diabetes
Energy drinks consist of heaps of sugar, which may impair the insulin producing cells in your pancreas, thus, resulting in type-2 diabetes.
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Drug exposure
Some energy drinks consist of ingredients that may interfere with prescription medication, particularly those taken to relieve depression.
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Allergic reactions
The amount of ingredients in energy drinks can increase a person’s likelihood of having an allergic reaction, in case he or she is allergic to any of the ingredients present in the drink. Symptoms of allergic reactions can range from itching to obstruction of the airways – which may lead to death if not treated immediately.
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Vomiting
Overconsumption of energy drinks may even result in vomiting. Vomiting too much may cause acid erosion of the esophagus and teeth and dehydration.
Need a boost?
Having energy drinks before exercise may over-stimulate your nervous system or heat, causing a severe side effects. Energy drinks can also elevate blood pressure. It may be tempting to have a drink to amp your performance, but some energy drinks may have potent drug-like effects which cannot be overlooked.
There are healthier alternatives to boost your energy such as a cup of coffee. Note that while coffee can be healthy, excessive use may result in some of the aforementioned negative health effects.
Staying hydrated can also prevent fatigue. Drinks such as coconut water, fresh juices and just milk can also help you amplify your energy levels. Another excellent source of instant energy is exercise – just go for a 30-minute power walk if you feel you’re draining.
Moreover, if you are feeling fatigued, finding out the cause instead of making unhealthy choices may be your best bet. While energy drinks may look like the most convenient option, overconsumption may take a toll on your body and your lifestyle in the long-term.
Shomaila is a fitness-loving, clean-eating, keyboard-stabbing bookworm. Being involved in a sedentary lifestyle, she enjoys releasing her frustration through exercise, especially Pilates, and sharing her thoughts via the interwebs.
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