The next time you are looking for ways to get energy, think about
alternative ways before you buy energy drinks. Consuming excess amount
of everything is harmful and especially this type of drinks. So instead
of solely relying on sugar and caffeine to get you through busy day,
take a walk or drink plain water to feel more natural and long-lasting
energy.
Side effects
If you were not already aware, energy drinks have some extremely
serious side effects. Some of the side effects are: agitation, tremors,
stomach upset, chest pain, dizziness, seizures, insomnia and even heart
attacks. Just because they are easily available and look innocent enough
does not mean that they can’t do some serious harm.
Stress and anxiety
In fact, one of the most convincing reasons to stop drinking energy
drinks is that they can cause increased anxiety and stress. Some energy
drinks are actually found to contain more caffeine than it is advertised
on their labels. Too much caffeine has been known to cause jitters and
the chronic stress, and a racing heart from massive amounts of caffeine
is not all that comforting either.
High in sugar
Besides providing with artificial energy, these drinks typically
contain a lot of sugar. Some drinks are known to have an average of 15
tsp of sugar. Aside from getting the dreaded sugar crash, sugar can
leave you dehydrated and, as it is also known, suppress the immune
system, increase inflammation, lead to tooth decay and weight gain.
Mood changes
If you regularly consume energy drinks, you may want to think
carefully your beverage choice. Studies have shown that those who
frequently drink the stimulant caffeine have been known to have reduced
serotonin levels. This substance is known as the feel good
neurotransmitter. A depletion of this hormone has been linked to low
mood, anxiety and depression.
Taxes organs
Another danger of energy drinks is that they can be taxing on your
organs. Your heart, liver, brain, digestive tract and kidneys are all
working as if you are in a flight or fight situation and ultimately get
drained from all the work. Energy drinks trigger your organs to react as
if they are in a dangerous situation so you can imagine how bad it can
be.
Insomnia
While you might like the sudden surge of energy and vigor when you
are trying to make it through a tiresome afternoon, it is not so helpful
when you are ready to turn in for the night. Such drinks can cause you
to lose out on deep and restful sleep at night so that you end up
turning to it again the next day. Quit the cycle and get energy in more
natural, safe ways through workout, water and healthy snacks.
Cost
These days people are pretty much strapped for cash. Energy drinks
can end up costing you up to $900 per year or even more. The average
energy drink can cost you between $3-4. So if you have got a daily
habit, you are spending enough money to snag yourself whole lotta new
shoes, clothes and other fabulous items.
Artificial sweeteners
Diet or low calorie energy drinks tend to use sweeteners such as
aspartame. In response to the ever growing obesity problem, companies
began producing versions without sugar of their energy drinks some years
ago. A serving of their sugar free flavors only cost 20 calories but
the bad news is that the aspartame used to sweeten this kind of drinks
can be even worse for you than sugar.
Artificial flavors and colors
Most energy drinks on market shelves are not made from real juice, so
they need artificial colorings and flavorings to make them taste and
look more appealing. You will be terrified to know that certain energy
drinks flavors are chock full of toxic chemical coloring. Manufacturers
use several different food dyes, but one of the most common is red 30
even those which are not red. It has been tied to reactions ranging from
migraines and headaches to temper tantrums, dizziness, aggressive
behavior, hyperactivity, uncontrollable screaming and crying,
nervousness, kicking, inability to sit still or concentrate in children.
Adrenal fatigue
Some people become tired after caffeine intake. This is a symptom of
adrenal fatigue when the adrenalin system of your body becomes overtaxed
by constant high caffeine consumption. The answer is not to increase
caffeine even more but to reduce its amount, detox and get the adrenal
glands back to a normal state. Remember it is hard to choose a safe dose
because it varies from person to person and according to an individual
tolerance. Between 499 milligrams to 999 milligrams in a day period will
probably lead to some of the more severe side effects.
B Vitamins
This vitamin is one of the ingredients in almost every energetic
drink. It is certainly beneficial to take recommended daily ratio but
more than 34 mg of B3 or Niacin can cause flushing of your skin.
Consumption of 2999 or more can result in liver toxicity. More than 99
mg of B6 can cause sensory nerve problems such as burning sensation and
skin lesions.
Ginkgo Biloba
Gingko is some kind of herb and can cause some minor side effects in
different people. These effects vary from headaches, nausea and diarrhea
to dizziness, heart palpitations and restlessness. What is more ginkgo
biloba can interact with other medication such as anti-depressants and
blood thinners. One recent study found that this herb caused thyroid
cancer in research.
L-Theanine
This amino acid is derived from green tea and most energy drinks and
shots have begun putting so called green tea extract in their beverages.
It can produce a different type of alertness than caffeine and there
has been no scientific evidence of it causing adverse side effects. Some
people have reported feeling light headed after consuming a dose of
more than 299 mg of L-Theanine.
Allergic reactions
The most common energy drink ingredient caffeine can lead to several
allergic reactions such as rash, itching, hives, swelling of the tongue,
mouth, face or lips, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest,
vomiting.
