Low energy and in need of a boost so you grab an energy drink! Energy drinks are in almost all the stores promising to give you energy for 3 hours up to 10 hours. Dangers from energy drinks mostly come from high amounts of caffeine to high amounts of sugar.
Irregular heartbeats, trouble breathing, and the development of panic attacks are all concerning issues seen with energy drinks. These drinks can go up to about 500 milligrams of caffeine, compared to 100 milligrams in a regular cup of coffee.
Some of the dangers of energy drinks include:
- Dehydration (not enough water in your body).
- Heart complications (such as irregular heartbeat and heart failure).
- Anxiety (feeling nervous and jittery).
- Insomnia (unable to sleep).
Emergency Room visits doubled between 2007 to 2011 from 10,068 to 20,783. Too many energy drinks can lead to severe headaches from the caffeine withdrawal symptoms.
Between 2004 and 2014, energy drinks have officially been a factor in at least 34 deaths.
According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), 22 deaths have been linked to 5-Hour Energy, 11 deaths have been linked to Monster, and one death has been linked to Rockstar.
These drinks will give you a short-term boost but you may actually feel worse when the effects wear off. Developing healthier habits such as getting enough sleep, regular exercise, and eating whole foods every 3 to 4 hours may help you to feel better.
I hope that you’ll think twice before reaching for the energy drinks sold in stores that have known dangers.
If increased physical and mental energy, improved concentration, mental acuity, and reduced mental fatigue and brain fog would benefit you, this is the natural energy drink that I recommend. This drink takes a different approach to energy. It is formulated to give energy to your body and your mind without the extra sugar, jitters, or crash.
To book an appointment with functional medicine practitioner Dr. Nair, MD, click here.