The Effects Of Energy Drinks

The consumption of beverages that energize and awaken people from a slump is on the rise in just about every part of the world, but not all of the consumers know or fully comprehend the effects of energy drinks. Whether it's the youngsters that attempt to party the night away or the overworked job holders that need a little extra pick-me-up during the day, the consumer base of these liquids is stretched far and wide.

These beverages aren't all bad, but they're not all good either. Of course, as with anything else, it depends on what kind and how much is consumed. Basically any energizing beverage contains the three main ingredients of caffeine, taurine, and sugar.

Any coffee drinker or heavy pop drinker knows of the stimulate that caffeine is to make them feel active, alert, and awake. It may seem like it works at the time, and maybe it does, but it doesn't last causing a "need" for more. Over time, constant fueling of that caffeine need builds up a tolerance which lessens the boost it can give and increases the physical addiction to it. Repercussions of a caffeine addiction could include heart problems, insomnia, anxiety attacks, and high blood pressure. Sudden discontinuation of caffeine can cause depression, irritability, and headaches.

Taurine is an amino acid which regulates the heart beat, as well as other protein-related functions. It has a calming effect on the brain and may reduce the edginess and restlessness caused by caffeine to some extent. Taurine is a naturally derived substance which is present in the human body and aides the body is many different ways. However, it has not really been found how taurine reactions with caffeine in an energy drink, but there could be adverse side effects that aren't known yet.

These beverages contain large doses of sugar. Not only does sugar contribute to weight gain, but a large intake amount elevates levels of blood sugar. It produces a surge of insulin, which then quickly brings blood sugar down. This can cause hypoglycemia, leading to tiredness, irritability, and sugar cravings. This begins the vicious circle of being tired and craving sugar, consuming sugar, and on and on. Some may argue that they drink sugar-free, thus avoiding such problems, but that's not entirely the case. Sugar-free means the presence of an artificial sweetener, often aspartame. There are claims of brain damage and cancer being caused by aspartame and other artificial sweeteners.

Drinks for the purpose of energizing have also been associated with seizures, often in people with no history of epilepsy. This is mostly believed to be a result from the caffeine, but taurine might be another reason as well. Mixing with alcohol, or being sleep deprived also contributes to a lowered seizure threshold.

Mixing with alcohol is extremely dangerous because it can make a person underestimate their intoxication level, thus increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning, injury, or any other result of intoxication. Pregnant women should avoid them because the high caffeine content can cause various birth complications and miscarriages. The high caffeine level can also cause dehydration. Overdose of these beverages can lead to muscle pain, stomach problems, and kidney problems.

Although they may seem like the best idea at the time, they are not the solution for low energy. Excessive stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, and overworking are the most common causes of fatigue and tiredness. Energizing beverages can contribute to and often worse all of these problems. Due to the many negative effects of energy drinks, healthier alternatives are highly recommended.