New Health Risks from Energy Drinks

Energy drinks effects on body: If you still believe that energy drinks share the same benefits and they are as good as drinking coffee or soda, then be cautious because you are defying what research is saying. Yes, it is a fact. According to a small research study, the surge created by the consumption of energy drinks can alter heart rhythm and cause your blood pressure to remain high (long-lasting increase in blood pressure) and surge in blood sugar levels – which may over time lead to diabetes.

The following are the research-based facts about energy drinks:

Energy Drinks Effects on Body

Energy drinks consumption is associated with increased blood pressure and heart rate.

Because they contain excess caffeine levels, which may in the long run cause heart ailments – such as heart rhythm problems and palpitations.

Mixing energy drinks with alcohol and drinking two to three energy drinks per day can further augment the risk of heart attacks.

In a nutshell, you must have to be very cautious about using energy drinks if you have a history of heart disease.

If you are a diabetic, then be careful about Energy Drinks

Energy drinks are loaded with excess sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to spike. Therefore, individuals with diabetes must have to be very cautious about drinking their favourite energy drinks.

Let us take Red Bull – as an example. A 250 ml or a can of Red Bull – which is most popular among youngsters – contain a staggering 28 gram of sugar which is equivalent to nearly seven teaspoons of sugar. Some energy drinks have as much as 39 to 41 grams of sugar.

According to one study drinking even one sugar-sweetened beverage can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by almost 30%.

Elevated blood sugar levels after consuming energy drinks are associated with inflammation and oxidative stress.

Young children, teenagers, nursing and pregnant women should not consume energy drink owing to these potential risks.

“Whatever may be the odds, I will ignore them and have my favourite energy drinks daily to improve my alertness, reversal of fatigue and physical performance” – says one youngster – which is true!

At what cost is the big question??

At the expense of increase risk of obesity, high blood pressure, stomach irritation, poor sleep quality and type 2 diabetes – is the answer. In addition, the other negative effects include increase in stress and aggressive behaviours such as street fighting, alcohol and cigarette abuse.

Energy Drinks Effects on body

The other negative health consequences in youngsters that are linked with energy drink consumption include adverse renal, metabolic, dental and cardiovascular effects; poor mental health and risk-taking behaviours.

In sensitive individuals, excess caffeine intake in any form from any beverage several times a day can often led to many adverse conditions such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, insomnia, anxiety and restlessness.

In some rare cases, there could be an increased risk of cardiac arrest and seizures as well. There are some energy drinks in the market that may contain as much as 500 mg of caffeine per can – which is equivalent to 14 cans of cola drinks.

Imagine a situation wherein if you drink a high caffeine-containing energy drink, then it would be as bad as drinking 14 cans of Coca Cola.

Then what is the alternative

There are plenty of safer means to increase energy levels. which means, rather than depending too heavily on energy drinks, it is better to try some more useful and healthy options, such as proper sleep, regular exercise, and healthy diet. If you still want to have that extra punch then go for a cup or two of coffee a day instead of opting energy drinks.

Reference

National Library of Medicine – NCBI: Energy Drink Consumption: Beneficial and Adverse Health Effects – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4682602/