THE HARMFUL STING OF ENERGY DRINKS

General
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Sipping a cup of coffee or tea whenever you feel sleepy, bored or crave for energy is a regular norm even today. But for recharging the body’s energy levels there are newer products in the markets in recent years- energy drinks. The youth is targeted for advertising energy drinks to help improve alertness and most of the population sips these drinks just as a refreshing beverage or maybe just for the taste. These drinks might be similar in their active ingredients as tea or coffee but can be way more harmful for the bodies. Let’s take a dive in knowing the effects of these energy drinks.

Contents of commonly used energy drinks:

  • Energy drinks are non-alcoholic beverages containing caffeine, guarana, glucuronolactone, taurine, inositol, carnitine, B-vitamins and sometimes ginseng etc herbs.
  • Caffeine is added at levels of up to 80 mg per serve. Sometimes caffeine content may vary from 75mg to 150 mg per can, whereas some energy drinks may also contain 300mg or 500 mg caffeine per can.
  • Energy drinks may fall into the category of beverages containing high caffeine content.

How does caffeine wake you up?:

  • Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant.
  • It readily crosses blood brain barrier.
  • It is a non-selective antagonist of adenosine receptor
  • It has a disinhibitory effect on neural activity

The harms of energy drinks:

In a study evaluating the effects of energy drinks on various systems, following points were discussed.

(Cases studied in the said study consumed either 2 or more than 2 cans of energy drinks consecutively or mixed energy drinks with alcohol etc.)

  1. Effect on Cardiovascular system :anatomical_heart: - over stimulation of adrenergic system; may cause supraventricular and ventricular arrythmias, atrial fibrillation, coronary vasospasm, ischemia, MI, syncope, cardiac arrest and sudden death
  2. Effect on Neurological system :brain: - over stimulation of adrenergic system; may lead to reduced sleep, anxiety, insomnia, tremors, seizures, cerebral vasculopathy, manic psychosis
  3. Effect on gastro-intestinal and renal systems- direct tissue toxicity; may lead to Pancreatitis, Hepatitis, Atrophic Gastritis, Dehydration, Acute kidney injury

So, considering the adverse effects of energy drinks, their use should be regulated wisely.

What are some alternative healthy drinks or refreshments to consume according to you than energy drinks?

MBH/PS

5 Likes
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Instead of energy drinks, we can go for healthier options like coconut water, fresh fruit juices, buttermilk, or lemon water. They keep us hydrated and provide energy without harmful effects.

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Energy drinks are harmful to the body and it is best to replace them healthy refreshments like coconut juice, buttermilk, lemon water and fresh fruit juices to keep ourselves hydrated.

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Agreed

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True

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Moreover it is loaded with sugar.

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Exactly

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I always carry a bottle of lemon juice to work. Buttermilk, orange juice and juice from other fruits and vegetables should be prioritised over energy drinks.

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9

Energy drinks are necessary for body, but choosing the right one is more important then just consuming drink that can harm your body. In summer consuming coconut water, sugarcane or natural fruit juice,lime water is good for body

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10

There must be regulations regarding advertisements and sale of these energy drinks.

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11

Anything homemade like ragi juice, lemon water with sabja seeds is better than energy drinks.

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12

Exactly!

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The wrong kind of energy!

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Really true

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15

For sure thee high sugar carbonated drinks are worst anyone can feed their body. We should go for lemon water, coconut water, and fruit juice

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Natural alternatives like coconut water, butter milk, fresh juice can be considered…

1 Like