Energy drinks pose serious danger to health, wellbeing
By Rachel Naegeli, November 09
Staff Writer
Photo by Oliver Campo |
| Drinks loaded with caffeine supply energy as well as detrimental side effects. |
Energy drinks are everywhere, and people have a tendency to use them as meal replacements as well as a main source of energy rather than actual food, but the convenience of the grab-and-go cans of caffeine may have more effects than just the instant jolt.
Customers should be skeptical of what they are consuming and the effects that can follow.
“The average person should only have about 300 mg of caffeine per day to avoid unhealthy side effects,” says the International Food Information Council.
The problem is, these onhand energy drinks, can have up to 500 mg of caffeine in just one can alone. This energy drink industry has grown rapidly and so have the health risks of consumers who buy them. This is not one of the better choices when it comes to searching for that extra boost.
There are numerous side effects that come with this power punch, and with excess caffeine, serious problems start to surface. Things like anxiety, insomnia, ulcers and irritability, tend to happen first, but Romy Nelson, MEd, DTR, a natural fitness advisor from Paradise Valley Community College says, “The most frequent issue is the burning out of adrenal glands, which leads to hormonal imbalance, throwing off the entire central nervous system.” This in turn defeats the original energy boost sought out. The body will automatically burn sugar first.
Jesse Nettles, a fireman for the City of Phoenix, is currently working toward becoming a paramedic. With the long shifts he works, he admits that he has two to three energy drinks a day. Nettles feels that he maintains focus during medic lectures, has a good workout ethic and often finds the pricey potions on sale leaving him satisfied and guilt-free.
However, Nettles did say, “I often find myself heading for the “crash” that follows the sugary seduction, which is when I reach for my second or sometimes third energy drink.”
Some may call this being proactive when in reality it is simply the beginning of a dangerous dependence.
Nettles’ says, “I have been addicted to energy drinks for nearly seven years.”
He continues to drink them to avoid headaches and withdrawal.
“A healthy breakfast is the best way to avoid a call for caffeine,” says Nelson. “Instead try two eggs or oatmeal with walnuts.”
Nelson even recommended Lara, Kind or Zing breakfast bars for those strapped for time.
Chrissy Barth, RD, CFT,RYT and nutrition and fitness consultant at PVCC does not encourage the consumption of caffeine only because the intake is often abused. If people, especially teens are going to seek a caffeinated cocktail, then Barth says, “Go for the coffee and add low-fat milk for added protein, calcium and vitamin D.”
Energy drinks are loaded with sugar and are marketed to look glamorous, but Barth warns, “Never trust the supplement ingredients label since we do not truly know how much of the ingredients we are getting as these products are not all FDA regulated.”
The thought of a quick meal alternative, a boost of energy or even just an on average $2 can of caffeine sounds appealing and attractive, but it is just a fast track to what could become a habit that can cost more than just money, but also the chance of serious disease and deterioration of the central nervous system.
Be aware of the dependence that can develop from overloading the body with beverages that can dehydrate and damage the natural process and increase the chances of raising reliance on an unhealthy uplift.
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