Are Energy Drinks Safe? Here Are 10 Side Effects You Should Be Cautioned About!

Energy drinks are drinks that give you a quick burst of energy. Energy drinks have become increasingly popular as convenient remedies for exhaustion and increased attentiveness. No wonder drinks like Red Bull are the largest-selling energy drinks in the world. However, in addition to their alluring claims of increased energy, these drinks have several possible negative consequences that should be carefully considered. 

Energy drinks have lots of caffeine and sugar, which can be harmful if you have excess. 

Too much caffeine can make your heart race and give you trouble sleeping. Sugar can cause diabetes and weight gain. These drinks might also make you feel nervous or like you need them all the time. It is important to be careful and not have too many energy drinks for your health. 

Comprehending the potential hazards linked to energy drinks is vital since they can lead to adverse effects such as higher blood pressure, heart rate, sleep disturbances, and more severe health consequences when ingested in excess. Read ahead to understand the side effects of drinking energy drinks in detail.

Table Of Contents

1. What Is The Side Effect Of Drinking Energy Drinks?

2. Dietitian’s Recommendation

3. The Final Say

4. FAQs

5. References

What Is The Side Effect Of Drinking Energy Drinks?

Drinking energy drinks can lead to various side effects due to their high caffeine and sugar content, as well as other stimulants they may contain. Here are some scientific details about the side effects:

1. Increases Cardiac Strain

Energy drinks, packed with caffeine, can make your heart beat race and rapidly raise your blood pressure. This increases cardiac strain and may result in palpitations or irregular heartbeats. Therefore, it affects our cardiovascular system.  

2. Sleep Disorder

Trouble sleeping and circadian rhythm sleep disorders are common after drinking energy drinks because of their caffeine content. This can lead to insomnia or messed-up sleep patterns, especially if they are consumed later in the day.

3. Compromised Hydration

Energy drinks might dehydrate you because caffeine makes you pee more. Not drinking enough water can leave you thirsty, tired, and with a dry mouth.

4. Weight Gain

Consuming excessive amounts of sugar-filled energy drinks can lead to an increase in weight and raise your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can result from your body being resistant to insulin due to a diet high in sugar.

Also Read: What Happens On Consuming Too Much Sugar?

5. Attracts Various Diseases

Energy drinks contain calories and added sugars that might cause weight gain, which is bad for your health. You run a higher risk of metabolic disorders along with heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer if you are overweight.

6. Stomach Issues

Some people feel sick to their stomachs after having energy drinks. This could be because of the caffeine, sugar, or preservatives that do not suit their stomachs.

9. Worsen Anxiety

Energy drinks can make anxiety and nervousness worse because of all the caffeine and other stimulants they have. They might even become something you feel like you need all the time.

10. Withdrawal Symptoms

If you consume energy drinks in excess regularly, you could become addicted to caffeine. Cutting back might give you cluster headaches, make you tired, or leave you moody and unable to focus.

Also Read: 10 Refreshing And Cool Summer Drinks To Recharge Your Energy Levels! 

Dietitian's Recommendation

As a nutritionist, I strongly advise against drinking too many energy drinks. They are packed with caffeine and sugar, which can cause issues like a faster heart rate, disrupted sleep, dehydration, weight gain, upset stomach, and mental health issues. Instead, choose healthier choices like water, herbal teas, or fruit juices. Focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise for sustained energy and well-being.

                                                                            Dt. Aditi Upadhayay

The Final Say

In conclusion, while energy drinks offer a quick energy boost, their risks outweigh the benefits. Drinking too much, especially those high in caffeine and sugar, can lead to problems like a faster heart rate, trouble sleeping, dehydration, weight gain, upset stomach, and mental health issues like anxiety and dependence. Long-term, they could even raise your risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Be careful and limit your weight, choose healthier options when you can, and stay healthy overall.

FAQs

1. What can I drink instead of energy drinks to boost my energy? 

There are plenty of healthier options. You can try water, herbal teas, natural fruit juices, or snacks with protein and fibre for lasting energy. Also, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and taking a balanced diet can keep your energy levels up without needing energy drinks.

2. How can I reduce the risk of drinking energy drinks? 

It is important to use energy drinks in moderation, pay attention to the ingredients, and choose healthier options when possible to lower the risks. Focusing on a balanced diet and following a regular exercise routine can also maintain your energy levels without relying on energy drinks.

3. Why are energy drinks linked to sudden cardiac arrest?

Research is still being done to find out if drinking energy drinks could lead to serious heart problems like sudden cardiac arrest. Some studies say that the caffeine in these drinks might make existing heart conditions worse and cause heart rhythm problems.

References

• Nutrients | Free Full-Text | The Dark Side of Energy Drinks: A Comprehensive Review of Their Impact on the Human Body (mdpi.com)

• Are Energy Drinks Bad for You? (clevelandclinic.org)

• Consumption of energy drinks by children and young people: a systematic review examining evidence of physical effects and consumer attitudes - ScienceDirect

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