Energy Drink is a beverage that typically contains large amounts of caffeine, added sugars, other additives, and legal stimulants such as guarana, taurine, and L-carnitine. These legal stimulants can increase alertness, attention, energy, as well as increase blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing.
These drinks are often used by students to provide an extra boost in energy. However, the stimulants in these drinks can have a harmful effect on the nervous system.
In 2011, 1,499 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years went to the emergency room for an energy drink related emergency
THESE ARE SOME OF THE DANGERS OF ENERGY DRINKS …
Dehydration (not enough water in your body).
Heart complications (such as irregular heartbeat and heart failure).
Anxiety (feeling nervous and jittery).
Insomnia (unable to sleep).
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that caffeine and other stimulant substances contained in energy drinks have no place in the diet of children and adolescents.
Teachers and other school staff can educate students about the danger of consuming too much caffeine, including energy drinks.
Coaches can educate athletes about the difference between energy drinks and sports drinks and potential dangers of consuming highly caffeinated beverages.
School nutrition staff can provide only healthy beverages such as fat-free/low-fat milk, water, and 100% juice if extra items (i.e., a la carte items) are sold in the cafeteria.
Parents, school staff, and community members can join the school or district wellness committee that sets the policies for health and wellness and establish or revise nutrition standards to address the sale and marketing of energy drinks in school settings.
Everyone can model good behavior by not consuming energy drinks in front of kids.
Energy Drink Recommendations for Adolescents
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that adolescents do not consume energy drinks, yet between 30–50% reported consuming energy drinks.
The National Federation of State High School Associations recommends that young athletes should not use energy drinks for hydration, and information about the potential risk should be widely distributed to young athletes.
Summarily, these are the 6 side effects of Energy Drinks
1. Caffeine overdose
One of the most important concerns around energy drinks is that they are loaded with caffeine. 16 ounces of energy drink can deliver 200 grams of caffeine to your body, and this is the least amount. It could go as high as 500 grams as well. Caffeine overdose may lead to hypertension, palpitations, calcium deficiency and more.
2. Weight gain
High dose of caffeine is accompanied by a high dose of sugar. It is ironical because a drink with a sporty image may lead to obesity due to its high sugar content. A 16-ounce energy drink gives you 220 calories. It may also increase the risk of type-2 diabetes.
3. Anxiety
In some people, their genetic variations can lead to this effect. Any variations in adenosine receptors can lead to anxiety in people who consume energy drinks regularly. This happens as a result of the high caffeine content of the drink.
4. Dental problems
Energy drinks are loaded with sugar which is why they may affect your dental health. Sugar in these drinks can wear down the tooth enamel, thereby exposing them to cavities, hypersensitivity and erosion.
5. Dehydration and weakness
Energy drinks are used to give your body an instant energy boost. This is why people end up drinking it during workout hours and while playing sports. When these drinks are taken exclusively without any fluids, it may lead to dehydration. High levels of caffeine in these drinks prevent the kidney from retaining the fluids, thereby dehydrating your body.
6. Addictions
Another side effect of energy drinks is caffeine addiction. You may feel the need to drink a bottle of energy drinks before your workout session. Over time, this may weaken your ability to function without the drinks.
