How will energy drinks impact my health

How will energy drinks impact my health

 How will energy drinks impact my health?

Assist. prof. Dr. Loay Hatem Ali-Biology

hatemloay81@uoanbar.edu.iq

The author's official website

Energy drinks aim to increase alertness, focus, attention and energy, but the ingredients in these drinks can cause adverse health effects Lauren Bobick, a nutritionist with Orlando Health, a nonprofit health care organization in Florida, points out that common ingredients found in energy drinks include caffeine, sugar, B vitamins, and some herbs, such as ginseng and ginger for flavor, as well as acid derivatives. amino acids, such as L-carnitine and taurine. Bubeck says these drinks can boost energy and focus, but they may also cause adverse health effects such as a fast heartbeat and high blood pressure. She also explains that excessive or regular consumption of energy drinks can lead to irregular heartbeats, headaches, high blood pressure and anxiety.


1-Energy drinks are bad for your heart:

Caffeine is the main ingredient found in energy drinks thanks to its ability to increase alertness. When taken in large amounts of more than 400 mg per day, caffeine can cause heart palpitations, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and heart rhythm disturbances. Most energy drinks contain between 70 and 240 mg of caffeine per serving, while a cup of coffee contains about 100 mg of caffeine. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the safe limit for caffeine for adults is up to 400 mg per day. The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages caffeine consumption in children under 12 and recommends those ages 12 to 18 consume 100 mg or less per day. A small 2016 study of healthy individuals revealed that after consuming a 32-ounce energy drink for three consecutive days, the heart's QT interval increased, which is associated with sudden death. The risks are even greater when consuming multiple energy drinks in a short period of time, says Bubeck. Another 2018 analysis found that energy drinks can cause heart rate problems and increase systolic blood pressure.

2-Energy drinks are high in sugar:

Most energy drinks contain about 27 to 31 g of sugar per eight ounce serving. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 25g of sugar, or 6 teaspoons per day for women, (36g of sugar), or nine teaspoons per day for men. By this measure, a 24-ounce energy drink contains three times the recommended amount of sugar per day. Excessive sugar intake can cause inflammation linked to a number of chronic conditions, including cancer, diabetes and heart disease, Bubeck says. Consuming added sugars may also increase the risk of obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

3- It is not permissible to mix energy drinks with alcohol:

Energy drinks are often mixed with alcohol, especially among young adults. When combined with alcohol, energy drinks can alter intoxication levels, making an individual feel less intoxicated and energetic while still experiencing signs of alcohol impairment, such as slurred speech, confusion of coordination and poor memory. This combination also increases the risk of binge drinking because the stimulating effects of energy drinks can mask the depressive effects of alcohol, causing a person to drink more. Binge drinking is linked to many health problems including, chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, liver disease, cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver and colon, memory and learning problems, and alcohol use disorders.

4-Energy drinks are harmful to teenagers

Several studies have shown that energy drinks are especially harmful to teens who are developing, and cannot handle the side effects of energy drinks. Energy drinks increase the risk of many health conditions for adolescents and young adults, including: abnormalities of the cardiovascular nervous system, cognitive retardation, an increased risk of depression and other mental health conditions, and sleep disturbances. Despite the adverse health effects of energy drinks, they are heavily marketed to young adults. Are energy drinks good in moderation? Energy drinks are inherently unhealthy. It can be safe if eaten in moderation by people without underlying health conditions, says Bobick, although there are better ways to boost energy. Bobbik recommends limiting your consumption of energy drinks and instead increasing your energy and focus with healthy alternatives, such as:

1-  Eat a snack that contains protein and carbohydrates, such as apples and cheese. The combination of protein and carbohydrates can increase energy and help you focus.

2-  Eat a bar of dark chocolate, which contains antioxidants, flavonoids and caffeine that can boost brain function.

3- Sleep seven to eight hours a night

4-  Exercising regularly

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