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When it comes to energy drinks, there is a commonly-held belief that they are pretty much the same as sports drinks. But this could not be further from the truth. While both drinks may have energizing properties, sports drinks are packed with electrolytes, whereas energy drinks usually only offer stimulants, such as caffeine and taurine. Indeed, with as much as 300 mg of caffeine per can, drinking too many energy drinks can wreak havoc on the body.
Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.
However, there is a common misconception about energy drinks and the fatigue-reducing ingredients they contain.
Many people believe that energy drinks reduce fatigue and boost energy levels because they contain sugar and are good for hydration.
Energy drinks can be useful if you are looking for a quick energy boost, for example when you need to drive a short distance or finish an urgent task.
In reality, however, the majority of energy drinks are packed full of caffeine and other stimulants that can be dangerous in large quantities.
For this reason, it is important to understand exactly what you are consuming when you indulge in an energy drink, and precisely how it will affect your body.
The first important thing to note when it comes to energy drinks is that they are not the same as sports drinks.
Sometimes sports drinks will also contain added sugars, but most of the time they are composed of salts and electrolytes alone.
Sports drinks are beverages that contain electrolytes. Athletes use them to replace water and electrolytes that they lose during exercise.
Indeed, many people think of these beverages as one and the same, but there is an important distinction.
The main purpose of energy drinks, on the other hand, is to act as a stimulant. They generally contain large amounts of caffeine, as well as other legal stimulants, such as taurine.
Although they sometimes also contain electrolytes, energy drinks should never be used to replace fluids and electrolytes lost during exercise.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), more than 400 mg of caffeine per day is considered excessive for adults.
The main reason that energy drinks are dangerous is that they can cause excessive caffeine consumption.
Indeed, some energy drinks contain as much as 300 mg in each bottle or can, so it is very important to read the label before you consume one.
While that equates to around four or five cups of coffee, it may be the equivalent of just one or two cans of an energy drink.
Excessive caffeine consumption can cause people to become jittery and lead to symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat or anxiety.
It can also cause people to have trouble sleeping, which paradoxically increases fatigue over time and makes people more likely to reach for an energy drink!
In cases where a very large amount of caffeine is consumed, a person can even experience caffeine intoxication.
This is a rare, yet serious condition that can affect the heart’s rhythm. It some cases, it can even be fatal.
Someone who drinks the threshold amount of 400 mg of caffeine per day is unlikely to experience caffeine intoxication. However, they may experience jitters and problems with their sleep.
Indeed, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children and adolescents should not consume energy drinks.
In the case of children, the recommendation is that they do not consume any drinks that contain caffeine and/or added sugars.
Other groups of people who should steer clear of energy drinks include those with chronic heart problems or high blood pressure.
Caffeine, and by extension energy drinks, can also interfere with certain medications, such as anti-depressants and diabetes medications.
If you are in the habit of consuming energy drinks because you rely on the short-term kick they provide, consider that there are other, better ways to reduce fatigue and boost energy levels.
Bear in mind that a simple change to your diet could give you more energy, as could introducing or increasing physical exercise.
It is also important to make sure you keep hydrated throughout the day, since becoming dehydrated can cause and compound feelings of fatigue.
If you find that you are suffering from ongoing exhaustion, it may be time to see a professional to find out why.
Indeed, ongoing exhaustion is sometimes a symptom of an underlying medical issue, such as anemia, hypothyroidism, or sleep apnea.
Sources: (CNN) (FDA) (AAP)
See also: How do vitamins boost our energy?
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HEALTH Caffeine
When it comes to energy drinks, there is a commonly-held belief that they are pretty much the same as sports drinks. But this could not be further from the truth. While both drinks may have energizing properties, sports drinks are packed with electrolytes, whereas energy drinks usually only offer stimulants, such as caffeine and taurine. Indeed, with as much as 300 mg of caffeine per can, drinking too many energy drinks can wreak havoc on the body.
Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.