Energy drinks have become wildly popular and their consumption is increasing day by day. Because of their alluring effects, these beverages are able to provide a significant boost of energy that can last for hours.
Although energy drinks are marketed to only adults, teenagers have had their fair share of energy drinks, in fact, in America the largest percentage of energy drinks consumers are teenagers which should raise concerns.
Energy drinks may give you a boost of energy but there’s a price to pay. It’s proven that caffeine in energy drinks can cause several side effects that may affect your moods, such as cause irritability.
It’s not just athletes who need energy, every person who works or anyone who needs some cognitive boost like adult students need energy. Energy drinks aren’t necessarily bad for you, however, overconsumption can cause potential health complications.
Besides affecting your mood, energy drinks can do much worse, in fact, there have been several deaths from the consumption of Monster energy drinks.
If you want to know more about how energy drinks can affect you, especially in the long run, keep on reading. Let’s get started!
Contents
What Are Some Common Side Effects Of Energy Drinks?
Energy drinks are known to provide an energy boost, but they’re also popular for causing a number of side effects that range from insomnia to heart complications.
However, the most common side effects that can occur due to immoderate consumption of highly caffeinated energy drinks are dehydration, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety.
Caffeine is the most important ingredient used in energy drinks, it stimulates the brain and the Central Nervous System. In addition, it can cause a significant increase in your mental and physical performance, which can you stay more productive.
While the short-term effects may sound alluring, energy drinks can be dangerous for you. A number of people have died from consuming energy drinks like Monster as they are extremely high in sugar and caffeine.
Check out the nutritional facts of Monster to know what and how much it contains:
| Values | Monster Energy (16 fl. oz) |
| Energy | 210 calories |
| Fat (Of which Saturated) | 0g (0g) |
| Carbohydrates (Of which Sugars) | 54g (54g) |
| Caffeine | 160mg |
| Protein | 0g |
| Sodium | 370mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 3.6mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 46mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 4.6mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 13µg |
As you can see, Monster includes many vitamins which are healthy, but it’s nothing compared to the sugar content. In one can of Monster, there’s 54 g of sugar, which is extremely high than the recommended dose.
According to the AHA, women should keep an intake of 25 g of sugar, while men can consume 36 g of sugar per day.
Considering the sugar and caffeine content, people were digging their own graves. If you want to live a healthy life, I suggest you steer clear of energy drinks like Monster.
Can Energy Drinks Cause Irritable Bowel?
Energy drinks are created with a number of ingredients and the prime and common ingredients used in energy drinks are taurine and caffeine.
Caffeine consumption, especially in huge doses can irritate your bowels. Besides that, taurine is also reported to cause mild diarrhea and constipation.
However, it’s reported that people with caffeine sensitivity are prone to irritated bowel movements. Caffeine sensitivity is one of the most annoying conditions because people who’re sensitive to caffeine can hardly process 80 mg of caffeine without risking side effects.
Here’s a list of side effects associated with caffeine sensitivity:
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Headache.
- Jitters.
- Nervousness or anxiousness.
- Restlessness.
- Insomnia.
Side Effects Of Consuming Too Many Energy Drinks?
Energy drinks are far worse than you think, they may fool you by providing a boost of energy but they’re spreading their roots that will only end in health complications.
The consumption of energy drinks is increasing and now you can find them in every store which makes it impossible for you to avoid them.
Energy drinks can cause innumerable side effects and health complications, especially when consumed in immoderation, like insomnia, rapid heartbeat, and heart strokes.
In fact, research has linked overconsumption of Red Bull to side effects like:
- Can Increase Blood Pressure And Heart Rate.
- May Increase Type 2 Diabetes Risk.
- May Damage Your Teeth.
- May Negatively Affect Kidney Health.
- May Increase High-Risk Behavior.
- May Lead To Caffeine Overdose
To have a greater understanding, let’s dig deep and learn how these above-listed side effects occur.
Can Increase Blood Pressure And Heart Rate
A number of studies including healthy adults have examined that drinking one 12-ounce (355-ml) can of Red Bull causes a significant increase in blood pressure and heart rate levels under 90 minutes and up to 24 hours after consuming it.
May Increase Type 2 Diabetes Risk
As energy drinks contain high doses of sugar and excess sugar intake, especially from sugar-sweetened beverages, can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes according to some research.
May Damage Your Teeth
Several studies indicate that consuming acidic beverages can have harmful effects on your tooth enamel. Energy drinks like Red Bull are acidic beverages, therefore regular intake can damage your tooth enamel.
May Negatively Affect Kidney Health
While occasional consumption of Red Bull may not cause any serious effects on kidney health, research suggests that chronic, especially immoderate intake could.
In fact. a 12-week study including rats concluded that chronic consumption of Red Bull can easily cause a decline in kidney function. Additionally, several types of work research indicate an association between high sugar consumption and an increased risk of chronic kidney disease.
May Increase High-Risk Behavior
A number of researches have examined an association between excessive consumption of Red Bull and increased high-risk behavior, especially when mixed with alcohol.
Furthermore, increased high-risk behavior in teenagers is far more dangerous than in adults, therefore I urge you to keep an eye on your kids.
May Lead To Caffeine Overdose And Possible Toxicity
While adequate doses of caffeine vary by every individual, research suggests limiting regular caffeine intake to 400 mg or less.
In addition, as an 8.4-ounce (260-ml) can of Red Bull includes 80 mg of caffeine, consuming more than 5 cans daily can significantly increase your risk of caffeine overdose.
Can Sugar In Energy Drinks Cause Side Effects?
Sugar is as bad as caffeine, they both are great at providing a boost of energy, however sugar energy boost only lasts for a short period of time.
Sugar is usually included in large doses of energy drinks, often in doses that are larger than the recommended limits.
While a moderate intake of sugar may not cause any side effects, overconsumption, on the other hand, can lead to health complications which include:
- Headaches.
- Irritability.
- Fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
- Feeling jittery or anxious.
- Feeling shaky or dizzy.
- Hunger.
- Bloating.
- Higher blood pressure.
- Inflammation.
- Weight gain.
- Diabetes.
- Fatty liver disease.
- Increased risk for heart attack and stroke.
Check out the video to know how increased consumption of energy drinks is rising:
Alternatives To Energy Drinks
Energy drinks can be the worst thing you put in your body, therefore you need something that is good for your health.
Check out the healthiest alternatives for regular consumption:
- Green Smoothies.
- Fruit Smoothies.
- Herbal Teas.
- Green Teas.
- Coffee.
- Kombucha.
- Fruit Juices.
Moreover, if these aren’t your thing and you need energy drinks on a regular basis, there’re a number of energy drinks that can be healthy for you.
Check out the list below:
- Zevia Energy.
- Steaz Yerba Mate.
- NUUN Energy.
- LIFEAID FOCUSAID Clean Energy.
- ZOA Energy.
Conclusion
- Energy drinks are known to cause several side effects which can trigger mood swings and cause irritability.
- Caffeine in energy drinks is the main cause of almost all of the side effects that you’re experiencing, therefore keep it in moderation.
- Moreover, taurine is also included in energy drinks, while it doesn’t cause any health complications but it has been noticed to cause mild constipation or diarrhea.
- Irritated bowel movements are much worse among people with caffeine sensitivity.
- The most common side effects of consuming energy drinks are dehydration, anxiety, and rapid heartbeat.
- Sugar is the same as caffeine, too much sugar consumption can lead to side effects which include weight gain, in serious cases heart attacks.
- Energy drinks like Monster are quite dangerous for human health, so I suggest you go for beverages that have low sugar and caffeine content.