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Do Energy Drinks Make You Constipated?(Honest Answer)

Many people around the world enjoy energy drinks during the day to keep them going. The impact of these energy drinks may differ from individual to individual.

Some may feel energetic while others can get undesirable side effects. You may have noticed that sometimes people complain about constipation after consuming these drinks.

Could that be because of an energy drink?

Here is a short answer: No, in fact, their high caffeine content may cause some people to experience laxative effects, and they may have to use the restroom frequently if they have sensitive stomachs.

A person with a low tolerance to caffeine may experience a strong sensation of bowel movement when they drink caffeine. People who are sensitive to caffeine feel the urge to poop when caffeine stimulates the muscles in the colon and intestines.

You may avoid this by consuming energy drinks moderately.

Caffeine can cause a lot of side effects, including frequent toilet breaks. Learn more about how regular consumption of caffeine affects your intestinal health.

Typical Ingredients of Energy Drinks

Energy drinks come in many varieties, but they all have several common ingredients. There are lots of nutrients and vitamins found in energy drinks, as well as caffeine, sugars, and amino acids.

Caffeine

Caffeine is an important ingredient in energy drinks because of its ability to increase alertness and performance.

Energy drinks contain different amounts of caffeine depending on the brand to accommodate different energy needs.

Caffeine is a natural stimulant because it prevents the brain from absorbing adenosine. Drinking energy drinks provide a feeling of vitality and vigor.

In energy drinks, the caffeine content ranges between 100mg to 300mg. Anything higher could be dangerous. The adverse effects of caffeine go far beyond stimulating the body’s metabolism.

The acidic nature of this substance is reflected in its low pH. Interference with the stomach’s hydrochloric acid results in indigestion and heartburn.

After caffeine enters the bloodstream, it is distributed throughout the body within 45 minutes or less. 

Researchers found that excessive caffeine consumption can have negative effects on the heart’s health and cause the heart rate to drop.

The following are the effects of excessive caffeine consumption:

  • Digestive issues
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • High blood pressure
  • Bleeding Disorders
  • Diarrhea
  • Osteoporosis
Caffeine Intake

Sugar

Energy drinks are primarily sweetened with sugar. Some of the energy drinks have 41 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving as opposed to 39 grams in cola drinks.

Sugar intake should be limited.
Sugar intake should be limited

Health problems can be caused by all kinds of sugary drinks:  

Amino Acids

Your body depends on amino acids for proper functioning. During the day, it provides you with the energy to take on everyday challenges.

An amino acid‘s main purpose is to supply the body with enough protein. Energy drinks often contain the following amino acids:

Taurine Reduces the risk of heart disease, controls blood sugar, supports the function of the CNS, and regulates the immune system
GlycineAids type II diabetes, improves sleep quality and protects the heart
CholineEnhances memory, eases anxiety, lowers high blood pressure, and improves gene expression
L-TyrosineIncreases communication between neurons, builds proteins, improves memory and thinking skills, and keeps one focused
LCarnitineReduces lactic acid buildup, helps muscles move, boosts heart and brain function, and transforms fat into energy
Functions of Amino Acids

Vitamins

Several vitamins are present in Energy Drinks, including Vitamins A, E, C, and B.

There are differences between these formulas.

Using an easy-to-understand table, that explains the benefits of vitamins.

Vitamin A Enhances vision, maintains immunity, aids in reproduction, and ensures proper function of organs
Vitamin CEnhances bone and tooth development, boosts the immune system, iron absorption is enhanced, has a lowering effect on hypertension
Vitamin ERejuvenates cells, enhances reproduction abilities, cancer risks are reduced, antioxidants protect against oxidative stress
Vitamin B6Supports and boosts metabolism, the performance of CNS, enhances the functioning of cells, promotes neurotransmitter secretion
Vitamin B12Enhances the expression of genes, contributes to DNA synthesis, formulates RBCs, and maintains the health of neurons
Functions of Vitamins

Energy Drinks and Stomach Function – Are they Compatible?

Taking too many energy drinks may disturb your stomach.

It is not the energy drink that causes stomach aches, but the ingredients within it, especially if you consume them in excess.

Excessive Consumption of Energy Drinks is Dangerous.
Excessive Consumption of Energy Drinks is Dangerous

Energy drinks have previously been associated with stomach irritation, indigestion, and heartburn, probably because of the presence of caffeine.

People who do not experience these side effects, such as nausea and stomach pain, can still develop gastritis.

Additionally, energy drinks contain large amounts of caffeine, which can become too much for your digestive system to handle if consumed in excess.

Side effects associated with excessive consumption of energy drinks may include insomnia and palpitations.

Along with caffeine, energy drinks contain other ingredients that can upset the stomach.

Drinking energy drinks with guarana and L-carnitine may cause vomiting and stomach pain in some people.

It is, therefore, best to stay away from energy drinks if you have a sensitivity to these ingredients and instead select something milder.

Caffeinated drinks should be consumed in moderation, and you should avoid consuming the same amount twice.

Poop More or Constipate More?

Those who are caffeine sensitive may have increased bowel movements after consuming energy drinks containing ingredients like caffeine. Either they will have more poop or they will become constipated.

Due to caffeine’s high content in energy drinks, these energy drinks can act as diuretics that can cause dehydration. Dehydration can contribute to constipation, so drink water rather than energy drinks to help eliminate constipation.

Constipation can be relieved safely and effectively in the following ways:

  • There is no substitute for a healthy diet, which includes fruits such as figs, bananas, apples, and pears. You will be able to pass your stool through your colon more easily, thanks to the fiber and water in these fruits.
  • All vegetables are good sources of fiber, especially salads, legumes, and broccoli.
  • Consume approximately 6 to 8 glasses of water daily to keep your body hydrated.

Is There a Cure for an Upset Stomach?

If your stomach feels upset, it’s recommended that you drink liquids until your stomach feels better. Water contains all the electrolytes your body needs, and it does so without containing any additional ingredients.

Also, water generally does not cause stomach pain, and it is generally beneficial for your health. Ginger also seems to offer benefits to those with upset stomachs according to studies.

Many forms of ginger, all of which are helpful, are natural anti-inflammatory agents. Ginger can be found in chews and supplements, but many people prefer beverages made with ginger.

Are there any Ingredients You Should Watch Out for?

When buying an energy drink, be sure to read the ingredients on the back of the label to find these:

  • Ginseng
  • Carnitine
  • Guarana

Despite the FDA’s approval of the above ingredients, some people have reported experiencing nausea, vomiting, cramps, or diarrhea.

Can We Drink Energy Drinks Every day?

It is recommended that adults consume a maximum of two energy drinks (16 ounces) per day, and children should avoid them altogether. When energy drinks are consumed in excessive amounts, they can lead to anxiety, tooth decay, insomnia, and heart problems.

It should not be the case that you drink two energy drinks every day. Until absolutely necessary, avoid energy drinks if at all possible. You should still limit energy drinks to two per day.

Do You Need to Stop Drinking Energy Drinks?

Having an energy drink now and then is fine, but regularly consuming them can cause serious long-term side effects that are discussed below.

Gaining weight 

Energy drinks are chock-full of sugar, which can be bad for your waistline. The truth is that energy drinks are simply fat-laden beverages that can lead to weight gain if consumed regularly.

Redbull, for example, has about 170 calories in one can. The more you have per day, the faster the weight will add up. Spend those calories on lean meat and vegetables instead, which are nutrient-rich and healthy.

Overabundance of Vitamins

There is a limit to how much you should take when it comes to vitamins and minerals. There are plenty of energy drinks containing vitamins and minerals that you don’t need.

During an energy drink overload, your body is laboring to expel what it doesn’t need, and you may be harming it rather than helping it.

Then again, your vitamins and minerals would be better obtained from whole, unprocessed foods.

Sugar Packed

One can of Redbull has 27 grams of sugar. Energy drinks are generally high in sugar. When you consume two or more canned beverages per day, you have a dangerously high intake of sugar, which can negatively affect your health over time.

For a 2000 calorie diet, the recommended daily sugar intake is a maximum of 50 grams, so you can imagine that multiple energy drinks will certainly send you over this limit (assuming that you do not consume additional sugars throughout the day).

Decaying teeth

The use of energy drinks can destroy your teeth’s enamel and lead to significant tooth decay. Acidic levels and sugar contribute to the problem.

It’s a good idea to keep this in mind next time you grab a Monster or Redbull. Sugar and acid can do a number on your teeth, so be aware.

Anxiety Issues

When you consume an energy drink, do you feel incredibly anxious and shaky? Probably because your nervous system is going into extreme overdrive due to the excess caffeine!

Anxiety is a disease.
Anxiety is a disease

However, energy drinks can make other people feel anxious as well since they can make you more alert and focused. Drinking energy drinks can leave you feeling anxious and shaky, so you should find an alternative method of feeling energized.

Alternatives

Final Thoughts

Energy drinks, generally don’t cause constipation. On the contrary, their excessive intake can result in diarrhea.

All energy drinks contain caffeine, but their caffeine content isn’t the only reason why they upset your stomach.

Vitamins and minerals are usually in large amounts in them, and if not taken correctly, can cause upset stomachs. I suggest you drink energy drinks within your own limits to compensate.

Do not drink the whole can if you don’t feel you are capable of handling it. Drink it according to your own needs.

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