Just How Bad Are Energy Drinks?
What Are Energy Drinks?
From 2007 to 2011, the number of emergency room visits related to energy drinks nearly doubled in the United States, rising from slightly more than 10,000 to nearly 21,000, according to a meeting news release. Most of the cases involved young adults aged 18 to 25, followed by people aged 26 to 39.
The Dangers
Cardiac Arrest
Headaches and Migraines
Insomnia
Type 2 Diabetes
Drug Interaction
Addiction
Risky behavior
Jitters and Nervousness
Vomiting
Allergic Reactions
Ending Notes
Individual responses to caffeine vary, and these drinks should be treated carefully because of how powerful they are. Energy drinks' stimulating properties can boost the heart rate and blood pressure (sometimes to the point of palpitations), dehydrate the body, and, like other stimulants, prevent sleep.
Energy drinks should not be used while exercising as the combination of fluid loss from sweating and the diuretic quality of the caffeine can leave someone severely dehydrated.
When used occasionally, energy drinks are not necessarily bad for you, but they shouldn't be seen as "natural alternatives" either.