Energy drinks are designed to increase stamina and improve physical performance through the use of ingredients such as caffeine. They are marketed in youthful and frivolous fashion, targeting young people and children and often luring people in with promises of energy bursts and increased endurance.
But there is reason to be cautious about downing these drinks and it’s important people, especially athletes, are aware of the harms they could be inflicting on their bodies. While caffeine is found naturally in the body, energy drinks contain a much higher dose which can have serious immediate effects on the body.
Unlike sports drinks such as Gatorade which replace water and minerals lost during exercise, energy drinks contain caffeine, a diuretic which works to expel water from the body. The combination of exercise and dehydration can be very dangerous as the body is deprived of vital minerals and water.
People participating in sport are encouraged to steer clear of energy drinks, particularly during and after exercise. Most energy drinks come with a consumption warning of no more than two drinks per day, highlighting the possible danger of consuming these drinks on a regular basis.
While further research is required to determine the long term effects, other short term harms resulting from consuming energy drinks include anxiety, irritability, insomnia and agitation.
So next time, think before you sip and if you do decide to chug on an energy drink, hydrate yourself with plenty of water during and after exercise
Last Modified on 06/06/2011 11:12
