Who isn’t tempted to grab one of the many popular energy boosting drinks when we have a big deadline or feel that we have to get some energy going in order to finish the day?
The market is taking of advantage of our craving for energy by introducing more and more energy drinks that claim instant energy.
But they don’t tell you everything. Most of these energy drinks are chock full of caffeine and have even been suspected of contributing to someone’s death in some users because it becomes toxic and prevents the heart’s ability to keep pumping blood.
Rapid rises in blood pressure are also part of the side effects when guzzling energy drinks. Some other side effects of consuming energy drinks (according to accumulated scientific data) include:
Dizziness
As your heart rate rises and your blood pressure increases, the rapid increase of blood to the brain may cause you to experience dizziness.
Nervousness and Agitation
Energy drinks can make you as nervous and agitated as if you’d been drinking coffee all day. The nerves respond to a rapid increase in blood blow and you can become jittery and irritable.
Difficulty Breathing
You may experience difficult in catching your breath after consuming an energy drink. Heart palpitations are also common and you may struggle to breathe to keep up with a rapidly pumping heart.
Headaches
Withdrawal after the effects of an energy drink wear off can cause severe headaches – a common complaint of people who use energy drinks on a constant basis to have enough energy to get through the day.
Insomnia
Insomnia is one of the most common side effects from energy drinks. Not getting enough sleep can cause other problems to your health such as fatigue, irritability and moodiness.
It’s been said that everything done in moderation can’t hurt you, but keep in mind that your body and mind might be very susceptible to the harmful side effects of energy boosting drinks. If you do try one, make sure you don’t have a medical condition that might exacerbate the potentially harmful ingredients contained in most of these drinks.
Whether you’re trying to increase your workout and athletic abilities or want to cram for an exam, remember that there’s no good alternative to eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of sleep.
A healthy lifestyle is definitely preferable to constantly consuming energy boosting drinks that might eventually harm your health and well-being. And, although these drinks do provide quick bursts of energy, you won’t be consuming a good, healthy meal that will do you much more good in the long run.
