New brands of energy drinks seem to show up on shelves of gas stations and grocery store every week. They can increase energy before a workout, as a quick afternoon pick-me-up, or to provide energy throughout the day. The amount of caffeine and sugar is usually greater than the amount found in coffee, and too much of these compounds may cause negative side effects. If you are suffering from constant low energy and need energy drinks to get through the day, work with a health care professional to determine the cause of your fatigue.
Nervousness
One of the symptoms of drinking energy drinks can be nervousness. Registered Pharmacist in Nutrition Anita Bean explains in her book, "Anita Bean's Sports Nutrition for Young Athletes" that most energy drinks contain 80 mg of caffeine per 250 ml, but many energy drinks are twice this size. Bean notes that up to 85 mg of caffeine a day is considered safe for kids, and adults may safely drink up to 300 mg, but nervousness and jitters may occur at much lower levels.
Possible Dehydration
Possible dehydration is another possible symptom of drinking energy drinks, especially if you are working out. In her book, "100 Questions & Answers about Sports Nutrition and Exercise," registered dietitian Lilah Al-Masri explains that the greater concentration of carbohydrates in energy drinks as compared to sports drinks leads to larger amounts of fluids being pulled from circulation, which can cause dehydration. Other possible side effects that often accompany dehydration include diarrhea and vomiting.
May Increase Fatigue
Though this symptom does not always occur, sometimes energy drinks cause the opposite reaction - they increase fatigue. Usually, you feel an initial rush of energy from the caffeine and sugar in most drinks, but eventually, your blood sugar crashes from insulin working hard to get these sugars out of your bloodstream. According to Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum in his book, "Beat Sugar Addiction Now!" using energy drinks often to boost energy may eventually lead to sugar addiction, fatigue and even chronic fatigue syndrome.
Rapid Heartbeat
Another possible symptom of drinking energy drinks is a rapid heartbeat. Marie Dunford, Ph.D, in her book, "Nutrition for Sport and Exercise," notes that energy drinks can cause an irregular heartbeat in some people, especially those who are not used to caffeine. This may be linked to caffeine's effects on the central nervous system, which in low doses may help increase physical stamina, but in high doses overexerts the heart and nerves.
References
- "Anita Bean's Sports Nutrition for Young Athletes"; Anita Bean, R.P.H.Nutr.; 2010
- "100 Questions & Answers about Sports Nutrition and Exercise"; Lilah Al-Masri, MS, RD; 2010
- "Beat Sugar Addiction Now!"; Jacob Teitelbaum, MD; 2010
- "Nutrition for Sport and Exercise"; Marie Dunford, PhD; 2007
Member Comments