How do Energy Drinks Affect you
A well-known beverage, valued for its high caffeine content, along with the addition of extra sugars, various additives, and legal stimulants like guarana, taurine, and L-carnitine. These legal stimulants can provide benefits such as increased alertness, attention, and energy levels, but they also carry the potential for elevating blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration.
Numerous studies have supplied evidence supporting the notion that energy drinks can positively influence exercise performance, which is why they are favored among many athletes. For instance, in a 2016 study involving 18 endurance runners, researchers observed an improvement in physical performance during a 5-km time trial after consuming energy drinks.
Likewise, another study conducted on elite field hockey players demonstrated that the consumption of energy drinks led to enhancements in speed and increased running distance during a field hockey game.
Better options (Drink this instead of that)
There is a wide array of caffeine options available, and caffeine is a common part of our daily routine, whether consumed through coffee, energy drinks, energy shots, powder, or energy pills.
It’s essential to recognize that the best energy drink intake varies for each individual since we all react differently to caffeine. According to the FDA, a healthy person should not exceed 400mg of caffeine per day, with a moderation limit of 200mg.
Studies have consistently shown that caffeine, when consumed in moderation, can lead to improved performance, especially in exercise-related activities. This explains why many athletes choose to consume energy drinks to boost their performance.
However, it’s crucial to remain adequately hydrated when consuming energy drinks since they can act as diuretics and lead to faster dehydration.
Moreover, apart from the physical benefits, caffeine has also been linked to improved cognitive performance, with a 2001 study finding that Red Bull energy drinks could enhance alertness, reaction time, memory, and concentration.
What key ingredients you should be looking for in energy drinks
- It’s crucial to be mindful of the caffeine content in each can of energy drinks, as the FDA recommends limiting daily caffeine intake to 400mg to avoid consuming too much.
- Be attentive to whether the energy drink uses natural or artificial ingredients, as this can influence your perception of its healthiness and personal preferences.
- Always check the ingredients list for potential allergens like soy or wheat, as some energy drinks may contain these ingredients and could cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
- Take into account the additional nutrients offered by certain energy drinks, such as electrolytes and vitamins, which can provide extra health benefits.
- Exercise caution regarding the amount of sugars and artificial sweeteners present in energy drinks, as some cans may contain 25mg or more per serving, potentially impacting your sugar intake and overall well-being.
Why Do they put Vitamins in Energy Drinks?
The presence of B vitamins in energy drinks is attributed to their significant role in energy metabolism. The vitamin B complex comprises eight different water-soluble vitamins. Since these compounds are water-soluble, any excess B vitamins that the body does not utilize are safely eliminated, preventing any toxic buildup. As a result, energy drink manufacturers include B vitamins to help facilitate the body’s energy production processes.
Certainly, here’s a concise list of additional functions of vitamin B6:
- Supports proper functioning of the nervous system.
- Essential for the synthesis of hemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide in red blood cells.
- Increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
- Contributes to maintaining a robust immune system.
- Assists in the processing of carbohydrates to produce energy.
Food sources rich in vitamin B6 encompass fortified cereals, beans, meat, poultry, fish, and select fruits and vegetables.
Why do Energy drinks have Vitamin B?
Energy drinks often contain Vitamin B due to its essential role in energy metabolism. The B vitamin family, known as B vitamins or vitamin B complex, consists of eight different vitamins. These vitamins play a key role in the body’s ability to convert food into energy, which is why they are included in energy drinks to support and enhance the body’s energy production processes.
Moreover, B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning that any surplus amount not utilized by the body is excreted safely, without causing harmful buildup. This characteristic ensures that energy drink consumers can benefit from the positive effects of B vitamins without worrying about potential toxicity.
Should you be drinking Energy Drinks?
some products have been found to contain significantly higher amounts of caffeine compared to regular sodas. Understanding the effects of caffeine at different dosages is crucial as higher amounts can lead to adverse effects like jitters, insomnia, irregular heartbeats, sweating, nervousness, and in extreme cases, even seizures. It’s essential for consumers to be mindful of the caffeine content in energy drinks and practice careful consumption to avoid potential health risks associated with excessive intake. Being aware of the caffeine levels in these beverages can help individuals make informed choices and prioritize their well-being.
How to naturally make Energy Caffeine ways to stay naturally Energized.
- Kickstart your day with a nutritious snack that is low in sugar. This way, your body will gradually absorb the nutrients, preventing sudden energy crashes.
- Maintain a balanced and regular eating schedule. Skipping meals can deprive you of essential energy, leading to overeating during the next meal. Consistency in your eating habits helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Incorporate exercise into your routine, even a brisk walk can invigorate your energy levels. Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins and norepinephrine, promoting a sense of alertness.
- Practice the Bellows Breath technique, originally from Yoga, to awaken your body. Keeping your mouth closed, inhale and exhale rapidly through your nose with short breaths, stimulating your diaphragm and promoting alertness.
- Combat fatigue by staying hydrated throughout the day. Dehydration can contribute to feelings of tiredness, so drinking enough water is crucial.
- Enjoy a 20-minute nap to reap the benefits of the initial stages of sleep, providing restorative rest.
- Spend time in nature, even for short periods, as studies have shown it enhances energy levels and reduces stress responses.
When dealing with fatigue, it’s important to recognize that caffeine alone is not the only solution. Adopting healthy habits such as consuming nutritious snacks, maintaining regular meal patterns, engaging in exercise, and occasionally taking naps can naturally boost your energy levels and help you stay refreshed.Aside from caffeine and sugar, many energy drinks contain additional ingredients like guarana, amino acids (like taurine), B-vitamins, and ginseng, all of which are intended to enhance alertness. While the desire for increased alertness is understandable, it’s essential to consider alternative solutions beyond relying solely on energy drinks, and chiropractors can offer such alternatives.Let’s explore some of the effects of the mentioned ingredients: [Further elaboration on the effects of guarana, amino acids (such as taurine), B-vitamins, and ginseng can be provided upon request or based on specific interests.]
- Guarana: Derived from the seeds of a South American shrub, guarana contains more than double the caffeine content of coffee beans. Its stimulant properties can lead to a slight improvement in reaction time. Due to its high caffeine levels, it is crucial to consume guarana in moderation to avoid potential side effects associated with excessive caffeine intake.Taurine:
- Taurine is one of the primary amino acids found in energy drinks and is known for its antioxidant properties. It has been linked to potential benefits in enhancing athletic performance and supporting the neurological system. While the body naturally produces taurine, maintaining a balanced diet can provide adequate amounts. However, some studies have raised concerns about the synthetic form of taurine present in energy drinks. High intake of synthetic taurine has been associated with serious health issues such as strokes, seizures, high blood pressure, and heart disease. As such, it’s important to be cautious with the consumption of taurine-containing energy drinks and to consider obtaining taurine from natural dietary sources.
Absolutely, you’ve highlighted a crucial point. Excessive consumption of energy drinks, particularly due to their high caffeine and synthetic ingredient content, can pose potential health risks. It’s vital to recognize the importance of seeking professional advice from healthcare experts, including chiropractors or other qualified professionals, to explore safer and more sustainable ways of achieving alertness and managing fatigue.
These professionals can provide personalized recommendations and guidance to promote overall well-being without relying on potentially harmful substances. Taking a proactive approach to prioritize one’s health is essential in making informed decisions regarding energy and alertness management
If you have any inquiries regarding attaining natural energy or participating in our yoga sessions, we, at Attuned Vitality, are here to assist you with the next steps. Our offerings include meditation sessions and yoga classes that can contribute to your overall well-being and energy levels. Feel free to contact us today or visit our Facebook page to learn more about our services and how we can support you in your journey towards vitality and balance. We look forward to helping you on your path to a healthier and more energized life.