According to experts, healthy adults should limit their consumption of energy drinks to about one can a day because they are packed with synthetic caffeine, sugar and other unnecessary ingredients that can do more harm than good. However, the truth is that not all energy drinks are made the same way. Energy drinks are naturally unhealthy. According to Popeck, they can be safe if consumed in moderation by people without underlying health problems, although there are better ways to increase energy.
A recent study (5) evaluated the acute effects of energy drinks on the physical performance of 19 professional women's volleyball players. Binge drinking is defined as the consumption of five or more drinks for men and four or more drinks for women in two hours. Caffeine can help you wake up when you're tired, but make sure you get at least 7 hours of sleep each night, as energy drinks can't replace a good night's rest. Energy drinks have become very popular in recent years among people looking for “a pick-me-up” at noon, a pick-me-up in the morning, or even a way (not recommended) to delay the effects of drinking alcohol.
Several studies have shown an increase in heart rate and blood pressure after consuming energy drinks. It is very important to note that, while the studies mentioned above have identified positive effects of energy drinks on physical performance, other research has not documented significant effects or harmful health consequences. Energy drink consumption has increased dramatically over the past two decades, especially among adolescents and young adults. Considering this fact and the growing popularity of these beverages, caution should be exercised when consuming energy drinks.
Al-Fares et al. (5), in a single blind, placebo-controlled study, recently evaluated the effects of energy drinks on physical performance in 32 healthy women who had not trained. They showed that the energy drink studied significantly improved aerobic endurance (staying at most between 65 and 75%). Limit your intake of energy drinks and instead focus on following a nutritious diet and getting enough sleep to improve concentration and energy levels.
Although many people mix energy drinks with alcohol, you should avoid doing so, as it can be hazardous to your health. Excessive or regular consumption of energy drinks can lead to heart arrhythmias, headaches, high blood pressure, and anxiety, Popeck says. When combined with alcohol, energy drinks can alter levels of intoxication, leaving you feeling less intoxicated and less energetic, while still experiencing signs of deterioration from alcohol, such as slurred speech, lack of coordination, and memory problems. The more information you have about what's in your energy drink and how much is too much, the safer the experience is likely to be.
In fact, the adverse health effects associated with energy drinks are still a matter of controversy among scientists.
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