Nowadays, you can catch almost anyone, especially high school students, drinking energy drinks. Some only have an energy drink every once in a while, and some have one or more almost every day. If you walked into an American high school, you would most likely see several students with an energy drink in hand. According to Southwest Michigan’s Second Wave Voices of Youth Battle Creek program, around 63% of teenagers drink energy drinks every day. Around 20% of students who consume energy drinks daily admit to knowing energy drinks are bad for their health, and around 25% of students who do not drink energy drinks report that they know energy drinks are bad for their health.
Energy drinks are beverages that contain high amounts of caffeine, added sugar, and other additives (vitamins, electrolytes, etc.). Energy drinks also contain legal stimulants such as taurine (amino acid), guarana (caffeine), and L-carnitine (which turns fat into energy). However, the ingredients added do vary depending on the brand. Energy drinks are designed to boost energy levels and alertness. Energy drinks can increase energy levels, enhance concentration, boost metabolism, and even improve physical performance.
However, the effects can vary. Excessive consumption of energy drinks can lead to several side effects. These side effects include jitters, increased heart rate, and trouble sleeping. But what makes energy drinks ‘unhealthy?’ The main reason is that energy drinks have high levels of caffeine. The main health concern associated with energy drinks is heart problems. Excessive consumption can strain the heart and may lead to serious cardiovascular issues. The amount of caffeine in energy drinks is so high, that there is usually more caffeine in energy drinks than tea and coffee. High amounts of caffeine intake increase heart rate, elevate blood pressure, and can even cause irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias).
JVA Volleyball player Ava Welsh says “I don’t usually drink energy drinks daily anymore. I used to drink 1-2 a day once or twice a week for like a month but I don’t drink as much anymore. I’ll have an energy drink occasionally but I feel like I am doing something bad whenever I drink one. I do like the taste though!”
Regular consumption of energy drinks can contribute to cardiovascular problems over time, especially for individuals who are already at risk for other reasons like diabetes, obesity, hypertension, etc. In some rare cases, individuals may even experience severe complications, like heart attacks, or strokes particularly if they consume large quantities or have other health problems. Teens are using energy drinks as a source of hydration, but energy drinks do not hydrate the body at all. Energy drinks can dehydrate us, especially during sports and other physical activities if we don’t drink enough water.
Does this mean you shouldn’t drink energy drinks ever again? No, not necessarily. Just because you drink an energy drink every once in a while doesn’t mean you’re going to have a heart attack in the next few years. As long as you drink energy drinks with caution and in moderation, you’ll be just fine. I enjoy an energy drink every once in a while too.
