Energy drinks promise quick focus and a fast boost, but the way they affect your body is more complex than the label suggests. High caffeine levels, added sugars, and stimulants can influence heart rate, sleep, hydration, and energy crashes later on. Understanding what’s actually in these drinks, and how your body responds, helps you make more informed choices. Here are five key things to know about energy drinks before you reach for one.
- Some energy drinks can cause heart palpitations, especially if they contain an excessive amount of caffeine.
- If you’re trying to maintain a healthy blood pressure level, energy drinks should be off your menu. They also cause a spike in blood sugar levels, which is something you should be aware of if you’re diabetic.
- Certain alcoholic ciders may contain energy stimulants. Caffeine stimulation plus the depressant effect of alcohol has been linked to a distorted perception of level of intoxication. This means you’re not fully aware of how much you’re drinking.
- Rather than relying on energy drinks, reach for a piece of dark chocolate, which is high in antioxidants, flavonoids and caffeine, and can help you improve your brain function and mood.
- Energy drinks may factor into fertility issues. Ginseng is a root supplement used in herbal medicine and it’s common in energy drinks. For some people, ginseng can cause headaches, digestive issues, and insomnia.
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