Suburb March 2019

LIFESTYLE
THE TOXIC
TRUTH ABOUT
ENERGY
DRINKS
So are you among those who are habitual to guzzling an energy drink to revitalize
your mind and body, boost your energy to focus better? Think again- The can might
just be an easy catch for instant gratification with a hidden cost to pay later
Meera Bakshi
The growing consumption of
energy drinks has become a
cause of concern for health
authorities across the world.
Apart from the small
presence of taurine and
vitamins, the most active
ingredient in energy drinks is caffeine.
While some brands have just 50 milligrams,
others pack as much as 215 mg. To put that
in perspective, an average 8-ounce cup of
coffee contains roughly 100 mg and most
experts advise limiting your caffeine to 400
mg a day to the maximum.
Energy drinks can be dangerous on their
own, yet they are more perilous when
combined with alcohol. Incidentally this
pairing has gone mainstream with bars
serving new breed of concoction of alcohol
mixed with energy drink. Wise is to stay
away!
Medical experts believe that there are
increased incidents of dangerous side
effects of energy drinks affecting the
younger demographics of the society.
Some of the adverse effects may include:
1. Cardiac Arrest: Those underlying heart
conditions have gone into cardiac arrest
just after a few energy drinks
2. Headaches and Migraines: Too many
energy drinks can lead to severe headaches
from caffeine withdrawal symptoms
3. Increased Anxiety: With two different
genetic variations in their adenosine
receptors. They are prone to a feeling of
increased anxiety while consuming
caffeinated beverages
4. High Blood Pressure: Caffeinated
products are harmful to people with high
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suburb life | March 2019