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Reaching for an energy drink -

Energy drinks can be useful if you are looking for a quick energy boost, for example when you need to drive a short distance or finish an urgent task.

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Common misconception -

However, there is a common misconception about energy drinks and the fatigue-reducing ingredients they contain.

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Popular belief -

Many people believe that energy drinks reduce fatigue and boost energy levels because they contain sugar and are good for hydration.

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Packed with stimulants -

In reality, however, the majority of energy drinks are packed full of caffeine and other stimulants that can be dangerous in large quantities.

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Understanding energy drinks -

For this reason, it is important to understand exactly what you are consuming when you indulge in an energy drink, and precisely how it will affect your body.

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Energy drinks vs. sports drinks -

The first important thing to note when it comes to energy drinks is that they are not the same as sports drinks.

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Key distinction -

Indeed, many people think of these beverages as one and the same, but there is an important distinction.

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Sports drinks and electrolytes -

Sports drinks are beverages that contain electrolytes. Athletes use them to replace water and electrolytes that they lose during exercise.

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Possible added sugars -

Sometimes sports drinks will also contain added sugars, but most of the time they are composed of salts and electrolytes alone.

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Energy drinks and stimulants -

The main purpose of energy drinks, on the other hand, is to act as a stimulant. They generally contain large amounts of caffeine, as well as other legal stimulants, such as taurine.

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Important to note -

Although they sometimes also contain electrolytes, energy drinks should never be used to replace fluids and electrolytes lost during exercise.

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Hidden danger -

The main reason that energy drinks are dangerous is that they can cause excessive caffeine consumption.

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Recommended daily dose -

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), more than 400 mg of caffeine per day is considered excessive for adults.

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Coffee vs. energy drink -

While that equates to around four or five cups of coffee, it may be the equivalent of just one or two cans of an energy drink.

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Always read the label -

Indeed, some energy drinks contain as much as 300 mg in each bottle or can, so it is very important to read the label before you consume one.

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Symptoms -

Excessive caffeine consumption can cause people to become jittery and lead to symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat or anxiety.

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Disrupted sleep -

It can also cause people to have trouble sleeping, which paradoxically increases fatigue over time and makes people more likely to reach for an energy drink!

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The risk of caffeine intoxication -

In cases where a very large amount of caffeine is consumed, a person can even experience caffeine intoxication.

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Potentially fatal -

This is a rare, yet serious condition that can affect the heart’s rhythm. It some cases, it can even be fatal.

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Staying within the limits -

Someone who drinks the threshold amount of 400 mg of caffeine per day is unlikely to experience caffeine intoxication. However, they may experience jitters and problems with their sleep.

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The FDA recommendation - It is very important to note that the FDA recommendation for daily caffeine consumption relates to adults only.

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What about children? -

In the case of children, the recommendation is that they do not consume any drinks that contain caffeine and/or added sugars.

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AAP recommendation -

Indeed, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children and adolescents should not consume energy drinks.

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Other risk groups -

Other groups of people who should steer clear of energy drinks include those with chronic heart problems or high blood pressure.

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Interaction with medication -

Caffeine, and by extension energy drinks, can also interfere with certain medications, such as anti-depressants and diabetes medications.

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Other ways to beat fatigue -

If you are in the habit of consuming energy drinks because you rely on the short-term kick they provide, consider that there are other, better ways to reduce fatigue and boost energy levels.

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Make lifestyle changes -

Bear in mind that a simple change to your diet could give you more energy, as could introducing or increasing physical exercise.

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Stay hydrated -

It is also important to make sure you keep hydrated throughout the day, since becoming dehydrated can cause and compound feelings of fatigue.

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When to see a doctor -

If you find that you are suffering from ongoing exhaustion, it may be time to see a professional to find out why.

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When to see a doctor -

Indeed, ongoing exhaustion is sometimes a symptom of an underlying medical issue, such as anemia, hypothyroidism, or sleep apnea.

Sources: (CNN) (FDA) (AAP)

See also: How do vitamins boost our energy?

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