Weight Reduction

We have all seen the many different Energy Drinks that are available on the market today.  Images of tall cans of Rock Star, Red Bull, Cocaine, Pimp Juice, Monster Energy, Full Throttle and Rage come to mind.  Many of these beverages contain ingredients that sound scientific, but they may be unfamiliar to many of the people who consume them.

An Energy Drink may not be the best way to get the boost of energy we all need from time to time.  The FDA does not support a definition for the term “Energy Drink.”  This is left up to the discretion of the manufacturers’. 

 According to Suzanne Farrell, MS, RD, who is a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, there is a very scant scientific support for the claims that the manufacturers make to promote their products.  She states that the majority of the energy from these drinks comes from the sugar and caffeine that they contain, and not necessarily the extra ingredients.  She also indicates that these drinks contain several of their calories from sugar.  This can add up very quickly when you drink a few cans of these beverages.

Cynthia Sass, MPH, MA, RD is a board certified specialist in sports dietetics.  She states, “Most of the energy drinks contain high-tech-sounding ingredients that are not controlled substances, of no value, and potentially harmful” in large amounts.”

One of the ingredients that the majority of people are familiar with is caffeine.  It is important to understand that while it is readily available, caffeine is also extremely dehydrating.  Generally, the consumption of caffeine should be limited to between 200 to 300 milligrams each day.  For comparison’s sake, an 8 oz cup of strong coffee has approximately 125 to 150 milligrams of caffeine.  A 12 oz can of regular cola contains around 35-38 milligrams of caffeine.  An 8.3 oz can of Cocaine Energy Drink is stated to contain 280 milligrams of caffeine. 

One of the greatest concerns for experts is how easily large quantities of these sweet beverages can be consumed.  These drinks contain multiple stimulants.  When these are combined, they can be dangerous and have an effect on the body that is very powerful.  Some of the possible symptoms may include an upset stomach, heart palpitations, nervousness, being jittery, leg weakness and more.  Consuming these drinks on an empty stomach could magnify the effects.  You may experience things such as agitation, hyperactivity, nausea, difficulty concentrating, problems sleeping and it may even affect your blood pressure. 

Sass cautions not to be misled into thinking that these Energy Drinks will power up your workouts.  Taking an energy drink prior to exercising can increase your blood pressure, cause your nervous system and heart to be over stimulated and  result in many sides effects on your body.  Some of these Energy Drinks have drug like effects that are very powerful and should not be underestimated.  There is a risk involved. 

Sass advises that if you have any medical condition, heart disease or hypertension, that you should avoid all Energy Drinks that have multiple stimulants.  Think of these drinks as being highly concentrated with sugar and caffeine.  Drink them with caution.  Sound advice, indeed.

Photo by (c) thomas99, www.sxc.hu

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