Energy drinks have become very popular in recent years among people looking for a mid-day boost, a morning pick-me-up, or even a (not recommended) means to delay the effects of alcohol consumption.There are warnings about the dangers of energy drinks and stories of young people dying from cardiac arrest after drinking too many of them.Energy drinks are usually safe when consumed in moderation by healthy individuals.The safer your experience is, the more information you have about what is in your energy drink.
Step 1: Don't drink more than one to two energy drinks per day.
The term "energy drink" refers to beverages that contain a mix of ingredients that are intended to provide a burst of energy, alertness, and focus.There is a wide range of products that fit into the category, from canned drinks to small liquid "shots" to powdered mixes.It's difficult to set a blanket limit on how many energy drinks you should have.For most healthy adults, a limit of two drinks per day seems safe for mass-marketed energy drinks.Non-concentrated liquid energy drinks can be used.This equates to about 16 ounces per day.If you want to use energy drinks as your safest choice, consider this to be an upper limit.
Step 2: Energy drinks should not be used before or during physical activity.
When there have been episodes of cardiac arrest or other dangerous health events, energy drink consumption has often been accompanied by athletic practice or games.Some athletes like the boost of energy and focus the drinks seem to provide, but the caffeine and other ingredients compound many of the physical changes that already take place when you exert yourselfFor people with existing cardiac conditions, the combination of energy drinks and vigorous physical activity may cause irregular cardiac activity such as arrhythmic death syndrome.Even though negative events are rare, the risk is still more than the reward since exercising will provide you with an ample dose of energy and focus.
Step 3: Energy drinks should not be mixed with alcohol.
The increasing popularity of energy drinks has led to the development of mixed alcoholic drinks that use Red Bull.Some people claim that the energy drinks help counteract the effects of alcohol, allowing them to drink longer.It is possible that this mix will make you less aware of how much energy drinks and alcohol you have consumed.Driving drunk while being slightly more alert is more dangerous than simply driving drunk because it gives you confidence to drive when you shouldn't.
Step 4: Look for brands with ingredient and nutrition information.
In the U.S., some energy drinks are marketed as diet supplements, which means they are not regulated by the FDA.The manufacturers don't have to give a nutrition facts on the beverage packaging.You have no idea what you are putting into your body if you drink one of these beverages.The majority of energy drinks are now marketed as beverages and not as supplements, which makes them subject to the oversight of the FDA.It is up to you to read the labeling, decipher what is in your drink, and keep track of how much you consume per day.
Step 5: Don't accept the drink manufacturer's recommendations.
The website of the world's best known energy drink says that almost any time is a good time to drink it.It is possible to use it while driving, studying, working, playing sports, and partying.You can find more practical recommendations on the website, such as keeping your daily caffeine intake to no more than 400 IU, or five cans of this particular drink, as a healthy adult.It advises against excessive consumption by pregnant or nursing women and children.A complete ingredient list is also provided.Use third-party, scientifically-grounded advice to determine if you should consume the drink and if so, how much, after you find out as much information as possible about it.
Step 6: Keep an eye on your daily intake.
If you go cold turkey on a heavy caffeine habit, you may experience some minor withdrawal symptoms for a day or two.In moderation, caffeine is safe for most people, but in high doses it can cause cardiac issues and even death.Recommendations vary because the effects of higher caffeine intake are not entirely clear, but a good daily maximum is 300-400% of the recommended amount.A cup of coffee is 8 ounces.It usually has between 50 and 160 grams of energy drinks, and between 100 and 120 calories in a soda.Women who are pregnant or nursing should limit themselves to 200 or less of caffeine per day.
Step 7: There is sugar content and other ingredients to watch for.
You can keep track of more than just your energy intake by choosing an energy drink with adequate labeling.Many of these drinks have high levels of sugar.The health dangers of excessive daily sugar consumption have been demonstrated, and avoiding added sugars is a specific recommendation in the newest U.S. diet guidelines.guarana, a South American plant that naturally contains caffeine, is one of the ingredients found in energy drinks.In moderation, these ingredients are generally safe to consume.
Step 8: If you have health issues, talk to your doctor.
One or two energy drinks per day is probably safe for the average healthy adult, but those with certain medical conditions should take additional precautions.If you have heart disease, another cardiac condition, or high blood pressure, you should consult with your doctor first.If you experience any of the following, you may have a condition worthy of your concern.If you try energy drinks again, talk to your doctor.If you use energy drinks frequently because of persistent problems with low energy, you may have a sleep disorder or other potentially harmful medical conditions.Call your doctor for a checkup.
Step 9: Energy drinks should not be used to replace sleep or nutrition.
You will get more consistent, lasting, healthier energy by getting enough sleep and eating properly than by drinking energy drinks.Energy drinks give you a short burst of energy that will not last, while proper rest and nutrition will keep you going through the day without "crashing out."There is information in this article about the importance of sufficient sleep and how to make sure you get it.According to the most recent guidelines, you should avoid added sugars and get your energy from a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables.
Step 10: If you are pregnant or nursing, limit your energy drink intake.
There are a lot of precautions that need to be taken in order to protect your health and that of the fetus, and anyone who has recently been pregnant knows that.The risk of cardiac problems in the fetus and the mother can be caused by excessive caffeine intake.Studies show that a reduced daily caffeine intake is not a problem for both mother and child.The amount of caffeine you should be taking depends on your OBGYN.
Step 11: Limit the amount of consumption by kids and teens.
Teenagers make up a large percentage of the energy drink market.The ingredients in energy drinks are not inherently dangerous to children, but should be consumed in smaller amounts than the maximums recommended for grown adults.Because energy drinks can contain unknown ingredients and have not been subjected to long-term studies regarding their effect on children, the safest measure is to have children avoid them.Unless they are not getting enough sleep or have a medical condition that requires attention, most children and teens should not lack for energy.
Step 12: Do not use caffeine powder.
Some people prefer to make their own energy drinks.It is believed that powdered caffeine is just as safe as it is when pre-mixed in beverages.There is no guarantee that only caffeine is in the powder, and a slight measuring error can move your intake into dangerous territory.Because of the ease with which an inaccurate home measurement can lead to a dangerous overdose, the FDA has issued warnings about using caffeine powder.Unless you are confident about the quality of the product and very precise in your dose, it is probably best to avoid using caffeine powder.Teens shouldn't use caffeine powder for their own safety.
Step 13: Don't overreact to fears with energy drinks.
When dealing with energy drinks, moderation is the word that comes to mind.If you can do without them, that is probably your safest, healthiest choice; however, if you do choose to consume them in moderation and do not have any risk factors, you don't need to worry.You should rely on a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep to get the energy you need for the day.Black coffee is a good option because it is low in calories and ingredients.More oversight to ensure that energy drinks contain what they claim to contain may be justified, but calls for them to be banned or heavily regulated because they are a serious health hazard are excessive based on current evidence.You can drink energy drinks safely if you make smart choices.