Picture this: You spent the night tossing and turning, only to wake up to the rambunctious buzzing of your alarm and the realization that you slept only a few hours, at best, without disruption. You're feeling exhausted, stressed and unenthusiastic about starting your day, but the show must go on. You could always reach for an energy drink to give the engine some gas - but is that your best option? After all, consuming caffeinated sugary beverages for an energy boost has been known to increase health risks, most commonly related to heart problems.
In fact, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reported that the number of energy-drink related emergency room visits nearly doubled between 2007 and 2011, with an increase of 279 percent in people over the age of 40.
What Makes Energy Drinks Harmful?
While energy drinks tend to contain B vitamins, as well as guarana and taurine, they're also loaded with large amounts of caffeine, added sugars and other refined ingredients. But don't think you're off the hook just because drinks include vitamins and natural additives. According to clinical dietitian Katherine Zeratsky, the high concentration of all ingredients - including the natural ones - is what makes these beverages so harmful.
"Overall, the concern is that these vitamins, amino acids and herbals are often in higher concentrations than naturally in food or plants, and the effects when combined especially with caffeine may be enhanced," she told CNN.
Energy drinks are loaded with high levels of caffeine and refined sugars.
Side Effect of Drinking Energy Drinks
What are these effects Zeratsky is speaking of? Specifically, you may experience an over-the-top energy rush, followed by a debilitating crash just hours later. Other side effects that come with consuming energy drinks include:
Increased heart rate and blood pressure levels.
Heart palpitations.
Anxiety.
Insomnia.
Digestive issues.
Dehydration.
Additionally, these beverages are loaded with added sugars. That means consuming too many of them could lead to weight gain and increase your risk of other weight-related conditions.
Taking a Natural Approach
Don't feel obligated to cave to energy drinks and other unhealthy beverages. By following a primarily raw, plant-based diet, you'll receive a natural pick-me-up from the multitude of vitamins and minerals in your food.
If you're following the Hallelujah Diet and still need an additional energy boost, you may consider our best-selling BarleyMax supplement. It supplies your body with an abundance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, live enzymes and more, giving you that extra oomph you need to start the day. Not only does this supplement boost your energy, it also improves mental clarity, strengthens the immune system, aids digestion and supports overall cardiovascular health.
So the next time you're considering an energy drink, just eat a hearty breakfast of fruits, vegetables and a drink a glass of water with BarleyMax.
Energy drinks are loaded with high levels of caffeine and refined sugars.
