Are energy drinks good for you?

Many energy drinks claim to increase energy and vitality. In making this claim, the manufacturers often load these drinks with a variety of substances, including but not limited to caffeine, herbs, and various amino acids. That bring us to an interesting question: Do these drinks actually have a healthy benefit, or are there hidden dangers?

Red-Bull, Monster, 5-hour energy, Adrenaline Rush and Venom are just a few of the thousands of drinks that are so popular today. A big concern is that on average they contain up to 80mg of caffeine. According to a Brown University study, that's twice the caffeine found in Mountain Dew and three times the amount found in Coca Cola. Why is this important? Because too much caffeine can elevate the heart rate, increase blood pressure, and lead to insomnia.

Some of these drinks also contain some natural products such as guarana, taurine, and ginseng. The same Brown University study found that the amounts of these are at levels below what are needed to have therapeutic benefits or adverse effects.

Let's not forget that these drinks are also loaded with sugar. The average sugar content can exceed 35grams per can according to a study published in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association. Sugar-free versions are available also but remember, sugar-substitutes are chemicals that are not good for you either.

Here are other things to keep in mind if you or someone you know consumes energy drinks, again courtesy of Brown University:

• Energy drinks should not be consumed while exercising, as they tend to promote dehydration which can be dangerous when combined with fluid loss from sweating.
• Energy drinks should not be consumed with alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant. Stimulants and depressants should never be combined.

The bottom line: energy drinks are probably not doing you much good and may actually cause harm. Talk to Dr. Pace if you are feeling tired or low energy, to learn about safe, drugless, natural alternatives to having more energy and being healthier.

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