Energy drinks: benefits and harms. Composition of energy drinks

The problem of the harm of energy drinks is becoming more and more discussed in the scientific community and in the press, which is associated with their incredible popularity, the rapid multiplication of the product range on store shelves and the real facts of serious consequences of use, especially by the younger generation.

Someone will object: " Hey! they are no more dangerous and harmful than a regular cup of coffee!"

Most fire drinks do contain NO more caffeine than a cup of coffee from Starbucks.

However, the question is not only about caffeine, but also about other ingredients, or rather their combination.

Below we present scientific facts about the dangers of power engineers, as well as expert opinions on this matter.

Expert reviews on the dangers of energy

The following expert opinions are taken from the CNN website from the material devoted to the study of journalists on the problem of harm to energy workers:

"Over the years of research, we have become closer to understanding the health hazards of energy drinks”Says Dr. John Higgins, a sports cardiologist at McGregor Medical School.

To which the American Beverage Association objects: "... we are confident in their absolute harmlessness, since the ingredients in their composition are found in other products and are natural, and their safety has been thoroughly researched. ”

Energy drink manufacturers: " ingredients in their composition are found in other products and their safety has been carefully researched"

The benefits, harm and uselessness of a product is determined by what is inside it.

Most energy drinks contain a large dose and Sahara; same B vitamins; legal stimulants such as guarana(plant from the Amazon forests); taurine- an amino acid found naturally in fish and meat; popular fat burner - a substance, one of the functions of which in the body is to convert fats into energy (scientific research, by the way, is the effectiveness of L-carnitine for weight loss).

“The reason for concern is that all of these vitamins, amino acids and herbal ingredients are contained in them. in large quantities than in a natural form in food or plants, as well as in the fact that their combination with caffeine significantly enhances the stimulating effect”Says Katherine Zeratsky, nutritionist at the Mayo Clinic.

Dr. Higgins, who has been studying the harm of energy drinks to the body for a long time, agrees with her:

“As for caffeine, sugar and stimulants, then more research is needed the negative consequences of their joint action.It's kind of like a black hole ... we know very little about how the combination works.”.

Dr. Higgins: " The ingredients in the energy drinks and how they work in combination is something like a black hole .. we know very little about how their combination works."

“People need to be aware of this. For some categories, energy can be very hazardous; speech first of all about adolescents under the age of 18 women who are pregnant, those who have a sensitivity to caffeine or who do not use caffeine regularly, or are taking certain medications.”

The American Beverage Association objected:

“People all over the world have been using energy drinks for 25 years and no one has been hurt yet ... all of their ingredients are found in many other natural products.”

When it comes to the dangers of power engineers, it is the quantity of and it is their uncontrolled use in too large a volume that leads to dangerous consequences. Remember this thought.

How much is too much?

The main reason for the dangerous side effects of energotonics is their use in too large quantities.

If you do not fully understand what energy or energy drinks are in sports nutrition, then first study our material

13 facts about the harm of power engineers based on scientific evidence

The side effects of energy drinks have a lot in common in nature with, but they also have their own specifics.

1 Harm of energy drinks for the heart

You have probably noticed that after taking energy drinks, the heart begins to beat faster.

The action of power engineers is manifested in abnormal heart rate, as well as distortion of the cardiogram(duration of intervals of contraction and relaxation of certain areas of the heart), both in adolescents and adults 3.4.

How dangerous is it?

One of the scientific reports cites the facts that from 2009 to 2011, about 5,000 cases of emergency medical care were recorded due to serious harm to the heart after taking energy drinks 2. 51% of the victims are adolescents under 18 years of age (US statistics).

Almost all energy drinks contain caffeine, a powerful stimulant of the nervous system.

Caffeine has a deadly dose... It is individual for each person.

It can come even after two cans of energy drinks. This applies to those who have heart problems.

"Heart palpitations can pose a real and serious risk, as energy drinks not only increase stress levels, heart rate and blood pressure, but also make the blood more viscous.”- says the same Dr. Higgins.

“The viscosity of the blood increases, probably due to the specific joint action of caffeine and taurine: the amino acid taurine is known for its ability to remove fluids from the body and some minerals with it.”

“Guarana, which is very often found in energy drinks, is a natural source of caffeine: its addition increases its concentration even more.”

Over 2 years in the USA, more than 5,000 cases of hospitalization in an ambulance have been registered due to serious harm to the heart of power engineers

Real examples

“There are several known cases when, after consuming more than one can of energy drinks, cardiac arrest occurred 14,15: in the first of them, the young man was saved, in the second, death occurred. When scientists analyzed the autopsy results and blood tests, they found no other cause other than very high levels of caffeine and taurine in the blood.”

“In another case, a 28-year-old young man was hospitalized with cardiac arrest after consuming 8 cans of energy drinks. According to doctors, the arteries of his heart were completely closed. After he was repaired, all tests showed that the only thing wrong with him was very high levels of caffeine and taurine in his blood.”

“One of the side effects of caffeine's co-action with other energetic ingredients may be that the arteries function, namely, their ability to relax and dilate, especially during exercise.. During exercise, the arteries relax and dilate to allow more blood to pass through.”

An autopsy after the death of a young man, doctors found no other cause other than very high levels of insulin and taurine in the blood. The same result in the rehabilitation of a young man after a complete cardiac arrest

2 Headaches and migraines

Consuming large doses of energy drinks can lead to severe headaches.

Moreover, it seems that the frequency of headaches is affected by not the dosage amount, but its sharp change(drank and drank, got used to it, then stopped abruptly).

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This phenomenon is called "caffeine withdrawal syndrome" and in its essence is very similar to a hangover after alcohol.

3 State of unreasonable anxiety, fear and stress

Internal anxiety is a common psychological side effect of caffeine.

Also, the use of energy drinks can cause stress. One of the reasons is hormonal: Scientists have found that when they are consumed, the levels of the stress hormone norepinephrine increased by 74% 9.

4 Insomnia

One of the reasons why energy drinks are taken is the fight against sleep. They do it well. The problem, however, is that even after stopping the use, the effect can continue.

Lack of healthy sleep disrupts performance, primarily mental activity.

This is especially important for drivers, for example, since a sleepless night on energy drinks today can lead to an accident tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.

5 Type 2 diabetes

According to scientific research, those who drink 1-2 sugary drinks a day have 26% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes 5 .

The reason for this is a kind of “wear and tear” of the pancreatic gland, which is responsible for the secretion of insulin, the function of which is to control the level of sugar in the blood.

Chronic sweetening of the body over time can lead to the formation of insulin resistance commonly known as type 2 diabetes.

Regular intake of sugary energy drinks increases ~ 30% the risk of developing diabetes

6 Interaction with medications

The ingredients in energy drinks can interact with medications, most commonly antidepressants.

7 Addiction

Those who are regular primates of caffeine can develop addiction to it. This also applies to power engineers.

Addiction is manifested in the absence of intrinsic motivation to do something without taking a dose.

An indirect side effect of this condition is the formation of a serious financial gap in the wallet due to the need to buy several cans of energy drinks every day.

8 Formation of bad habits and socially dangerous behavior

According to scientific research, regular intake of energy drinks provokes:

• formation of addiction to cigarettes, drugs and alcohol,
• makes behavior more aggressive, increases the tendency to sort things out with fists, not tongues,
• encourages other risky behaviors such as unprotected sex, extreme sports and other forms of risk 6.

How it can end - everyone knows.

9 Shaking hands and nervousness

The consequence of the use of energy drinks can be uncontrolled shaking of hands and emotional instability 7.

As a result, it is difficult to perform certain types of work that require fine motor skills, and emotional hot temper harms the person himself and the society around him.

10 Vomiting

Drinking too many energy drinks at once can cause gagging.

The harm of this action is not limited to the unpleasant characteristic aftertaste; when vomiting, the body becomes dehydrated, and acids from the stomach destroy tooth enamel. This is especially dangerous if it happens regularly.

11 Allergy

Numerous overt and hidden ingredients in energy drinks can cause allergic reactions ranging from simple itching to airway obstruction.

12 High blood pressure

For healthy people, this change is not a big problem. And for those whose blood pressure regularly "jumps", too large doses of energy drinks can lead to a significant increase in the risk of heart attack 8.

If we compare the negative effects of energy drinks on blood pressure and other caffeinated drinks with an equivalent caffeine content (for example, coffee or tea), then the harm of power engineers is much greater 10 .

This fact indicates that in energy drinks exactly the combination of ingredients enhances the negative impact.

The effect of energy drinks on blood pressure is significantly stronger than from coffee or tea with an equivalent dose of caffeine

13 Overdose of vitamin B3

B vitamins, along with caffeine and sugar, are added to almost all energy tonics.

Vitamin B3 (niacin) is found in small doses that may even have health benefits.

However, if, in addition to energy drinks, other food supplements or multivitamin complexes are taken, then the risk of an overdose of vitamin B3 increases.

Symptoms of an overdose of vitamin B3 11:

• redness of the skin;
• dizziness;
• fast heart rate;
• vomit;
• gout;
• diarrhea.

An overdose of vitamin B3 can even cause the development non-viral hepatitis... One of the cases was recorded in a man who drank 5-6 cans of energy drinks every day for three weeks 13.

Regular use of energy drinks can lead to an overdose of vitamin B3 and even the development of hepatitis.

Summary of the dangers of power engineers

Too much of any product or substance can be harmful to the body. The same is true for energy drinks.

Energy drinks contain predominantly natural ingredients that, when consumed in moderation, should not pose serious health risks. Or they may even be useful. This applies to caffeine, L-carnitine, B vitamins.

At the same time, caffeine and guarana are stimulants of the nervous system and should be treated with due respect.

To avoid the negative effects of energy drinks, it is important to understand which ingredients are harmful and to avoid overdosing them. We are talking primarily about caffeine, sugar, guarana (a source of caffeine), vitamin B3 (niacin).

Consider intake from other foods and supplements and do not exceed recommended amounts.

Scientific references

1 Daniele Menci, Francesca Maria Righini. Acute Effects of an Energy Drink on Myocardial Function Assessed by Conventional Echo-Doppler Analysis and by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography on Young Healthy Subjects. Journal of Amino Acids, Volume 2013 (2013), Article ID 646703
2 Sara M. Seifert, Steven A. Seifert. An analysis of energy-drink toxicity in the National Poison Data System. Clinical Toxicology, Vol.51, 2013, Issue 7
3 Fabian Sanchis-Gomar, Fabian Sanchis-Gomar. Energy Drink Overconsumption in Adolescents: Implications for Arrhythmias and Other Cardiovascular Events. Canadian Journal of Cardiology, Vol. 31, issue 5
4 Sachin A. Shah, Anthony E. Dargush Pharm D. Effects of Single and Multiple Energy Shots on Blood Pressure and Electrocardiographic Parameters. The American Journal of Cardiology, Volume 117, Issue 3 react-text: 68, / react-text react-text: 69 1 February 2016 / react-text react-text: 70, Pages 465-468
5 Malik VS1, Popkin BM. Sugar-sweetened beverages and risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis. Diabetes Care. 2010 Nov; 33 (11): 2477-83
6 http://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2008/07/9545.html
7 Philipp G Sand. Association Between A2a Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Caffeine-Induced Anxiety. Neuropsychopharmacology September 2003
8 Asma Usman and Ambreen Jawaid. Hypertension in a young boy: an energy drink effect. BMC Research Notes 2012
9 Anna Svatikova, Naima Covassin. A Randomized Trial of Cardiovascular Responses to Energy Drink Consumption in Healthy Adults. JAMA. 2015; 314 (19): 2079-2082
10 Emily A. Fletcher, Carolyn S. Randomized Controlled Trial of High-Volume Energy Drink Versus Caffeine Consumption on ECG and Hemodynamic Parameters. Randomized Controlled Trial of High-Volume Energy Drink Versus Caffeine Consumption on ECG and Hemodynamic Parameters
11 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/expert-answers/niacin-overdose/faq-20058075
12 Jennifer Nicole Harb, Zachary A Taylor. Rare cause of acute hepatitis: a common energy drink. BMJ Case Reports 2016
13 http://www.bmj.com/company/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/BCR-01112016.pdf
14 Rafay Khan, Mohamed Osman. Energy Drink Induced Ventricular Fibrillation and Cardiac Arrest: A Successful Outcome. Volume 6, Number 9, September 2015, pages 409-412
15 Avci, Sema; Sarikaya, Ridvan. Death of a young man after overuse of energy drink. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine; Philadelphia Vol. 31, Iss. 11, (2013): 1624.e3-4.
16 Adam J Berger and Kevin Alford. Cardiac arrest in a young man following excess consumption of caffeinated “energy drinks”. Med J Aust 2009; 190 (1): 41-43.

A person always encouraged himself with various energy substances and drinks, without too burdening himself with thoughts about their benefits and harms. And if earlier these were natural products, such as coca leaves, then among today's youth, various synthesized energy drinks are very popular.

The harm of energy drinks does not bother them in the least, and the prolongation of the time to enjoy at a party or disco takes precedence over the understanding that the consequences of such fun will sooner or later make themselves felt.

On the contrary, older people tend to exaggerate the danger, but their concern is really justified. The spate of deaths caused by overdose or the combination of energy drinks with alcohol or soft drugs has led the governments of some countries to decide to explicitly ban or allow the sale of energy drinks only in pharmacy chains.

What are energy drinks

Energy drinks are, as a rule, carbonated drinks, the components of which have a stimulating effect on the nervous, cardiovascular and endocrine systems and cause a feeling of a surge of strength and a feeling of vigor from 1 to 2-3 hours.

Doctors say that taking even one permissible dose of an energy drink has such an invigorating effect on the adult body, but after the euphoria subsides, a mandatory 3-4 hour rest is required.

The era of modern power engineers began with the strengthening of the famous Taiwanese tonic Krating Daeng by the Austrian entrepreneur Dietrich Mateschitz with modern chemical derivatives. As a result of this “adaptation” and aggressive advertising, the Red Bull energetic conquered young people on all continents.

But Red Bull did not last long as a monopoly in this sector of the market. Coca-Cola and Pepsi immediately joined the production of energy drinks. Each TM has acquired its own energy drinks - Adrenaline Rush, Byrne, AMP and NOS.

Other competing energetics are not so popular on the domestic market, but their effect on the body is no less dangerous. Among them are Red Devil, Non-Stop, B-52, Tiger, Jaguar, Revo, Hype, Rockstar, Monster, Frappuccino and Cocaine. The latter turned out to be so harmful that its release in the United States was twice banned. However, Reduz Beverages is not going to stop production, and the Cocaine energy drink can be freely purchased in online stores.

Are energy drinks harmful? Yes, the negative effect of energy drinks on the body has been proven. However, manufacturers convince them of their harmlessness if you drink 1, maximum 2 cans per day. But here, too, some companies resort to prohibited practices that can have deadly consequences. For example, the company producing energy drink Mountain Dew Amp decided to give 2 times more energy - this energy drink is sold only in 0.66 liter cans.

Components of energetics and isotonics

Technically speaking, the energy sector is categorized as Food Supplements. This is what allows manufacturers not to indicate the exact composition of an energy drink, and therefore intoxication and overdose by energy drinks has become a common problem.

In fact, all energy drinks consist of the same components - caffeine, taurine, glucose. To these "three whales" each of the manufacturers adds components that enhance the stimulating effect of energy drinks on the body - ginseng or Chinese magnolia vine, extract from guarana seeds, melatonin, matein, as well as vitamins B, C and PP. It is this combination of active ingredients that causes the harm of energy drinks for adolescents.

For your information, in a can of Red Bull (0.33l), the daily rate of glucose is 300 times exceeded, vitamin B6 is 2.5 times, vitamin B12 is 50%, and the caffeine content is the same as in 3 cups of strong coffee.

In addition, in the process of degradation of one of the components of the energy, the formation of cocaine is possible. What then can we say about how the energy drink Cocaine can act on a growing organism, because its manufacturers claim a 350% superiority of all components over Red Bull.

For some reason, some adolescents are sure that when using energetics, some kind of energetic cleansing of the body occurs. Although here it is more appropriate to say that it will be necessary to cleanse the body from an overabundance of some of its components.

Some young athletes are sure that there is no difference between energy drinks and special "sports" drinks - isotonic. In fact, she is principled. Dry mixes or ready-made isoosmotic drinks, consist of fructose, vitamins and mineral salts, maltodextrin and acidity regulator.

The isoosmotic composition, verified in medical laboratories, helps during physical exertion - the body tolerates fluid deficiency more easily, the water-salt balance is maintained at a normal level, and the supply of glycogen, vitamins and minerals is replenished. The composition, dosage and method of using isotonic drugs are detailed on the packages.

Why energy is harmful to the body

The benefits and harms of energy drinks are incomparable, especially when you consider that nowadays it is rare to meet a completely healthy person. The active substances energetic force the body to work in a stressful state, and 2-3 hours of hyperactivity leads to wear and tear of the resources of the internal organs. After the end of the euphoric effect of the energetic, most experience a breakdown, irritability and depression.

If a person has drunk energy drinks, the following symptoms and consequences may occur:

• caffeine and matein - tachycardia, borderline changes in blood pressure, anxiety, cardiac arrest;
• taurine - gastritis, exacerbation of ulcers, arrhythmia, increased nervousness;
• group of B vitamins - redness of the skin, severe sweating, swelling of the face, dizziness, numbness and trembling in the limbs, cramps, choking, increased acidity of gastric juice, blockage of the renal tubules, starting the development of fatty liver disease, allergic reactions, urticaria, heart pain, edema lungs, anaphylactic shock;
• glucose, fructose - caries, obesity, diabetes;
• melatonin - nausea, vomiting, relapse of allergic diseases, exacerbation of kidney disease, epileptic seizure;
• guarana - side effects are poorly understood, but the signs are similar to caffeine overdose, since the seeds of the plant contain natural pacemakers theophylline and theobromine;
• ginseng - headache, dizziness, insomnia, a sharp drop in blood pressure, edema, tachycardia, fever, women may have miscarriages.

Glucuronolactone is a particular danger in the composition of energy drinks. This substance was created in the American military laboratory DARPA as part of the "Supersoldier" program.

In small therapeutic doses, it helps cleanse the body of harmful substances and fights fatigue. But the amount of glucuronolactone contained in energy drinks leads to an exacerbation of liver pathologies, can cause hyperglycemic coma.

In addition to the above, energy drinks can be addictive, withdrawal symptoms, and suicidal thoughts. Prolonged intake of energy drinks leads to a decrease in sexual function, psychopathization of the personality, accompanied by a sharp change in mood, incontinence of affects, and social decline.

Is it possible to get poisoned by an energy drink and is a fatal outcome possible

Any reasoning on the harm or benefits of energy drinks ends with facts that, not in theory, but in practice, have proven that their intake leads to death. The sad statistics are topped by 5-Hour Energy and Monster. The main cause of death is asphyxiation and cardiac arrest.

Death from energy drinks can occur as a result of their simultaneous use with alcoholic beverages or drugs. You can also get poisoned by an energy drink when you mix it with coffee, strong tea or mate.

Undesirable consequences, up to deaths, have been recorded when taking energy drinks before, during or after sports training.

However, the dishonesty of energy producers can also cause death due to an unintentional overdose (for example, you can drink 2 cans of an energy drink, but this does not apply to Cocaine, because its two standard cans contain a dose 6 times higher than the safe concentration). Many teenagers, remembering that it is possible to drink 300-600 ml of the drink, drink ten 60 ml bottles of Red Bull Shot without any fear, not realizing that they exceed the permissible dose by 20 times.

To whom is the use of energy drinks contraindicated?

Despite the invented rules for the reasonable use of energy drinks, their use is strictly prohibited to the following persons:

• pregnant and breastfeeding women;
• children, adolescents under 18 and the elderly;
• hypertensive patients and people with cardiovascular diseases and thrombophlebitis;
• with renal and hepatic insufficiency, diseases of the pancreas;
• with persistent sleep disorders;
• ulcers, diabetics, epileptics;
• people suffering from glaucoma.

Healthy people should remember that the harm or benefit from consuming energy drinks will depend solely on adherence to the dosage.

How to improve performance

If the body tolerates caffeine well, but a cup of coffee is not enough, then a mixture of instant coffee with Coca-Cola will invigorate well.

If you have a healthy stomach, you can try drinking 130-150 ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice once as a strong energy drink. However, it is also not recommended to get carried away with such home-made energy drinks.

As a means of stimulating brain activity, we do not necessarily drink caffeine-containing energy drinks. It is enough to buy the pharmacy drug Taurine. However, before taking it, you should familiarize yourself with the contraindications, and also remember that in high dosages, this amino acid leads to the opposite "calming" effect and the inhibition of nervous processes occurs.

For people who are actively involved in sports or experiencing heavy physical exertion, it is possible to recommend taking not energy drinks, but isotonic drugs. These energy drinks have no contraindications and contribute to a fairly rapid recovery of the body.

Energy drink (the so-called "energy drink") is very popular in all developed countries of the world. The reason for its popularity is simple: the relative cheapness of the drink and the invigorating (tonic) effect rendered by it.

In fact, an energy drink is a more effective analogue of coffee, which also quenches your thirst. The variety of flavors of energy drinks is also one of the reasons for the popularity of this drink.

But how dangerous is it to consume energy? In this article we will try to understand how dangerous and harmful it is to consume energy drinks.

Energy drinks entered wide production in 1984. Quite simply, these are drinks created using a combination of various stimulating substances and additional components (vitamins, flavors, dyes, and so on).

They were created to stimulate the central nervous system. Due to this, a significant reduction in fatigue is achieved, and the indicators of mental activity increase, but for a limited period (up to 6-8 hours).

Composition of various energy drinks in the overwhelming majority of cases it is the same. It includes the following substances:

1. Caffeine. The main component of energy drinks, which has a tonic and invigorating effect. It should also be noted that caffeine significantly increases heart rate (up to 120 beats per minute).
2. Mate. It is analogous to caffeine, it has the same effect, but to a lesser extent.
3. Ginseng and Guarana. Both are natural (i.e. not synthesized) CNS stimulants.
4. Sucrose and glucose are universal energy for the body, simple carbohydrates. Once in the body, these substances quickly have a stimulating effect, primarily entering the brain, reducing the desire for sleep and stimulating its activity.
5. Taurine. An amino acid that speeds up the metabolism, quickly gives energy to the body, and is another stimulant of the central nervous system.
6. Theobromine. It is toxic in its pure form, but energy drinks contain theobromine that has undergone chemical processing. It is a tonic.
7. Phenylalanine. Taste the drink.
8. Vitamins of group "B".

Popular products in the CIS countries

A large number of different energy drinks are sold in the CIS countries. The most popular of them are the following:

• Jaguar;
• Burn;
• Red Bull;
• Non Stop;
• Revo Energy;
• Gladiator;
• Adrenalin Rush.

It should be noted that in Europe and the USA the number of types of energy drinks significantly exceeds the number in the CIS countries.

The impact of energy on the human body

The use of energy drinks directly affects a person's sleep. To be more precise, chronic persistent insomnia develops, and the existing sleep becomes pathological. The patient may have nightmares, any external stimuli make him wake up, after sleep there is no feeling of vigor and "new strength". This is the so-called rollback.

Over time, mood lability (its instability), suspiciousness, irritability, excessive anger and aggressiveness are formed. The world in the patient's mind is losing color, which usually indicates the onset of depression.

Organic lesions include the development of prolonged sinus tachycardia, extrasystoles (a feeling of heart failure), high blood pressure. Often there is persistent constipation or, on the contrary, diarrhea.

What are the dangers of energy drinks?

Negative consequences of admission power engineers have not raised questions from doctors for a long time. It is a well-known fact that they are very harmful to health, namely (we are talking about long-term regular use):

1. Increases the likelihood of developing diabetes.
2. Disrupt the work of the central nervous system.
3. They create problems with the performance of the heart and the cardiovascular system in general.
4. They cause pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.
5. Lead to mental disorders, reduce libido.
6. They can cause serious diseases (thrombosis, epilepsy, anaphylaxis).
7. Reduce the ability to work, attention, interest in the world around.

The harm of power engineers (video)

Is it addictive?

Unfortunately, all current research on energy drinks suggests that they are persistent and highly addictive. Moreover, in some people this addiction is as strong as in alcoholics.

Apparently, no solution to this problem will be found in the near future. In many countries, the use of energy drinks is not regulated in any way, and propaganda against their use is minimized.

Who is it dangerous / contraindicated to drink energy drinks?

Abuse of energy drinks harms absolutely all people. However, there are categories of people on whom energy drinks are especially harmful.

These people include:

• people with chronic diseases of the circulatory system (especially patients with thrombophilia);
• patients with diabetes mellitus;
• patients with heart disease;
• patients with diseases of the kidneys and gastrointestinal system;
• people with chronic high blood pressure;
• people suffering from insomnia;
• adolescents;
• people over fifty years old;
• pregnant women;
• patients with glaucoma;
• patients with a history of circulatory disorders of the brain;
• patients with diseases of the central nervous system.

Is an overdose possible?

Unfortunately, in addition to the benefits of energy, they also pose a real danger to the human body. An overdose of such drinks causes serious poisoning, leading to an overload of the central nervous system and an increase in stress on the arteries and heart.

An overdose of energy drinks usually occurs against the background of their frequent intake for the implementation of any kind of intellectual work. Statistically, energy poisoning most often occurs among students before the exam and among knowledge workers (programmers, writers, professional gamers, and so on).

The reason for the overdose by energy drinks is that they increase the efficiency of the body by increasing the load on all its systems. Most of all, the cardiovascular and central nervous systems suffer, which, with a large use of energy drinks, work to wear and tear.

Simply put, energy drinks include the body's reserve systems for a long time, while they are designed for short-term work ( no more than 30 minutes and only in critical situations).

Symptoms of an energy drink overdose

Poisoning symptoms(overdose) by energy drinks are as follows:

• a significant increase in heart rate (up to 160 beats per minute);
• persistent and prolonged insomnia;
• irritability, aggressiveness;
• redness of the face and a feeling of heat;
• increased blood pressure;
• diarrhea;
• tremor of the limbs;
• impaired coordination of movements;
• frequent urination (less often - inability to control it);
• cold sweat;
• increased body temperature;
• repeated vomiting, sometimes not bringing relief;
• anxiety, panic, suspiciousness;
• confusion of consciousness;
• visual and auditory hallucinations;
• loss of consciousness (syncope).

Possible consequences

Consequences of frequent use energy drinks, as well as an overdose of them, are quite serious.

Let's try to list all the available ones (according to PubMed):

1. Decreased libido, impotence.
2. Gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis and heartburn are especially common).
3. Cognitive impairments, including learning disabilities in adolescents.
4. Development of mental illness.
5. Depression, apathy, indifference, aggressiveness.
6. Heart disorders, thrombosis.
7. Persistent chronic insomnia.
8. Excitement, nervous tics.
9. Convulsions, epilepsy.
10. Decreased interest, motivation.
11. Fatal outcome (relatively rare).

First aid and further treatment

If you suspect an overdose of power engineers, the patient needs to immediately call an ambulance. Before her arrival, you should give him 2-3 liters of warm water and provoke vomiting. It is quite simple to do this: after the patient drinks warm water, you need to press your finger on the root of the tongue.

After vomiting, the patient should be given 10-12 tablets of activated carbon. If possible, the patient should be given green tea or milk to neutralize caffeine. Dishes with magnesium (cabbage, avocado) may be helpful.

In the hospital, the patient will be re-flushed the stomach and given a dropper. The treatment will be carried out with an emphasis on detoxification of the body and on "unloading" the nervous and cardiovascular systems.

Energy stimulating drinks have been in demand at all times: in the Middle East - coffee, in China, India - tea, in America - mate, in Africa - cola nuts, in the Far East - lemongrass, ginseng, aralia. Stronger drinks in Asia - ephedra, in South America - coca.

Austrian entrepreneur Dietrich Mateschitz, after a visit to Asia, came up with the idea to create a drink that rivals Pepsi. And then the inspiring Red Bull appeared on the market. Companies producing similar products reacted to this by releasing their own versions: the fiery "Burn", the drink "Adrenaline Rush" and others.

Today, energy drinks with various flavors are highly popular in all countries. Widespread production started in 1984, and now they are available in any bar, club, on the territory of the sports ground.

The composition of the drink

"Adrenal Rush" is a combination of tonic components: stimulants, vitamins, flavors, dyes. The opinions of specialists about the benefits of power engineers are different. Some treat them like soda, others warn about addiction, addiction and harm.

The drink "Adrenaline Rush" contains sucrose, glucose (a substance formed during the breakdown of starches and disaccharides). In all energetics there is a well-known psychostimulant - caffeine, relieves fatigue, increases heart rate and performance. The stimulant has an exceeded limit and lasts only three hours, but it takes much longer to be removed.

The main ingredients in the composition of the drink "Adrenaline Rush":

• caffeine is an energy base that provides a tonic and invigorating effect;
• mate is an analogue of caffeine, only its effectiveness is lower;
• L-carnitine, glucuronolactone found in ordinary food, in power engineering specialists exceed the limit of the norm by several times;
• melatonin - available in the body, is responsible for sleep and wakefulness;
• ginseng, guarana - natural are useful in micro doses, and in the amounts offered in the drink, they have an unpredictable effect;
• theobromine - a tonic, a stimulant present in chocolate, is toxic in its natural form, but it undergoes a special treatment for an energy drink;
• taurine - an amino acid that activates the nervous system involved in metabolism;
• inositol - variety alcohol;
• phenylalanine - a flavoring agent;
• vitamin B - useful, available in other products;
• vitamin D - is synthesized in the body on its own;
• sucrose, glucose - suppliers of universal energy for the body;
• conservatives, flavors, regulators are integral components of any modern product.

Operating principle

The drink "Adrenaline Rush" was created to stimulate the nervous system, reduce fatigue, activate mental activity, but only for a period of 6 to 8 hours. The main tonic effect is caused by amino acids and caffeine, which can be achieved with the use of natural remedies. Each individual of the ingredients of the drink is useful, but in the aggregate and in the proposed dosage, their effect is questionable.

The analysis of the components shows that the contents of the energy drinks are not distinguished by outstanding properties. The principle of the drink is to squeeze the forces out of the body for a limited time, after which they will need to be restored. A glass of naturally sourced stimulant drink has the same effect, except for the effects of chemical additives. Therefore, comparing the harm and benefits of the drink "Adrenaline", one can come to the conclusion that it has nothing to do with a healthy lifestyle.

Facts "For"

According to some buyers, if necessary, to cheer up the energy drink will be a lifesaver.

Isotonic, in contrast to energy tonics, are suitable for people involved in sports.

The carbonated drink accelerates the action of the active substances in it compared to the usual one.

They differ in composition: some contain more caffeine and are suitable for people with a nocturnal lifestyle, others - more carbohydrates, so they are chosen by athletes and workaholics.

Convenient packaging allows you to use Energotonic on the go and in any circumstances.

Side effects

Regular consumption of the drink "Adrenaline Rush" has a direct effect on a person's sleep: stable insomnia develops, and the sleep that comes is pathological. Nightmares can occur, external stimuli are strongly influenced, and awakening brings a feeling of fatigue.

The mood under the influence of the drink changes towards instability: suspiciousness, irritability, aggressiveness, excessive anger appear. The surrounding reality seems colorless to a person, loses its meaning.

The defeat at the organic level should include sinus tachycardia, interruptions in the work of the heart, increased pressure, indigestion.

Overdose

If the intervals between doses of the energetic are shortened, there is a risk of overdose. Her symptoms: nervousness, insomnia, heart rhythm disturbances.

If the intake of caffeine in the body does not stop, the consequences are: pain in the abdomen and muscles, destruction of the central nervous system. Caffeine in an amount of 10 to 15 g, corresponding to 150 is fatal.

The harm of the drink

With regular use of the drink "Adrenaline Rush", the harm from it is obvious and is observed in the following:

• increasing the likelihood of diabetes mellitus;
• dysfunction of the central nervous system, mental abnormalities;
• depression, apathy, overexcitement, insomnia;
• gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, heartburn);
• failure in the activity of the heart;
• increasing the likelihood of developing gastrointestinal pathologies;
• decreased libido;
• the risk of anaphylaxis, epilepsy, thrombosis;
• decrease in working capacity, cognitive abilities;
• high calorie content, which contributes to weight gain.

Fatal cases are known: in 2001 in Sweden, when mixing energotonic with vodka; in 2000, when an athlete used three cans of energotonic at the same time.

Addictive

Unfortunately, according to modern research, the energy drink "Adrenaline Rush", like others like it, is persistently addictive. And for some people, this addiction is equated with alcohol or drug addiction.

In Norway, Denmark, France, drinks are only available in pharmacies and are considered dietary supplements. In Russia, the presence of more than two tonic components in a product is prohibited, mandatory indications of restrictions on the can have been introduced. "Adrenaline" is not allowed to be sold at school.

First aid

In case of an overdose by power engineers, you must immediately call an ambulance. Before the arrival of doctors, you need to give the victim 2 liters of warm water and provoke vomiting, and then give him 12 tablets of activated carbon. To neutralize the effects of caffeine, you should drink green tea or milk. Magnesium-fortified foods (avocado, cabbage) will be beneficial.

In the hospital, the victim will be given a gastric lavage and given an IV. The aim of the treatment is to detoxify and relieve the nervous system.

Caveats

It is contraindicated to mix an energy drink with coffee, since destructive consequences for the body are not excluded.

Energy drinks are absolutely contraindicated for adolescents and people over 50, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases.

Diseases in which the Adrenaline Rush drink is harmful:

• thrombophilia;
• kidney disease;
• problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
• diabetes;
• hypertension;
• insomnia;
• glaucoma;
• circulatory disorders of the brain;
• diseases of the central nervous system.

In the countries-consumers of the drink, there is no propaganda about its dangers, and the norm is not regulated by anything. It should be noted that in Europe and the USA the number of drinks significantly exceeds that in the CIS. The consumer should remember that the drink is not a source of strength - on the contrary, it depletes the body, provoking uneven energy production, which will sooner or later have to be paid for.

In the modern world, multitasking is characteristic of a person, and in order to complete all assigned tasks, you need a charge of energy. Many people, in order to constantly be in good shape, use stimulants for this: someone drinks coffee, and someone drinks energy drinks.

Some manufacturers claim that energy drinks (drinks) are safe, but this is far from the case. Therefore, before you relieve fatigue with the help of an energy drink, think about what effect it has on the body.

Drinks that stimulate the brain and physical activity, - the invention is not new. The first such product was created in the 12th century in Germany, but then it was not very popular.

In the 20th century, Smith-Klein Beachamon prepared a similar drink for the English team of athletes, but this almost led to mass poisoning laziness. However, this fact did not diminish the popularity of the stimulant.

In the 60s of the last century, Japanese scientists took up the creation of a new power engineer. They were based on Beachamon's theory. This drink entered mass production in the 80s of the XX century.

The most famous product - Red Bull - was developed by Austrian Dietrich Mateshets. It was on the basis of this drink that a large number of analogues were created.

Effects on the body

Due to the fact that in the composition of such a drink there is caffeine and glucose, it has an invigorating effect. And due to its carbonated content, the effect of its use begins to manifest itself very quickly.

For athletes, special energy cocktails have been developed that have an exciting effect, since they contain vitamins, inositol and sugar. A vigorous state after using such a remedy lasts for 4 hours. However, when this time passes, the person begins to feel severe fatigue and lethargy.

The positive effect on the body can be noticed only at the beginning of the use of the energy drink. People feel a strong surge of energy, their performance increases. However, at the same time, the body is exposed to severe stress and shock.

The components that are present in the drink have a negative effect on sleep. Man starts suffer from insomnia, the quality of sleep deteriorates significantly.

With regular use of energy drinks, the likelihood of depression increases. The person becomes depressed, he is constantly tormented by headaches. If you do not stop using this product in time, even death is possible.

During the constant use of such a drink, the following changes and lesions occur:

• blood sugar rises above normal;
• there are interruptions in the work of the heart, as it receives an excessive load;
• blood pressure rises;
• the heartbeat becomes very frequent;
• the general defenses of the body fall.

The composition of the drink

Despite the fact that now there are many different varieties of this product, their composition is almost identical.

The power engineers include the following components:

• caffeine - a substance that activates the brain, and it also increases the heart rate;
• melatonin - an antioxidant, it helps in the regulation of the human circadian rhythm;
• taurine - an antioxidant that has a powerful effect by speeding up metabolism;
• matein - a component that reduces hunger and helps to lose extra pounds;
• guarana and ginseng - natural extracts, they remove lactic acid from cells, and also cleanse the liver;
• oxidizing fatty acids;
• L-carnitine;
• fructose, sucrose and glucose take an active part in stimulating the work of the brain, help a person stay awake;
• phenylanine improves the taste of the product;
• B vitamins help to normalize the nervous system.

Consequences of an overdose

With excessive use of such a drink overdose is possible which has the following symptoms:

• stomach ache;
• exacerbation of the ulcer;
• gastritis;
• arrhythmia;
• high body temperature;
• diarrhea;
• heart problems;
• fainting;
• clouded consciousness;
• vomit;
• auditory and visual hallucinations.

If you notice such manifestations in yourself, you should immediately stop using a dangerous product and immediately seek qualified help.

The harm of energy drinks

On the human body in a moderate dose, such a product does not disastrous effect... A negative reaction can occur when a person begins to abuse energy.

Continuous use can cause:

• the occurrence of diabetes mellitus;
• problems with the central nervous system;
• thrombosis;
• decreased libido;
• psychological disorders;
• epilepsy;
• problems in the work of the heart and the cardiovascular system in general.

Please note that these drinks can be addictive. They are very dangerous for adolescents, since their body is not yet fully formed and is quite sensitive to severe stress.

With regular use, such stimulants the consequences for the body can be as follows:

• suicidal behavior;
• loss of consciousness;
• miscarriage if a pregnant woman took the drink;
• frequent and severe headaches;
• psychological disorders;
• upset gastrointestinal tract;
• exacerbation of phobias;
• loss of performance.

Contraindications to the intake of energy drinks

• children;
• adolescents;
• elderly people;
• pregnant women;
• women who are breastfeeding;
• people who have chronic diseases;
• patients with diabetes mellitus, have chronically high blood pressure;
• people who have heart disease, circulatory system or the central nervous system.

If you use stimulants of this kind correctly, you can minimize the negative impact on the body. To maintain health and feel a surge of vivacity, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

1. Study the composition of the drink in detail and make sure that there are no components in it that can provoke an allergic reaction.
2. You can drink no more than 500 ml of the stimulant per day.
3. When the effect of the energetic is over, you need to have a good rest and sleep so that the body can fully recover.
4. If you want to drink several cans, then this should be done with a short break.
5. Athletes are advised to consume this product prior to training.
6. Do not combine energy drinks with tea, coffee and medicines.
7. It is forbidden to mix stimulants with alcohol.

List of natural energy drinks

Energy drinks can be seen with natural remedies that have a similar effect but are not harmful to the body:

• Citrus. In many countries, it is customary to drink orange or pomegranate juice in the morning. These drinks are high in vitamin C, so they can provide an energy boost for the whole day. You don't have to make citrus juice, you can just eat an orange in the morning.
• Echinacea This herb not only strengthens the immune system, but also gently stimulates the adrenal cortex, which produces hormones. It has anti-allergenic and anti-rheumatic effects. There are several dosage forms of this plant in the pharmacy. So, you can find tablets, alcohol tincture, dry echinacea for brewing.
• Eleutherococcus. This tincture is distinguished by its tonic, invigorating and tonic properties. It is often prescribed when appetite and stress are deteriorating. This drug has the same invigorating effect as coffee, but does not have any unpleasant side effects.
• Lemongrass. The infusion is prepared from the fruits and leaves of lemongrass. The plant stimulates the cerebral cortex well. This remedy is perfect for those who start to lose energy in the middle of the day and cannot concentrate. Schisandra will be useful for hypotensive patients, as the tincture raises blood pressure.
• Ginseng. This tincture can be found in any pharmacy. It stimulates the immune system well, has a tonic effect. Such a drug should be taken in case of overwork and depression. The tincture also helps to relieve inflammation and improve the body's immunity.
• Green tea. This natural energetic is present in almost any home. Therefore, it is not recommended to drink it at night, as it not only tones up, but also improves metabolism.
• St. John's wort. The natural antidepressant is quite effective and can be used as a substitute for unhealthy drinks. St. John's wort reduces the amount of cortisol, which is a stress hormone. It also enhances the production of dopamine and serotonin, anti-stress hormones.

You can prepare such a drug at home. This will require St. John's wort, pharmacy borage and verbena. All components should be taken in a spoon. Next, they need to be poured with a glass of boiling water. The broth must be filtered and only then drunk. The effect of such a remedy can be felt after 6 weeks. Please note that such a remedy cannot be used in combination with other antidepressants.

Top 5 power engineers

The most popular energy drinks include the following:

1. Red Bull. Originally from Thailand, it appeared in 1980. It is not harmless, as it contains a huge amount of stimulants and harmful additives. Despite the huge number of hazardous components, this energy drink is the most popular.
2. Berne. This drink was developed by the Coca-Cola Company. One can of this drink contains the same amount of caffeine as a regular cup of coffee.
3. Monster. The drink contains a huge amount of sugar and caffeine. Their norm is exceeded several times.
4. Cocaine. The content of caffeine and taurine in this energy is 350% more than in Red Bull. You will not find such a product on the free market, since its implementation was prohibited immediately after the launch of the release.
5. Rockstar. This non-alcoholic drink is especially liked by fans of extreme sports. However, neither athletes nor ordinary people should use such a product.

Other energy drinks include Dynamite, Effect, Adrenaline Rush. Energy drinks can be non-alcoholic or alcoholic. The latter options and their health effects are disastrous.