Non-alcoholic energy drinks: harm and benefit. Impact on the body

Energy drinks, their composition and effects on health. Useful and dangerous properties ingredients, main contraindications, possible side effects, rules for safe use.

Contents of the article:

Energy drinks are a common product designed to increase a person's physical and mental activity. The recently increased popularity of energy drinks is justified by their good taste qualities and the presence of an invigorating effect. However, upon closer study of their impact, it became clear that there is a flip side to the coin. Read in this article about the benefits and harms of ready-made tonic drinks and how to use them correctly so as not to harm your health.

Description and composition of energy drinks

Great demand for this type products justifies their diversity in the modern market. They differ in the effectiveness of their impact and the duration of this invigorating effect, which fully depend on what ingredients are used in production.

Any energy drink has a rich chemical composition, which includes various tonic substances in different combinations and concentrations. Let us describe commonly used options for tonic and stimulating elements and their effect, which determines the effect of energy drinks on the body:

• Carbonic acid. With its help, the processes of assimilation of all product components entering the body are activated. Not only does the absorption rate from gastrointestinal tract, but also distribution throughout the body. It is with its help that drinks become highly carbonated.
• Caffeine. A well-known invigorating component. When consumed in certain doses, it affects the cerebral cortex, stimulating excitation processes. It helps fight drowsiness, fatigue, because... increases both physical and mental activity. It is an antidepressant, increases stress resistance and adaptive abilities of the body. It also stimulates processes related to intimate life - improves spermatogenesis and potency in men and helps prolong sexual activity in women with age due to increased sensitivity. Pure caffeine is the most effective, but it is fraught with the danger of addiction.
• Theine, mateine, guaranine. These are other names for caffeine. The difference is justified by the source of receipt. Teine - from tea, matein - from Paraguayan holly, guaranine - from guarana. The beneficial properties are generally similar, but may have some differences, because each of the listed plants that are a source of caffeine has a different chemical composition from coffee beans.
• Vitamins. They are commonly found in energy drinks. They are very valuable for the course of all vital processes. Most often it is ascorbic, nicotine, folic acid, pyridoxine and calcium pantothenate.
• Theobromine. Under the influence of certain chemicals can be converted to caffeine. It has a similar effect on the body. It is extracted from cocoa seeds by freeing them from fat. At permissible doses prevents the formation of blood clots, neutralizes spasms vascular system. Able to accelerate urine excretion. It lifts your mood and significantly improves your well-being. At high doses it can cause intoxication.
• Theophylline. Its structure is similar to caffeine and theobromine. Relaxes smooth muscles, normalizes respiratory function, stimulates the activity of the heart and nervous system, and reduces vascular tone. Dangerous in high concentrations. Is medicine, therefore, when taking tablets, the level of its concentration in the blood serum should always be monitored. Concentrations in energy drinks should be limited.
• Glucose. It is the most important source of energy for the body. Stimulates the functioning of the nervous system and the restoration of muscle tissue. Increases stress resistance and improves mood. Regulates the functioning of blood vessels and the heart. Increases performance. Improves thought processes. Dangerous if consumed frequently in large quantities.
• Sucrose. When ingested, it serves as a source of glucose, beneficial properties which are described above.
• Taurine. Transformed in the liver, it is part of bile and promotes the emulsification of fats. Takes part in lipid metabolism. Significantly improves metabolic and energy processes. To some extent, it neutralizes seizures by inhibiting the transmission of nerve impulses. For therapeutic purposes, its use is indicated in the presence of cardiovascular insufficiency. Is a common dietary supplement in food industry, therefore it is included in juices, energy drinks, dry milk formulas for children under one year old, as well as in animal feed.
• Ginseng. Is medicinal plant. Due to the presence in its composition of vitamins, various micro- and macroelements, as well as other useful substances and compounds, ginseng is a general tonic that can increase the body's adaptive capabilities. Its functions include stimulating the functioning of the nervous system, increasing blood pressure, improving mental and physical performance. It cleanses the blood of cholesterol and lowers glucose levels.
• Alcohol. Not present in all energy drinks. It enhances the effect of other ingredients. Improves mood and physical activity. But if used incorrectly, it has an extremely detrimental effect on health.

In some countries, for example France, Denmark, Norway, energy drinks cannot be seen in the public domain, because... This category of goods belongs to dietary supplements, which can only be purchased at pharmacies.

The situation in Russia is completely different - any grocery store, even the smallest in terms of assortment, offers energy drinks. Restrictions in our country are related to the composition and labeling of the product, as well as the rules for their sale. Thus, it is prohibited to include more than 2 stimulating components in the composition. The text on the can must contain information about restrictions on use. Geographically, such drinks cannot be sold in educational institutions.

The effect of energy drinks on the body

The main purpose of power engineers is to short terms and for some time overcome fatigue and drowsiness, improve physical and mental activity, i.e. increase efficiency and attentiveness. How and due to what this happens - we will tell you by describing the mechanism of action.

After drinking energy drinks, the human body goes through several stages of exposure to active components:

1. Lifting stage. Once in the gastrointestinal tract, all ingredients are quickly absorbed into the blood and begin vigorous stimulating activity. A person feels a surge of strength, vigor, becomes more active and proactive. Part of the energy for such activation is taken from the drink itself. IN in this case the basis is glucose. However, its concentration is not high enough to cover all the required reserves. At this stage, the absorption of glucose increases significantly, processes associated with the breakdown of fats are normalized and sometimes accelerated. The heart muscle is stimulated, causing the heart rate to increase. Blood pressure rises. Some components have an irritating effect on the kidney epithelium, which causes an increase in the amount of urine produced. Along with this, cell nutrition improves with sufficient simultaneous consumption. healthy products nutrition.
2. Wakeful stage. During this several-hour period, the stimulating effect is largely provided by internal reserves, i.e. reserves accumulated by the body. A person maintains a high degree of efficiency and activity, does not feel tired or want to fall asleep.
3. Stage of loss of strength. Studies have shown that the consumption of internal energy is sometimes so great that it can lead to exhaustion of the body. So, after consuming 1-2 cans of the product, after 3-5 hours a person may feel increased weakness and fatigue. Drinking an additional portion of the drink will not always lead to a second rise, because... The body's resources are not unlimited. This, on the contrary, leads to even greater exhaustion and an increased likelihood of developing severe side effects.

Thus, the essence of taking energy drinks is the same - they do not replenish energy, but use the body’s hidden resources. And the more energy drinks you drink, the more exhausted your body becomes.

It is noteworthy that drinks containing vitamins can be considered the most useful, and those containing alcohol are the most dangerous. The mechanism of action of low-alcohol energy drinks is slightly different from non-alcoholic ones, because... the effect of stimulating components and the effect of alcohol have opposite sides. Therefore, when they are combined, the effect is not only invigorating.

Due to the high carbon dioxide content, alcohol is absorbed more intensively and its effect is significantly enhanced. Along with this, the intoxicating effect remains as hidden as possible. The person doesn't feel severe intoxication, but the desire to continue drinking both energy drinks and alcohol increases. This makes it possible to exceed consumption standards, which is fraught with the occurrence of intoxication and other disturbances in the functioning of the body.

Alcohol, which most often makes up 7% of the total volume, depresses the nervous system to a greater extent, therefore, when drinking such energy drinks, a person often becomes less reasonable and feels unreasonably fearless in the face of emerging dangers. This condition is called “vigilant drunkenness.” That's why special harm Energy drinks are beneficial to health in combination with alcohol.

Properties of energy drinks: harm or benefit?

Any energy drink that contains stimulants has both benefits and harms. Therefore, the use of such products cannot be called completely healthy and safe. To protect yourself from a negative result, you should carefully study the nature of the effect, beneficial and dangerous properties, take into account contraindications, and also correctly correlate possible benefit and potential risk.

Beneficial properties of energy drinks

Complex useful action Energy engineers can be represented as follows:

• Stimulations physical activity . As mentioned earlier, energy drinks tone up, restore strength, activating the body's hidden resources.
• . Reaction speed and attentiveness increase. Cognitive abilities improve, information perception becomes easier, and memory improves.
• Stimulation of emotional processes. The drink improves your mood and relieves anxiety.
• Delivery nutrients . At high content Glucose and vitamins in the energy composition serve to some extent as a source of nutrients.
• Acceleration of metabolism. Under the influence of some components of drinks, metabolic processes in cells, digestion, absorption of nutrients, and the breakdown of fats are accelerated. Blood circulation is also stimulated and oxygen supply to cells improves.
• Providing an analgesic effect. Can shoot headache, muscle fatigue.

The harm of energy drinks

The harm of energy drinks is manifested as follows:

1. . A decline in the activity of the nervous system leads to a high degree of fatigue and drowsiness. Irritability, instability of behavior and psycho-emotional state, and the development of depression often occur.
2. Depletion of energy reserves. The lack of nutrients that occurs after their increased use leads to depletion of body cells. In this case, replenishment of strength through healthy sleep and nutrition is required.
3. Metabolic slowdown. The process of activation of metabolism is also replaced by a decline. Digestion worsens, and breakdown products at the cellular level are eliminated worse. Possible liver dysfunction and increased bile synthesis.
4. Negative effects on the cardiovascular system. An increase in blood pressure is fraught with headaches and dizziness. Vessels also suffer.

Contraindications to drinking energy drinks

• If you have heart and vascular diseases;
• Before, during and immediately after physical activity;
• In the presence of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract;
• If you have problems sleeping;
• During pregnancy;
• During breastfeeding;
• In case of individual intolerance to at least one of the components of the product.

Side effects of energy drinks

1. Disorders of the heart and blood vessels. Arrhythmia, ischemic stroke, ringing in the ears, abnormal blood pressure readings.
2. Gastrointestinal tract dysfunctions. Nausea, vomiting, bitterness in the mouth, increased gas formation, leading to abdominal pain and distension. May develop increased acidity in the stomach. Sometimes weight gain is observed. Increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus Type 2.
3. Problems with the nervous system. Feeling of anxiety, dizziness, increased irritability, trembling of limbs, aggressiveness, insomnia or increased sleepiness, depression and other abnormalities.
4. Disturbance in the functioning of the sensory organs. Decreased vision, impaired hearing.
5. Negative dental changes. Carbonated energy drinks damage tooth enamel and make teeth more sensitive. Caries often develops.

Rules for drinking energy drinks

• Comply with consumption standards specified by the manufacturer on the packaging, which usually limit the daily dose to 2 cans.
• The best option is not to drink more than one can. A single dose of caffeine is only 100 mg. Read the information on the can carefully.
• Avoid “replenishing” energy with tonic substances after physical activity. Prioritize taking a bath or getting a good night's sleep.
• Do not use energy tonics in the morning, when natural energy reserves are still large.
• If any side effect occurs, it is better to completely abandon this type of strength raising.
• Do not combine energy drinks with medicines similar or opposite action.
• Avoid taking energy tonics with tea, coffee, and alcohol.
• Avoid systematic use, because... this increases the risk of addiction.
• Be sure to let your body recuperate with sleep and a nutritious diet.
• Remember about proper diet nutrition - with frequent consumption of stimulating drinks, weight gain may occur.

All over the world, energy drinks are very popular among teenagers and young people. There are all kinds of drinks on sale, with different names and manufacturers. They are sold everywhere: in small pavilions and in huge supermarkets, in discos and gyms, they are inexpensive and affordable for many citizens, even children.

Energy drinks attract customers with their colorful aluminum cans. As well as intrusive advertising, which guarantees a person who consumes energy drinks every day success in his career and great achievements in sports, pleasure, inspiration, heroic strength and performance.

You can frolic all night at a disco, and if you suddenly get tired or want to sleep, you can simply refresh yourself with another jar, and the sleep will instantly disappear, and there will be no trace of fatigue left. And many people think that drinking energy drinks is fashionable and cool, and they cannot live a day without them.

Energy drinks. Compound.

Energy drinks or energy drinks are carbonated soft drinks or low alcohol drinks, toning and stimulating the nervous system, which are easily absorbed by our body, add energy, invigorate us, help fight drowsiness and fatigue, improve mood, mental and physical performance.

What kind of miraculous substances are contained in energy drinks?

The main component of energy drinks is caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant and is found in coffee and tea. It has a stimulating effect on the nervous system, increases performance and endurance, relieves fatigue, quickly restores muscle tone and fills the body with energy, improves mood, creates a feeling of strength, and invigorates.

Herbal stimulants containing caffeine are added to some types of drinks - extracts of ginseng, guarana, as well as theobramine - a substance contained along with caffeine in cocoa and taurine, which also help increase energy.

Energy drinks contain carbohydrates - glucose and sucrose. Glucose is quickly absorbed into the blood and also fills all organs with energy. Vitamins of group B and C, as well as all kinds of chemical additives - flavorings, preservatives, flavor and acidity enhancers, dyes, food additives and other chemistry.

In order for the drink to become carbonated, carbon dioxide is added to it.

Energy drinks. Harm

It would seem that everyone enjoys an energy drink, it works quickly and the effect lasts 3-4 hours, and it’s easy to use; I opened the jar and was filled with energy.

Then why in some countries, such as France, Norway and Denmark, the sale of energy drinks is prohibited in stores, and you can only buy them in pharmacies. In Australia and New Zealand there is also a ban on the sale and production of energy drinks. And in America, energy drinks with caffeine and alcohol are prohibited. In Bulgaria, persons under 18 years of age are prohibited from selling drinks.

In Russia, a bill was introduced to the State Duma to remove energy drinks from sale in educational, sports, medical institutions, as well as a ban on sales to minors.

In what quantities can you consume energy drinks, and what harm can they cause to human health?

In order to feel energetic and healthy, energy drinks can be consumed at certain moments when the body is affected by prolonged stress, during exams, but in limited quantities, no more than one can per day, and in no case should they be mixed with alcohol. and do not use with other products containing caffeine.

Who are energy drinks contraindicated for?

As it turned out, people suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system, hypertension, diseases of the pancreas and stomach, as well as those who have glaucoma are contraindicated to drink energy drinks.

It is also not recommended for children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women. Elderly people and those who suffer from insomnia, as well as drivers and people who work with complex mechanisms, are also contraindicated to drink energy drinks.

If used in large quantities energy drinks, then they will undoubtedly bring great harm health. Energy drinks do not fill our body with energy, but only suck reserves of reserve energy from our organs.
Oversaturation with caffeine depletes nerve cells, causes insomnia, a feeling of fatigue, irritability accumulates in a person and depression occurs.

Taurine, which is part of drinks, increases the load on the heart, increases blood pressure and pulse rate, which contributes to the development of tachycardia and arrhythmia.

A huge amount of energy drink in combination with alcohol can cause a heart attack, sharply increase blood pressure and cause a stroke. The consequences of consuming such an “explosive mixture” can be the most disastrous - even death.

Energy drinks also increase the production of gastric juice and acidity, which in turn leads to gastritis and stomach ulcers.

Glucose and sucrose contribute to increased body weight and even blood sugar.

And one more fact that speaks of the dangers of energy drinks - during the hostilities in Vietnam, American military personnel used energy drinks containing the substance glucuronoloctone to raise morale and increase stamina; it later turned out that the use of these drinks in the majority of those who fought contributed to the occurrence of liver cirrhosis and brain tumors.

Energy drinks are also addictive. And just one jar is not enough to cheer you up, and when the stimulating effect of the drink ends, the body requires a new dose, and then again and again, and without energy drinks there is no longer any ability to work, there is no energy or mood at all, and there is some kind of weakness in the body, and For some reason my hands are shaking.

After all, in order to “hang out” in nightclubs all night, young people at discos pour an incredible amount of energy drinks into themselves.

And increasingly, young people are dying from heart attacks or bleeding from the internal organs caused by an overdose of energy drinks.

So is it worth risking your health and life just to improve your mood, stamina and performance and drive yourself into dependence on energy drinks?

After all, you can cheer up and feel happy and cheerful by other, safer means. You can simply drink tea or coffee with chocolate or dates, or eat a banana. Well, as a last resort, you can open one colorful jar and drink an energetic drink.

Today, energy drinks are very popular, because it is so nice to be in good shape all day. However, not everyone realizes that there is a huge danger behind the use of such synthetic drinks. In this article we will look at and also find out how you can use it without harm to your health. Please read this information carefully to protect yourself as much as possible.

What are energy drinks

Before considering why energy drinks are harmful, you need to understand why this drink was invented in the first place. Depending on what ingredients are included in its composition, it can be either non-alcoholic or low-alcohol. Each of them is designed to stimulate the nervous system and provide an antisedative effect.

Energy drinks can very quickly give a feeling of vivacity, increase performance and make it possible to feel an inexhaustible surge of strength. Most often, such drinks are consumed by students during a session, truck drivers, office workers, as well as those who like to visit nightclubs.

Since the liquid is highly carbonated, this leads to the fact that the active substances are absorbed by the body as quickly as possible, which means that the desired effect is achieved in the shortest possible time.

A few words about the composition

Not many people wonder why energy drinks are harmful. Of course, if you use this product in moderation, it will not cause significant harm to health. But abuse can play a bad joke on you. The composition of the tonic drink primarily depends on the manufacturer. However, most often you can find caffeine and stimulants in the liquid. It's no secret that caffeine is found in many plants, so the drink may contain ingredients such as guarana, mate or green tea extract.

First of all, what is harmful about energy drinks is that the dosage of caffeine in it is significantly exceeded. The optimal amount is considered to be 150 mg per liter, while in most tonic drinks this figure reaches 350-400 mg.

Quite often, manufacturers add various vitamins to their products, which is a definite plus. However, you should not think that they will be enough to lead normal life activities. Therefore, carefully read the composition and be sure to pay attention to all the little details.

The drink may also contain adaptogens, which strengthen the nervous system and increase the body’s resistance to harmful effects environment. It may also contain taurine, which has a positive effect on the body.

Types of drinks

Many people wonder if energy drinks are harmful. In fact, in this world everything is harmful, in excess. The modern market simply amazes with its abundance. On supermarket shelves you can simply find huge amount energy workers. However, it is not so easy to find useful ones among them. Despite this, energy drinks can lift your spirits and improve your overall vitality. Consider two main groups of energy drinks:

Enhancing mood and adding vigor due to the carbohydrates and vitamins included in the composition;

Providing an effect due to the caffeine included in the composition. Such energy drinks will be appreciated by people working at night, as well as students preparing to take exams, and truck drivers.

What's the benefit

The safer the composition of such a drink, the more beneficial it is. Of course, it is harmful to drink energy drinks, but if you do not do it systematically, then it will not cause serious harm to your health. Try to choose tonics that contain adaptogens and vitamins. They will boost your energy level naturally. Caffeine-based drinks can very quickly lift your mood, but at the same time they have a negative effect on the nervous system as a whole. The gases included in the composition can maximize the effect of energy drinks on the body, which is a definite plus.

Be sure to think about how harmful alcohol-based energy drinks are. Alcohol itself has negative impact on the nervous system, and in combination with caffeine you will cause irreparable harm to your health.

As you can see, the benefit can only be if you take non-caffeine based tonics. Caffeine-containing drinks have a very strong effect on the nervous system. Therefore, if you are forced to consume this type of energy drink, then take the smallest possible portion.

The convenience of an energy drink is that you can drink it absolutely anywhere. You don't need to brew it like coffee and wait for it to cool. All you have to do is open the bottle and enjoy pleasant taste.

What harm does caffeine cause?

Once again, it’s worth paying attention to whether energy drinks are harmful. Despite the fact that the drink will contain the same caffeine that is found in coffee, the second drink will be less dangerous. After all, the concentration of caffeine in energy drinks will be incredibly high. Of course, this ingredient in small quantities can have positive impact on the body. But large dosages will not lead to anything good.

The energy drink is harmful to health precisely because it contains high doses of caffeine, which have an irritating effect on all organ systems as a whole. For example, the drink can increase blood pressure and also increase heart rate. With the constant use of such a tonic, the heart begins to wear out prematurely, which means diseases arise. cardiovascular system.

It is very important to think about whether energy drinks are harmful to your health. The drink can destroy bone tissue and also affect the condition digestive system. The components included in the composition increase the acidity of the stomach, which can lead to heartburn. The drink also has a direct effect on the central nervous system. Excessive consumption of tonic can cause insomnia and depression.

Effect of sugar

Do not forget that energy drinks contain sugar, which can cause to the human body a lot of harm. Light carbohydrates contribute to rapid weight gain, damage to tooth enamel, and stimulation of the central nervous system. In addition to sugars, the composition usually includes various dyes, which also have little benefit.

How harmful is energy drink?

As mentioned above, overuse Energy drinks have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system. Blood pressure increases, and this, in turn, leads to constant headaches and dizziness. Vascular tone also decreases.

Don’t forget that energy drinks also have a negative effect on the nervous system. Under their influence, the nervous activity of our body slows down, so we feel constant drowsiness, fatigue, aggressiveness, irritability, and also become prone to developing depressive conditions.

At regular use Using tonic drinks, the body spends too much energy reserves, which are not so easy to restore. This requires proper nutrition and sleep. Caffeine will give you energy, but it will borrow it from the reserves your smart body has prepared for the future.

Energy drinks also have a negative effect on metabolic processes. Metabolism slows down, digestion worsens significantly, and breakdown products are difficult to remove from the body. In addition, such a product will worsen the health of the liver and kidneys.

Addictive effect

Think about whether drinking an energy drink is harmful if this drink can lead to addiction. After all, the body will simply get used to the additional stimulation. After the jar delicious drink you will feel a surge of strength and good mood. However, there will soon come a time when one serving will not be enough for you. And soon two will not be enough.

And then in an instant you decide that you no longer want to drink energy drinks, but it won’t be so easy to lift your mood without them. That is why it is very important to know when to stop and not overdo it.

Who shouldn't drink

In fact, even this, at first glance, healthy drink As an energy drink, not everyone can drink it. One serving of an energy drink contains a huge dose of caffeine, as well as other energy components. Not every body can withstand such a load. Therefore, there are a number of contraindications under which drinking this drink is strictly prohibited.

So, it is best to refrain from drinking energy drinks in the following cases:

• people suffering from changes in blood pressure;
• in the presence of diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• People who suffer from insomnia or have an easily excitable nervous system should not drink energy drinks;
• In no case should the product be used by children, adolescents and the elderly;
• Pregnant and lactating women should also avoid drinking the drink, as caffeine will have a negative impact on the health of not only the mother, but also her unborn baby.

Rules of application

If you are wondering whether non-alcoholic energy drinks are harmful, then believe me, they are safer than drinks containing alcohol. However, in order for the tonic to cause minimal harm to your health, you need to drink it correctly.

Maximum daily norm should be 250 ml of drink per day. On sale you can see large number half liter and liter cans and bottles. Beware of such containers, as they contain an excessively high dosage of caffeine.

Never drink such drinks after sports or before training. The consequences of such an action can be extremely dire. Also, do not combine energy drinks with alcoholic drinks and any other liquid that increases energy levels. This primarily includes coffee and tea.

If you do decide to drink an energy drink, it is best to do it in the first half of the day. A few sips miracle drink will be quite sufficient for you. Of course, almost all energy drinks have a very pleasant taste, but you should not drink them to quench your thirst, because they are not intended for this.

Conclusions

Of course, drinking an energy drink can cheer you up for a while and lift your spirits. However, even one jar of such a delicious drink can cause irreparable harm to your health. Therefore, it is better not to consume energy drinks at all. But if you do, then know when to stop and don’t overuse it.

Don't forget that your health is in your hands. Only you are responsible for yourself, so take care of yourself. Don't forget that there are a huge number of other methods to cheer yourself up. Drinking an energy drink is not the best good option. Take care of your health and it will take care of you.

Manufacturers of energy drinks do not recommend drinking more than two cans a day (as written on the packaging). This is the volume that contains the daily dose of caffeine. Energy drinks can be called a kind of concentrated coffee substitute, which also contains glucose, providing a surge of energy for the brain and muscles. You've probably noticed that many energy drinks are carbonated. Thanks to this, they act much faster than coffee.

Let's figure out what is usually included in energy drinks:

1. Caffeine. The most important component, without which none of these miracle jars can do. It not only stimulates brain activity, but also increases heart endurance. Here's the harm of energy drinks - if you drink more than two cans, the effect on the heart will be too strong.
2. Carnitine. This component eliminates muscle fatigue and increases endurance. A very important component of sports energy drinks.
3. Taurine. According to some studies, taurine improves heart function. Although not all experts agree with this.
4. Matein. Mate tea extract helps cope with hunger.
5. Ginseng and guarana. They have a tonic effect.
6. B vitamins. Positively affect the functioning of the brain and nervous system.

Why do you need sports energy drinks?

In addition to regular energy drinks, there are sports energy drinks. For example, you trudge to the fitness club after a hard day at work and have a hard time imagining how you’ll even work out on the gym or jump on the steppe today. Of course, it’s easier to drink something, feel a surge of energy and perform an active workout without any problems. But it's not that simple. If you are tired, do not drink energy drinks, but rather go home or rest. Or start training through strength - sport will give you a surge of energy and strength.

Popular

Sports energy drinks are consumed by people who are undergoing very intense physical activity, such as running a marathon. Think carefully about whether you need them, since consuming them may result in problems with the stomach and intestines. For a regular hour-long fitness workout, they are not particularly necessary.

The harm of energy drinks

It is difficult to say something about the dangers of energy drinks by looking at the composition. There is nothing wrong with them, especially if you drink no more than two jars a day. But if you exceed the dose, expect these side effects:

• Increased blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
• Loss of energy, irritability and insomnia. These are not magic jars - they take all the resources from your own body, after which retribution inevitably comes.
• Addiction. If you drink them every day, you will forget what it is like to be cheerful just like that.
• High calorie content. In the fight for beautiful figure They definitely won't help you. Here's another reason not to drink them at the gym, where you're trying to lose weight.
• Tachycardia, tremors and exhaustion of the nervous system (this is all caffeine).
• Other effects. For example, scientists still know little about the side effects of taurine on the body. Maybe it shouldn't be a field for experimentation?

Or is it still beneficial?

An energy drink will give you a boost of energy for 3-4 hours, while coffee will only help you wake up for an hour or two. Therefore, sometimes, if you are facing very intense physical or mental stress, you can resort to the help of these jars. By the way, the convenient packaging will allow you to use energy drinks on the road or at a disco - where you can’t find coffee.

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 comparative cheapness of the drink and the invigorating (tonic) effect it provides.

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

Energy drinks entered widespread production in 1984. To put it simply, these are drinks created using a combination of various stimulants and additional components(vitamins, flavors, dyes, etc.).

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

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

1. Caffeine. The main component of energy drinks, providing 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 an analogue of caffeine and gives 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 reaching the brain, reducing the desire to sleep and stimulating its activity.
5. Taurine. An amino acid that accelerates metabolism, quickly provides energy to the body, and is another central nervous system stimulant.
6. Theobromine. IN pure form toxic, but energy drinks contain theobromine that has been chemically processed. Is a tonic.
7. Phenylalanine. Adds flavor to the drink.
8. B vitamins.

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 is worth noting that in Europe and the USA the number of types of energy drinks is significantly higher than in the CIS countries.

The impact of energy drinks on the human body

The use of energy drinks directly affects a person's sleep. To be more precise, chronic persistent insomnia develops, and existing sleep becomes pathological. The patient may have nightmares, any external stimuli cause him to wake up, and 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 develops. The world in the patient’s mind loses color, which usually indicates the onset of depression.

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

What are the harms of energy drinks?

Negative consequences of taking Energy drinks have not raised questions among 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. Increase the likelihood of developing diabetes.
2. Disturbs the functioning of the central nervous system.
3. They create problems with the performance of the heart and the cardiovascular system as a whole.
4. Cause pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract.
5. They lead to mental disorders and reduce libido.
6. Can cause serious diseases (thrombosis, epilepsy, anaphylaxis).
7. They reduce ability to work, attention, and interest in the world around them.

Harm from energy drinks (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 patients with alcoholism.

Apparently, a solution to this problem will not 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 kept to a minimum.

Who is dangerous/contraindicated to drink energy drinks?

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

These people include:

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

Is it possible to overdose?

Unfortunately, in addition to the benefits, energy sources also represent real danger for the human body. An overdose of such drinks causes serious poisoning, leading to overload of the central nervous system and increased stress on the arteries and heart.

An overdose of energy drinks usually occurs against the background of their frequent use for carrying out some kind of intellectual work. Statistically, energy drink poisoning most often occurs in students before an exam and in knowledge workers (programmers, writers, professional gamers, etc.).

The reason for overdosing on energy drinks is that they increase the body's performance by increasing the load on all its systems. The cardiovascular and central systems suffer the most nervous system, which with large consumption of energy drinks work for wear and tear.

Simply put, energy drinks turn on the body's backup systems for a long period of time, whereas they are designed to work for a short period of time ( no more than 30 minutes and only in critical situations).

Symptoms of an energy drink overdose

Symptoms of poisoning(overdoses) of energy drinks are as follows:

• a significant increase in heart rate (up to 160 beats per minute);
• persistent and prolonged insomnia;
• irritability, aggressiveness;
• facial redness and 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 without relief;
• anxiety, panic, suspiciousness;
• confusion;
• visual and auditory hallucinations;
• loss of consciousness (syncope).

Possible consequences

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

Let's try to list all of them (according to PubMed):

1. Decreased libido, impotence.
2. Gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis and heartburn develop especially often).
3. Cognitive impairment, including problems with academic performance in adolescents.
4. Development of mental illness.
5. Depression, apathy, indifference, aggressiveness.
6. Cardiac dysfunction, thrombosis.
7. Persistent chronic insomnia.
8. Overexcitement, nervous tics.
9. Seizures, epilepsy.
10. Decreased interest and motivation.
11. Fatal outcome (relatively rare).

First aid and further treatment

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

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

In the hospital, the patient's stomach will be rinsed again and an IV will be placed. Treatment will be carried out with an emphasis on detoxifying the body and “unloading” the nervous and cardiovascular systems.