Energy drinks have become an troubling addiction around the world, with companies using bright colors, tasty flavors, and attention-grabbing advertisements to reach a younger audience.
People choose to drink energy drinks for many reasons: to make up for not getting enough sleep, to lose weight, to increase sport performance. But not everyone knows the physical and mental health problems that can form from continuously drinking them.
Taurine, caffeine, and guarana are the most typical ingredients used in energy drinks. They affect the heart’s electrical system and muscular pump when creating energy for human bodies and can change a person’s heart rate and blood pressure. This can lead to heart problems in the future, and create unbalanced human systems.
People who already have bad health conditions are the most at risk and should watch their intake. This includes anyone who consistently smokes and vapes, and people with high blood pressure, high anxiety, sleep disorders, and kidney issues.
One study on the effects of taurine, focused on a group of mice with leukemia that were given additional taurine and the cancer grew more rapidly. While this doesn’t state that energy drinks can give you cancer, those with leukemia or other cancers should probably avoid them.
Studies have shown that ⅓ of teenagers ages 12-17 regularly consume energy drinks. The decreased impulse control, developing brains, and smaller body sizes contribute to multiple different physical and mental issues. Teenagers who drink energy drinks can have difficulty sleeping (which contributes to drinking more), can develop behavioral problems, and become more aggressive or anxious. Other effects can include depressive and stressed mindsets.
Sophomore Eva Maher, who usually has five energy drinks a month, described her love for Red Bull. When asked why she drinks energy drinks, this is how she responded.
“[I drink it] to feel more awake so I can focus in school,” said Maher. “I love the flavors, but it’s just a bonus.”
Junior Cristian Vickers is another student with a love for energy drinks. He typically drinks 25-30 a month, usually Monster or Ghost.
“I mostly drink them to have energy to get through a workout or class,” Vickers said.
Both students addressed that the reason they have drunk such large amounts of energy drinks is due to not having enough energy for school.
Monster, Red Bull, and Celsius are energy drink companies that have used appeals to young audiences. Red Bull’s classic ad has been around for decades, which features cartoon characters overcoming challenges with the drink. This also includes their classic slogan “Red Bull gives you wings”, which promotes the ideas of adventure and fun.
Good substitutes for energy drinks that serve the same purpose are smoothies, coffee, and green teas. Water can also act as an energy drink, and when mixed with natural flavors, it can be just as good. Vitaminwater is a company owned by Coca Cola that sells vitamin-infused drinks. One of their drinks, tropical citrus, has low amounts of caffeine that can get the job done without doing too much. 50 mg can be found in one bottle, along with other vitamins. It can be another good substitute for more common ones.
While having an energy drink every now and then won’t hurt someone, it’s important to keep in mind the lasting effects it can have on the body and mind.
