Energy Drink Addiction (Entry #9)
Energy drink consumption has only been increasing over time. What is sleep when you can stay wide awake for hours, all in just a few sips of a can? Young people have developed bad habits in drinking more caffeine than they need to, within an unreasonable amount of time. The effects of these drinks are not only physical, but mental effects as well. However, there are pros to this aside from all the cons.
According to an article from the National Library of Medicine, there are many health concerns that these energy drinks bring. This includes cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, dental, and even neurological effects. The irregular amount of caffeine intake causes for an off heart rhythm, insomnia, anxiety, muscle twitching, and inexhaustibility. The benefits of these drinks do include an elevated mood, increased alertness, and improved memory. A study showed that it also increases aerobic endurance and performance. It helps with attention even in 'partially sleep-deprived' individuals. This cartoon illustrates how these drinks are relied on heavily to keep us up and going.
Energy drinks have many downsides to them. It brings up many health issues and affects consumers of young or old age. It is best to limit ourselves to the amount of caffeine we take in. Considering they affect us mentally, is yet another concern and only adds onto the physical damage being made. Consumers should educate themselves on what it is that they are putting into their bodies almost daily.
Stay tuned,
Yaqueline Figueroa
I agree 100 percent! Caffeine is a powerful addictive drug that causes many negative side-effects. I've experienced most of the side effects that you listed when I drank it more often. I've been drinking green tea only these days that has way less caffeine and keeps my physical/mental health in a much better place! Lisa Hughes
ReplyDeleteI have actually started going without caffeine recently, and I have friends who drink way too much caffeine. I agree that caffeine has many good or bad effects; I have started to drink less soda and more sparkling water.
ReplyDeleteI agree! I think that its most important to first learn what we are putting inside our bodies before we make that choice and eventually get addicted. yes, caffeine can be useful, but it shouldnt become something that our bodies rely on to function throughout the day, which unfortunetly is a large problem with energy drinks
ReplyDeleteThis is one of those things that I know is bad for me, and the logical part of my brain tells my I shouldn't drink them anymore. Unfortunately, I sometimes have to work or be attentive and it can feel like the only solution. I want to stop, but it's tough when you know you have to be awake for another 6 hours and you're already starting to fall asleep.
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