Anyone looking for a quick energy boost can find it in energy drinks. However, there is a catch.
Although energy drinks offer a quick boost in energy level, it’s short-term or temporary. And, previously, we’ve learned that a single can of energy drink a day could inflict damage to the kidneys.
Unfortunately, there are many people who consume several cans or bottles of energy drink on a daily basis. Even worse, there are individuals who drink it during night time. Well, you can’t blame them as it is surely due to their night job. But does it do well for their health?
Well, indeed, there are health risks linked to energy consumption. A small study1 found that commercially available energy drinks can potentially harm the heart.
You might think that it might due to caffeine content in the energy drink. Not, it’s not. What researchers found is that individuals consuming energy drinks have higher QT interval. In fact, it is 10-milliseconds higher than those who only drink caffeinated beverages as a control group.
What is QT Interval?
QT interval is the time it takes the heart’s ventricles to prepare to beat again. In other words, it can cause abnormal heartbeats.
Caffeine along with other ingredients in energy drinks cause this abnormal heartbeats.
Later, another study2, which is a review of the current literature confirmed that energy drinks trigger heart problems.
The previously mentioned studies suggest the association between EDs and cardiovascular changes including cardiac arrhythmias, prolonged QT interval, ventricular arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, cardiomyopathy, myocardial ischemia, infarction, aortic dissection, and death.
Mangi MA, Rehman H, Rafique M, Illovsky M. Energy Drinks and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of Current Literature. Cureus. 2017;9(6):e1322. Published 2017 Jun 7. doi:10.7759/cureus.1322
On the other hand, The Metro reports that children in the U.K. are to be banned from purchasing energy drinks. This is, in fact, a good idea to regulate energy drinks on children consumption.
Mayo Clinic reports that energy drinks may increase the risk of heart disease in young adults.
What Healthy Alternatives To Energy Drinks?
One of the biggest problems in many people today is low energy. However, instead of grabbing a can or bottle of energy drink, take a look at your diet and lifestyle.
For instance, do you get enough sleep every night? If you haven’t, then aim at getting quality sleep every night. You’ll be surprised this single change alone can have a tremendously positive effect on your energy level.
Of course, you will not only experience higher energy level but many health benefits, as well. Regular quality sleep is vital for overall health and wellness including prostate health, healthy skin, and even better sex.
If you have lack of sleep during weekdays, getting longer sleep on weekends can somehow counter the bad effect. Of course, you can always try sleeping naked and see how it makes a difference.
Another thing you should look and try doing is eating energy-boosting foods. Instead of eating highly processed and fast foods, try salads and nuts, instead.
Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables including dark green leafy vegetables are good choices. Of course, taking a CoQ10 supplement is another good choice.
Another thing you can do is drink water. Most of the time when low energy strikes, a feeling of sleepiness comes along. Instead, of grabbing an energy drink or a cup of coffee, drink a glass of water instead. You may have just mild dehydration.
While coffee is not bad, in fact, coffee has many health benefits, make sure you drink the right coffee. And, only drink the amount your body can handle. If you drink 3 cups and you feel jittery, reduce the amount.
And, lastly, don’t forget to exercise regularly.