How Bad ARE Energy Drinks?

I read about how bad they are for you, but I still like them and the energy they give me. I have been in a bad energy slump lately and use them when I can get them for a pick up. I do not drink the carb or sugared kind, so for that it should be healthier, yes?

The problem with energy drinks isn't just the calories, but the caffeine.  We're not talking about just a cup of coffee here, but a content anywhere from 3-10 times what is found in a regular soda.  In normal amounts it's relatively benign to a healthy person, but it is possible to overdose, and it isn't pretty.

I'd say that as long as you don't risk overdose or addiction, you're okay, but there are healthier ways of getting an energy boost.

Those amounts of caffeine can have rather nasty effects on heart rate and blood pressure.  I would also worry about becoming dependent on the super sweet taste of "sugar-free" drinks.

How is your vitamin B intake? As a vegetarian, I find that I lose a lot of energy if I don't have adequate vitamin B levels.  

I wouldn't worry if its once in a while, but definetely not regularly - and probably not if you're in 'a bad energy slump' because that probably means you're missing something and it's not the stuff that's in an energy drink.

I've actually looked up most of the ingredients in my lo-carb or sugar-free energy drinks, and the truth is, I can't find how they're any worse for you than any other diet soda. They've got caffeine in them, but depending on which one you get, not so much more than coffee. Of course, anything in excess is bad and everything should be consumed in moderation.

Well, I don't know. A few months ago I didn't eat for 4 days, and had 3 sugar free low calorie energy drinks (500mL each) daily. I felt like I was on durgs, I was so energetic and acted really weird and i had so much energy, too much energy and I kept laughing, my boyfriend actually seriously thought I had taken drugs

I consider energy drinks the source of all my power. But it's good to be reminded how bad they are for you...I should prolly cut down :/

I drank those giant energy monster drinks for about a week straight...a nd some even twice a day during my final project days.

I developed an insomnia that affects me to this day. It's been a year. 

yeah.

dollface, you're severely underweight and i worry that drinking energy drinks is even more of a strain on your heart. eating adequate amounts of food consistently and things that give sustained energy might be a better way to get energy.

also, being underweight is probably what is making you so lethargic in the first place.

@elisabethi

I hope you realize that caffeine IS a drug.

Depends on the drink.

If you're talking about some Red Bull shiz or one of those Monster drinks, those are pretty bad and tend to be addictive because of the caffeine. I'd rather drink coffee or black/green tea with some stevia (and almond milk if you'd like) if it's the caffeine you're looking for. These alternatives are also low calorie and are much healthier.

Sports energy drinks though work well for their purpose. If you're exercising for a long time, it's not *bad* to have some Gatorade or similar, because they give you the sugars and electrolytes to keep going, or replenish your energy after you finish. I gobble up Ultima after long runs like nobody's biznass, although it's mostly for the electrolytes since it has almost no calories.

For you though, I'd just suggest a nice coffee or tea latte made with milk (soy/almond is fine) and some honey or agave. I wouldn't be worrying about carbs in your position. :P

I used to drink them alot when traveling.  But I developed bladder and kidney problems and atributed them to the drinks.  When I would stop the drinks, I'd have no symptoms, start them back and symptoms return.  Just my opinion, but I say they are better left alone.

Oh wow.

Well, I have quit them since then (it was very hard! I wanted to do nothing but sleep for a while). I figure the last thing I need right now are shoddy kidneys!

Thank you all :D

Original Post by mrssafetystu:

I used to drink them alot when traveling.  But I developed bladder and kidney problems and atributed them to the drinks.  When I would stop the drinks, I'd have no symptoms, start them back and symptoms return.  Just my opinion, but I say they are better left alone.

Interesting that you mention you developed bladder and kidney problems because I always seem to notice that I pee a lot more frequently after drinking energy drinks. Do you know what the relation is?

Original Post by gadzooks:

Original Post by mrssafetystu:

I used to drink them alot when traveling.  But I developed bladder and kidney problems and atributed them to the drinks.  When I would stop the drinks, I'd have no symptoms, start them back and symptoms return.  Just my opinion, but I say they are better left alone.

Interesting that you mention you developed bladder and kidney problems because I always seem to notice that I pee a lot more frequently after drinking energy drinks. Do you know what the relation is?

Original Post by sp84:

Caffeine is a mild diuretic so increases your urine output. Energy drinks are ok once in awhile but drinking them regularly can be bad for you. Plus they can be addictive.

Oh, that makes sense. Thanks :]

i will recommend something, i was surprised that no one had mentioned it.....5 HOUR ENERGY! The little shot things...they are loaded with vitamins and are only 4 calories a shot. Boy do they work too!!!! It's equivalent to a cup of coffee too!

One thing I hate about energy drinks is that they provide you with a gush of energy then sadly as quickly as it came, the energy flagged just as fast and it gives me disturbing palpitations of the heart too. Go natural. 

Why don't you just drink iced tea? It's natural and calorie free.

If anyone's interested, I'm actually a distributor for an all-natural energy drink. It's got virtually no calories (5 per serving), no sugar, no pasteurization, no artificial flavoring, etc..., etc..., you get the drift. And it doesn't have the same effect as those other drinks that are comparable to speed. This one works by gradually restoring your natural energy.  Sorry for the shameless plug, but if anyone's interested, hit me up on Facebook. Just look up Jordan Yoli Moore.

Original Post by mrssafetystu:

I used to drink them alot when traveling.  But I developed bladder and kidney problems and atributed them to the drinks.  When I would stop the drinks, I'd have no symptoms, start them back and symptoms return.  Just my opinion, but I say they are better left alone.

 

 

Same here, I used to work third shift so they were what I thought, necessary. I've passed about three kidney stones now and I'm 24. I've cut all energy drinks out of my life for good- and not another kidney problem in about a year.  Then on top of that, a lot of them have extract from bull semen- that kinda turned me off from energy drinks lol