Energy Drinks: A Boost That Comes at a Price

It is a common sight to see teens and adults with energy drinks. More and more people are grabbing caffeinated and sugary beverages. The beverages claim to help, but are harming the teens and young adults more than we think. 

Energy drinks serve as an energy booster for people, and are consumed before sports or other physical activities. There are a few studies that have shown results of temporary improved alertness. However, the boosted energy doesn't last long and may bring negative side effects.

 A study done by Dr. Ran D. Goldman, a pediatrician and co-head of BC Children’s Hospital  says, “Almost a third of a group of 12- to 24-year-olds reported regular consumption of energy drinks.” This is an alarming statistic for that many teens and kids to be reaching for a can of chemicals.  

“Energy drinks can also cause irregular heart rhythms and other life-threatening heart-rhythm changes,” stated Dr. Mazer at Seattle Children's Hospital. These are not symptoms that teens should be worrying about. They should be focusing on school, not what they are putting in their bodies.

Mentioned by Stephanie Green and Raquel Hernandez, pediatricians at Johns Hopkins Hospital, “‌Additional adverse outcomes — especially after too much consumption — may include: Sleep disturbances, Agitation, Arrhythmias (abnormal heart beats), Diarrhea, Feeling jittery, Seizures, Increased heart rate, High blood pressure, Rapid breathing, Dehydration, Anxiety and panic attacks.”  It is important to be aware of these adverse effects when consuming energy drinks.

Relying on energy drinks to get you through the school day is not a good thing. According to  Lee Ehrmann a Registered Dietitian Resident at Rady Children’s Health Orange County, “Energy drinks can backfire, leading to sleep deprivation which in turn worsens academic performance and emotional regulation, increased anxiety and irritability affecting social relationships, mood swings and dependence.” 

A good solution to solve this problem would be for schools to stop selling energy drinks. This would help teens and young adults have less easy access to energy drinks. Another solution is to find healthy alternatives. In an article by Dr. Shana Miskovsky, an orthopedic surgeon at University Hospitals, some good alternatives can be, “1.A tall drink of water… 2. A reviving catnap… 3. A hearty, healthy meal … 4. A mini yoga session." These alternative solutions are much better in the long term for giving you the boost of energy you need with no negative effects.