What are the effects of caffeine on the body?  This question is becoming more of a concern since the popularity of energy drinks.  With so many being consumed by our youth, one has to wonder if this energy drink is just an energy boost, or does it have more of an effect on the body than that?

Let’s put it into perspective for a second.  Energy drinks may contain as much as 80 mg of caffeine.  This is the equivalent of an average-strength cup of coffee. A  Mountain Dew contains 55 mg of caffeine, with 34 mg in a Coca-Cola Classic. 

An individual’s response to caffeine will vary from person to person, so these drinks should be treated carefully because of how powerful they can be.  If the consumption of caffeine makes you jittery, the drinks may actually impair performance instead of enhancing a person’s performance. 

And what happens when a second or third energy drink is consumed?  High levels of caffeine can boost heart rate, as well as blood pressure, causing palpitations.

If the caffeine in an energy drink is the only caffeine a person consumes, the safety concern and the effects of caffeine on the body is only minimal.  However, adding other foods with large amounts of caffeine at the same time can really exhilarate the caffeine levels in the body. 

And again, the concern is magnified when our focus is on a child’s response to the high levels of caffeine.  Children who increase their daily intake of caffeine with energy drinks could experience increased arousal, irritability, nervousness, or anxiety.  

While energy drinks may not be harmful if used in moderation, they should not be thought of as a natural alternative to a “pick me up” like a cup of coffee, soft drink, or sports drink. (And don’t confuse a sports drink with an energy drink.  They are not the same thing.)

To minimize health risks limit your consumption of energy drinks to no more than two cans per day, (and certainly never mix an energy drink with alcohol.)  Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.  And if you have an adverse reaction to the effects of caffeine on the body from an energy drink, report it to your physician immediately.

You may also consider an alternative to the popular energy drinks out there.  One that is safe for you to drink, without the high levels of caffeine.  There’s a powdered drink called “Charge It” that you simply add to water.  It’s safe to drink, lifts your mood, and gives you a positive electron charge!   You can drink it 2 to 3 times a day to enhance your energy levels.

Larry Buhrandt

615-824-9772