As a student, I went from drinking one energy drink a month to several a week, which improved my focus but risked serious health problems.
After a few months of drinking energy drinks from time to time, I started to notice changes in my body. I noticed the increased quantity of headaches that I started to experience.
Ironically, the constant consumption of energy drinks decreased my level of concentration because of the high level of sugar in the drink.
When my body got used to the energy drinks, I couldn’t focus as well as I used to. The symptoms I had after consuming energy drinks are connected with the ingredients that the energy drink is made of.
Danger for health
With the little amount of refreshment the energy drink gives us, we also accept several health dangers, which can lead us to the worst scenario.
The outcomes of frequent consumption include:
- cardiac arrhythmias — irregular heartburn
- myocardial dysfunctions — muscles of the heart cannot work effectively
- palpitations — pounding heart
- depression — mood disorder
- nausea — urge to vomit
- gastrointestinal upset — indigestion
Personally, the long-term consumption of energy drinks caused a problem with my stomach. That was a big reason for me to reduce these types of drinks so frequently, as I noticed how many disadvantages they brought for me. My experience shows it is necessary to include these thoughts in your head while buying another energy drink for yourself.
Should teenagers have access to energy drinks?
Because of the popularization of energy drinks for the last few years and sweet taste, many teenagers tend to consume energy drinks without putting limitations on the quantity consumed and without knowing the consequences of consuming them. As a result, many young people have experience with serious health problems, such as heart disease, as a result of irresponsible consumption.
In my experience, some of my friends used to buy energy drinks when they studied in middle school because of the different sweet tastes of the drinks. At that time, they did not think about the consequences. That is the reason why the government should put a limitation on who energy drinks can be sold to, as it is not just soda that kids enjoy because of flavor.
The main ingredient of any energy drink is caffeine, and that is what gives us energy. Additional ingredients include taurine, amino acids and herbal ingredients. Separately, all the ingredients can be healthy for a person to consume.
However, when all of the ingredients are mixed together with a large amount of sugar, it becomes dangerous.
To avoid endangering the young generation, teenagers should not have open access to energy drinks in stores. For example, stores can implement a policy that will limit access to buying energy drinks for a person who is under 18 years old.
Alternatives for energy drinks
After noticing and experiencing the worst side of energy drinks, I switched my preferences and found alternatives that work even better for me. The first option I chose for myself is black tea because it helps me focus faster in the morning.
The next option that I prefer is matcha. This drink is not an option for everyone, as it has a specific taste, but it gives me energy that lasts all day. It also has L-theanine, an ingredient that has a calming effect.
After I switched to these alternatives, I noticed that not only my health returned to normal, but I am also able to concentrate better now.
