Do energy drinks work?

Energy drinks are one of the many trends that seem to have rolled into the new millennium and made itself comfortable with the younger generations. To some, this is a new aid for getting through the day, but in reality, this is just one more item to watch out for. As for those lacking sleep, or those in need of that extra burst of energy, these products can be a solution, but to what extent? Surprisingly, the long-term effects are the questionable issue as opposed to the short-term ones. Here is the real question: Is a short period of alertness worth the soon-to-follow “crash” period? I suggest you keep reading before you decide. 

Let’s make sure we are all on the same level before getting into this. Energy drinks and sports drinks are very different. Energy drinks are used to temporarily improve awareness, alertness, concentration, etc. Again, that is what they are used for, this does not necessarily mean they work for everybody. They work by providing a large dose of caffeine or ginseng, usually in a small dose of liquid. They have absolutely no relation with absorbing or providing liquids. As for sports drinks, they are used to maintain hydration during or after a period of exercise or anything physically demanding. Although many people drink Gatorade or Powerade because they enjoy the taste, that is not what they are meant for. They work by regenerating electrolytes and they help retain water. 

Next, the truth about health-related effects and possible dangers related to energy drinks. The two ingredients that are worrying are the only two significant ones that come in every energy drink: caffeine and sugar. Sure, you know what those are, you consume them everyday in your morning coffee and your afternoon chocolate bar. There’s no way they can be harmful, right? Wrong. The excessive amounts included in a majority of these canned boosts is astounding. Anyone with diabetes or any type of heart problem should not even go near them. As for everyone else, it is still worth looking into and should always be consumed in moderation, no matter how soon your deadline or how important your upcoming exam is. Like many things in life, completely avoiding the product is the best solution. 

Instead of icing on the cake, you get a crash after your drink. If you were wondering why you felt weak and tired after an energy drink, or whether it was all in your head or not, you are not alone. The crash is real and there is a concrete reason for its occurrence. Some time after the consumption, you will end up with a low blood sugar level. A simple way to look at it is to compare it to mild malnutrition, but liquid form. When you eat unhealthy foods, or not enough food, you are left feeling nauseated, tired, many other kinds of sick. Energy drinks are equally unhealthy and have the same results.

At this point, you should be able to decide whether the downtime is worth the more short-lasted high time. If you answered no, you are in my boat. Although the temporary boost can be great at the start and have positive effects, it ends up leaving you in worse shape than you were before you drank it.