3 Reasons To Think Twice About Drinking That Energy Drink

Here’s the reality… caffeine is a drug. The exact definition of a drug is as follows: A substance that has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body, in particular.

Caffeine is in the same league as alcohol, cocaine, nicotine and aspirin. The misuse of caffeine happens to have severe effects on the body. So why isn’t this particular drug being monitored and regulated like many of the others?

Currently the FDA limits caffeine levels in beverages to about 70 milligrams per 12-ounce soda, however, energy drinks are in an entirely different category–food supplements.

Several senators have spoke up about this issue to the FDA, arguing that energy drinks are sold next to sodas in similar packaging and therefor should be considered beverages, not supplements.

What’s even more disturbing is that energy drinks are heavily marketed to our youth, often times labeled as “natural” substances that increase energy and enhance your performance throughout the day.

These chemical-filled drinks are sold in bright, attractive cans and bottles and endorsed by celebrities, athletes and sexy models. It would be nearly impossible to walk through a college campus, high school or gym without spotting a variety of brands of energy drinks.

Energy drink consumption has been linked to over 20,000 ER visits per year, anxiety, heart palpitations, nervousness, dehydration, and even death. The added stimulants in many energy drinks, such as ginseng and guarana seed extract, combined with the caffeine stimulate both the nervous system and cardiac system, which has resulted in seizures in some consumers.

Aside from the stimulants, these drinks are loaded with sugar–in some cases, more than 80 grams per can! Drinking that much sugar alone is setting your body up for a crash and burn response.

Drinking the sugar-free varieties are no better, seeing as they are usually full of sucraclose or aspartame, or both.

Here’s some advice; if you don’t have enough energy to get through your day, you probably need sleep.

Getting at least 7 hours of sleep is crucial for sustained energy and focus. Aside from sleep, your diet and water intake are also key to the energy you have.

You can get natural energy from eating fruits, green vegetables like broccoli and kale, and adding spicy herbs to your food.

If you still feel you absolutely need that jolt of energy until you kick your caffeine habit altogether, stick to 1-2 cups of coffee with 1 tbsp of coconut milk and a very small amount of organic sugar.

I use blonde coconut sugar in my coffee. And remember, if you are going to consume caffeine, drinking plenty of water is so very important.