Are energy drinks safe? Health dangers you need to know

Energy drinks promise quick energy and mental alertness but carry risks ranging from heart issues and sleep disruption to anxiety and obesity.(Image: Pexels)

With their promise of rapid weight loss and enhanced performance, energy drinks are fast becoming the best thing among teens, college students and athletes, and laborers. These drinks are advertised as performance enhancers, with claims to boost your stamina and mental acuity. The first few of these may give a temporary benefit, but when it comes to your health, the long-term effect can be seriously damaging.

Energy drinks usually have large amounts of caffeine, sugar, artificial flavouring, and at times herbal stimulants. Caffeine is a popular stimulant that temporarily combats sleepiness, but taking too much can result in dangerous side effects. The high sugar content in energy drinks can also result in obesity, diabetes, and dental issues.

“They (energy drinks) are consumed without much knowledge of its potential risks,” says an expert on wellness, Dr Rahul Vashista, Mumbai based Dietician and Wellness Expert. “Excessive use or mixing with other stimulants like energy drinks can harm the body, especially the heart or nervous system”, he adds.

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Key Disadvantages of Energy Drinks

Increased Heart Risks

Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure) Sometimes used in party drug culture, combining these cakes with alcohol could be really dangerous. And in the most severe cases, they can cause an irregular heartbeat or heart attack, particularly at higher doses.

High Sugar Content

Restoring energy is good, but if you’re taking in too much sugar, it can promote weight gain, insulin resistance and risk for type 2 diabetes. It also causes tooth cavities.

Sleep Disruptions

Too much caffeine disrupts sleep patterns which results in insomnia, restlessness, and overall bad sleep quality. Inadequate sleep can have you running on empty, feeling stressed and run down.

Mental Health Effects

Regular use can create anxiety, irritability and even panic attacks. The drop in the energy that one faces after the initial energy boost can leave an individual distracted.

Who Is at Maximum Risk?

Teenagers and Children

This is because their bodies are much more sensitive to caffeine, causing them to be more susceptible to feelings of anxiety, heart palpitations, and an inability to sleep.

People with Heart Conditions

People with pre-existing cardiovascular problems are at higher risk of increased blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat.

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Pregnant Women

Excessive caffeine consumption during pregnancy is associated with the baby having complications and developmental challenges.

Individuals Combining with Alcohol

Combining energy drinks with alcohol is very dangerous because it disguises the intoxicating effects of alcohol, which can lead to risky behaviour and dehydration.

While energy drinks might provide your body with a fast energy boost, it’s not good for you in the long run. But moderation is key, and high-risk groups should avoid them entirely. Instead, choose healthy, energy-fuelling options such as water, fruits, and balanced meals.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.