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  • If you have a busy work or school schedule, you've probably stopped by your local convenience store to pick up a pack of energy drinks. These drinks may give you a boost for a while, but do you really know what they're doing to your body? Here's some information to keep in mind the next time you're tempted to grab a bottle of temporary energy.

    Insomnia

    Of course, you're taking energy drinks to keep from dozing off, but the drinks can also keep you awake when you should be sleeping. The caffeine and herbal stimulants in many energy drinks block the effect of adenosine on the brain, which is the chemical involved in sleep, and makes your brain think that it is constantly in a state of emergency.

    Dehydration

    Even though you're drinking a liquid, energy drinks have been known to cause dehydration due to the caffeine content. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it causes urination because the kidneys are prompted to move extra fluid into urine. In addition, the high sugar levels slow water absorption.

    Increased Heart Rate

    Most energy drinks contain guarana and caffeine, both of which increase your heart rate, since the ingredients cause the pituitary glands to release adrenaline. This is why you feel energized for a short amount of time. However, when the adrenaline wears off you'll develop a sense of sluggishness, and your heart rate may be slower than normal.

    High Blood Sugar

    Once adrenaline is released into your system, the liver will release additional sugar into your bloodstream automatically in order to give you more energy. So when you chug down an energy drink, your body experiences higher sugar levels than normal, which usually causes a crash. After about 45 minutes of hyperactivity and productiveness, it's not uncommon to experience dizziness and extreme fatigue.

    Other Effects

    In addition to these physical responses, people also experience headaches or migraines, chest pain (due to increased heartbeat) and numbness in the hands and feet. Anxiety and irritability are also common, making it difficult to get through the workday.

    Alternatives to Energy Drinks

    The convenience of energy drinks does not always make them the best choice. But if you have to consume them from time to time, look for those that consist of all-natural ingredients. Drinks with B vitamins will give you a natural boost of energy that's good for your body, and drinking green tea with a small amount of sugar will help move impurities from your body while increasing physical performance and metabolism.

    Source:

    Gomestic: Energy Drinks and How They Affect the Body

    The Athletic Advisor: Are Energy Drinks Safe?

    More Information:

    Health News: Energy Drink Alternatives

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