Red Alert On Energy Drinks? Doctor Explains Why We Should Avoid Them

Our daily lives are getting busier, with many struggling to juggle between jobs, studies and families. Amid the challenges of waking up early and fulfilling all the required duties, many look forward to implementing anything that will keep their energy levels high throughout the day. This is where the role of energy drinks comes into play. Working professionals, especially young people, are increasingly turning to energy drinks to keep up with their energy levels. The packaging, flavourings, widespread availability, targeted marketing and collaborations with popular sports teams or influencers have contributed to the recent trend.

However, not many are aware of the serious health concerns that energy drinks pose. While it can lead to harmful consequences for someone’s health, consuming energy drinks in large amounts can also lead to heart failure, in the worst-case scenario.

Health risks of consuming energy drinks

A video shared by Dr Kunal Sood on his Instagram handle sheds light on the risks that energy drinks carry for the human body. In the video, Sood explains that consuming energy drinks can often increase the risk of heart diseases such as abnormal heart rhythm, atrial fibrillation, or even heart failure.

“When you drink two, three, or even more energy drinks in a day, it leads to an overdose of caffeine. You are putting your body into a fight-or-flight mode that activates your sympathetic nervous system. This increases both the heart rate and blood pressure levels,” he said, further suggesting that energy drinks consumed in moderation or with a limited caffeine intake of less than 400 milligrams per day are okay.

Another social media influencer also shared a video, cautioning users about the harmful effects of consuming energy drinks. Health coach Vicky Nelson explained in her video that just one energy drink can narrow blood vessels within 90 minutes. Citing a 2017 study from the David Grant USAF Medical Center in California, Vicky said that one 32-ounce energy drink can cause dangerous arrhythmia, a condition in which the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm.

She further explained that the layered and additive levels of caffeine and additional stimulants in the drinks are dangerous and added, “Narrowed blood vessels reduce the amount of blood that reaches the vital organs, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.”

While there are many other videos showing evidence of the harmful effects of energy drinks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also highlights the potential dangers such as dehydration, heart complications (irregular heartbeat and heart failure), anxiety and insomnia.