ENERGY DRINKS – The Dangers For Students!

“Increased alcohol consumption, non-medical prescription drug use, and illicit drug use are associated with energy drink consumption among college students” ! This is what has been revealed by the journal for addiction Medicine. Most parents are eager for their teenagers and young adults to avoid addictions, such as drugs and alcohol, yet is the environment being set by big industry making this more and more challenging and is our government ignoring the evidence at the expense of our most vulnerable?

What Effect Do ENERGY DRINKS Have On Our Health? 

Energy drinks contain caffeine and sugar which cause a variety of health problems, this stimulating effect disrupts blood sugar levels causing ups and downs in mood. Particularly vulnerable are those who already may suffer some anxiety or depressions in mood. Regular reliance on a stimulant to boost you up when you feel low, stops people from seeking appropriate rest when they feel tired or fatigued, this can lead to bad habits and long term fatigue. Unfortunately the stimulating effect wears off and continual use is needed both physically and psychologically. There is no getting out of the unstable feeling these highs and lows create, both in energy and in mood. Honey Lake Clinic offer faith-based drug and alcohol rehab programs that include inpatient, outpatient, long-term, and many other therapeutic options for clients to receive mental health treatment services.

According to the department of paediatrics the results of a paper reveals ” energy drinks are consumed by 30{ad0958e2cc4f7ce1b8a4a11258b282f3c28808b1a53d76a4b670a19fad40adab} to 50{ad0958e2cc4f7ce1b8a4a11258b282f3c28808b1a53d76a4b670a19fad40adab} of adolescents and young adults. Frequently containing high and unregulated amounts of caffeine, these drinks have been reported in association with serious adverse effects, especially in children, adolescents, and young adults with seizures, diabetes, cardiac abnormalities, or mood and behavioural disorders…“

Attempt To Set Up A Better Environment

Any parent of older teenagers or young adults will tell you they have little to no hope in stopping their kids from eating or drinking whatever they want, and since the culture of energy drinks is looking like its only going to get worse not better, what can be done. For parents who still have students living at home, trying to set up an environment at home that does not have or limits energy drinks, soft drinks and sugary foods is a great start.

Helpful Habits

Here are a few habits that promote less dependence on energy drinks, helpful for all:

• Eating regular meals throughout the day lowers ones reliance on energy drinks to pick them up
• Sleeping well most nights 
• Sleeping enough particularly those hours before midnight
• Including fresh salads and vegetables in the diet – with each meal!
• Including plenty of pure water
• Including enough protein and good fats to satisfy, will help avoid cravings
• If you are already hooked into the energy drink roller coaster ride the above with the addition of supplemental amino acids can be very helpful

CONCLUSION

Awareness is the first step and if this blog does nothing else I hope it alerts all to the understanding that energy drinks are not innocent beverages, as always read labels and take special interest in anything you consume daily, as it may be one of the biggest burdens to your health.  Parents can delay exposure, limit or ideally avoid it in the home.