Effects of Consuming Energy Drinks - Essay Example

EFFECTS OF CONSUMING ENERGY DRINKS [Insert al Affiliation] Introduction In today’s society, as Naren and Jared suggests, people seem to engage in several activities which makes them to quickly feel burnt out and in urgent need of a rest (p.46). Consequently, marketers and producers have utilized this trend to continuously produce and market energy drinks (ED) as they are simply driven by the profit motive (Chad, Eric & Ronald, 2009; p.1). The continual and increasing use of ED has stimulated many scholars to explore the effects that such drinks have on the consumer’s health. However, despite the caution raised by scholars who are against its consumption, many people are oblivious of the presence of the drink and still consuming it. They hardly understand what EDs are. According to Amelia and Mary (2011), EDs are beverages containing modest to comparatively high concentrations of caffeine as matched to other caffeinated drinks (p. 600). Thesis; EDs seem beneficial to the body as they are an energy boost, enhances physical performance, enhances level of electrolytes in the body but also harmful as they cause cardiac arrhythmias, obesity, and enhances development of divergent, abnormal behaviors. Perceived benefits of drinking EDs Firstly, the American Academy of Pediatrics (2011) notes that EDs contain a high level of carbohydrates which is an important energy boost. An ED contains 10-270 calories in a single serving. During or after a prolonged physical exercise, an individual feels tired and EDs with a high level of carbohydrates are often used to enhance the rate at which the body regains the lost energy. As commercial products, that might be the very reason why EDs are regularly used for this purpose by sportsmen and women even in international competitions. Similarly, EDs contain caffeine and other relevant stimulants that are important in enhancing physical performance. The caffeine contained in EDs is the commonest stimulant today consumed by millions of people. EDs increases physical performance by supplying the body with caffeine which delays weariness by increasing the body’s endurance to aerobic reactions as noted by the American Academy of Pediatrics (2011). Hence, consumption of EDs may be helpful to the body as it increases performance. What’s more, EDs are a convenient source of proteins and amino acids required for the functioning of the body. People often lack time to prepare a balanced diet. Apparently, EDs are readily available and provide amino acids required in muscle recovery as noted by Tracy et al. (2005). Consequently, it is suggested that people find EDs as a probable suitable sources of amino acids and use the drinks to rejuvenate the body immediately after a long, tiresome day (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2011). Additionally, EDs boost the level of electrolytes in the body. When sweating, the body loses water as well as electrolytes which may potentially lead to reduced performance and dehydration which may result to death in extreme cases (Tracy et al., 2005). Noteworthy, EDs have sodium and potassium, important electrolytes required in maintaining electrolyte balance in the body. Hence, consumption of EDs provides electrolytes that restore those lost through sweating. People engaging in active exercises for a long period are advised to obtain an ED whose level of sodium and potassium are high to enhance balance of the concentration of body fluids (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2011). Health risks of drinking EDs One of the negative effects of these energy drinks that is overly stressed by many researchers is the obesity. Energy drinks contain a substance by the name taurine that has a potential of leading to a risk of obesity and overweight. The main cause of obesity is the high level of calorie in the beverages (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2011). This is a health risk that can cause a breathing problem/disorder and high blood pressure. More so, the energy drinks leads to cardiac arrhythmias that comes with caffeine. It has been proved by pathophysiologists that such coronary actions involves amplified platelet collection and decreased endothelial functions (Tracy et al., 2005). The endothelial function consequently leads to coagulation of blood increasing the risk of cardiovascular in the young and adults who consume making them comparable to those who have coronary artery. Frequent consumption of these drinks exposes the users especially the students to compromising behavior. This abnormal behavior includes sleeping habits which have a negative impact to their respective performances in class. Nevertheless, the energy drinks leads to dental erosion. The drinks contain a pH level of about 4 that is associated with the demineralization of enamel (Tracy et al., 2005). As Tracy et al. (2005) suggest, the acidic level in the drinks can be neutralized, the nitric acid in the drinks is still a threat as it is highly erosive. The caffeine found in the EDs can cause risks such as gastrointestinal upset, insomnia, nausea, spontaneous abortion and headache. The excess caffeine results in discomfort in the upper abdomen and causing a feeling of vomiting. Spontaneous abortion results due to the toxics that damage the embryo causing a premature birth (Chad, Ericand Ronald, 2009). Furthermore, the drinks can cause liver damage (cirrhosis), cardiac dysrhythmias and hypertension (high blood pressure). These chronic complications lead to a risk of death those individuals who consume in excess. The chances of surviving are too minimal. Conclusion While the above explanations clearly indicate that EDs might be an energy boost, enhances physical performance, enhances level of electrolytes in the body, we must also recognize the bitter truth that their consumption leads to cardiac arrhythmias, obesity, and enhances development of deviant behaviors among youths. Painfully, EDs causes gastrointestinal upset, insomnia, nausea, and headache, problems that are becoming widespread among consumers. Various researchers have established a clear evidence of toxicity of EDs and this has negatively affected the growing youth population who often overlook the dangers associated with the drinks (Tracy et al., 2005). However, banning the production and consumption of EDs might not be a lasting solution to the problems or health risks presented by consumption of EDs. I believe that the best way of preventing or managing the health risks associated with EDs is for health authorities to regulate caffeine content in EDs, improve packaging to include more health and safety information, as well as educate the public on the positives and negatives of consuming EDs (Tracy et al., 2005). Naren and Jared (2012) try to convince us that improved awareness will enable the public to take advantage of the health benefits of consuming EDs while lessening the health risks connected with the same. Similarly, marketing of EDs should include appropriate heath precautions and its contents clearly indicated on the package. Apparently, marketers should stop hiding the truth about the negative effects of consuming EDs as such as act is unethical and unjust in the fairly just society. References Amelia, M.A. and Mary, C.O. (2011). NIH Public Access: The “High” Risk of Energy Drinks ; 305(6): 600–601. doi:10.1001/jama.2011.109. Chad, J. R., Eric, C. S., and Ronald, R. G. (2009). NIH Public Access. Caffeinated Energy Drinks -- A Growing Problem; 99 (1-3): 1-10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2008.08.001. Naren, G. and Jared, A.B. (2012). Energy drinks: heath risks and toxicity. MJA 2012; 196:46-49. Doi: 10.5694/mja11.10838. American Academy of Pediatrics (2011). Sports Drinks and Energy Drinks for Children and Adolescents: Are They appropriate? Official journal of the American academy of pediatrics. Tracy, B., Kirrilly, P., Melinda, N. and Peter, S. (2005). Lead Article: What are the health implications associated with the consumption of energy drinks? A systematic review. Nutrition Reviews” Vol . 71(3): 135-148. Read More