Update on Energy Drinks - Are You Consuming These?

So what's the big deal?

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, alleviating fatigue, increasing wakefulness, and improving concentration and focus. Sounds good so far.

However, many of us consume too much caffeine. For most healthy adults, moderate doses of caffeine - 200-300 milligrams or about two to four cups of brewed coffee spread throughout the day, is fine. As you can see with the above graphic and at the following link, consuming just a couple of these high-caffeine drinks a day can put you well above the recommended daily consumption levels:
Crazy Caffeine in Energy Drinks

How do you know if you are consuming too much?

Experience any of these:

• Insomnia
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Stomach upset
• Fast heartbeat
• Muscle tremors

These are all telltale signs you may be overdoing it. For many of us, even one cup of coffee a day can trigger symptoms. 

Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night. But caffeine can interfere with our sleep patterns. Chronic loss of sleep is associated with obesity, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, shorter lifespan and a myriad of other health disorders. Sleep loss is cumulative, and even small nightly decreases can add up and disturb your daytime alertness and performance. Using caffeine to mask sleep deprivation can create an unwelcome cycle. Let's say you need a jolt of caffeine because you are tired at work. This may cause you to then lose sleep that night, shortening the length of time you sleep and creating a need for more caffeine the following day. 

Did you know that some antibiotics such as Cipro and Noroxin can interfere with the breakdown of caffeine, causing the effects to be amplified and remain longer in your system?

Did you know that a common bronchodilator, Theophylline, used to open up bronchial airways taken with caffeinated foods and beverages may increase the concentration of theophylline in your blood leading to nausea, vomiting and heart palpitations?

Did you know that echinacea, an herbal supplement that is often included in energy drinks and is used to prevent colds and other infections can increase the concentration of caffeine in your blood and amplify negative effects?

Convinced you may want to cut down on the caffeine? An abrupt decrease in caffeine may cause short-term withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, irritability, and nervousness. Fortunately, these effects go away after a few days. Pay attention to labels with food as many foods contain caffeine, particularly weight loss shakes and bars. Also, check the bottles of over-the-counter pain relievers as many of them also contain caffeine.

And for the athletes, remember that caffeine is listed as a controlled substance by the NCAA and the International Olympic Committee. Too much caffeine in the urine can get you a ban. The NCAA maximum acceptable level is 15 mcg/mL. Although a small amount of caffeine might help boost your performance, be wary about consuming large quantities right before competition.