To Your Health – Energy drinks may affect health

“There are a lot of reasons that teens will choose these drinks,” she said. “They might choose them to fit in, or they might have the perception that they boost their energy or performance.”

She points out that companies spend a lot on marketing energy drinks, using bright packaging and celebrity endorsements to catch people’s attention.

Even though these drinks are popular, Moulechkova says people should watch how much caffeine they contain.

Northern Health says that one energy drink can have up to 180 milligrams of caffeine. Moulechkova adds that caffeine is also found in other foods and supplements, so it’s easy to end up having more than you think.

“It’s important to check the label because you might be getting more than you realize,” she said.

Having too much caffeine can affect your sleep, mood, and digestion. It can also make your heart beat faster and cause anxiety, jitters, headaches, or an upset stomach.

Moulechkova says this is an even bigger concern for younger people.

“We know these drinks are very high in caffeine. One energy drink can contain up to 100 milligrams of caffeine, which is often more than the daily limit for teens,” she said.

She says that having too much caffeine can make it harder for teens to get through their day.

“If you drink too much caffeine, it can affect your sleep, your mood and your ability to focus,” Moulechkova said. “Some teens might feel really jittery or restless.”

She also says that energy drinks can make it harder for students to concentrate and take part in school activities.

Instead of just talking about the risks, Moulechkova suggests parents start these conversations with curiosity.

“When talking to teens about energy drinks, it can be helpful to start with curiosity and help teens think critically about marketing,” she said.

She encourages everyone to read ingredient labels and know how much caffeine they’re having.

For teens who want more energy, Moulechkova recommends building healthy habits.

“We can explore other ways to stay energized, like getting enough sleep and staying hydrated and eating regular meals and snacks throughout the day,” she said.

She also warns that mixing energy drinks with alcohol can be risky, and some medications might interact with ingredients in energy drinks.

by Dave Branco

To Your Health – Energy drinks may affect health

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