Hit Me with Your Best Shot: Why Energy Drinks May NOT Be the Best Answer

We all need a little pick-me-up every now and then. Long days and late nights can leave you dragging by the afternoon. Some people head for the coffee pot, but more and more people are turning toward energy drinks. 

They're everywhere these days... from drinks larger than a soda to small energy shots. Most of the contain large amounts of caffeine to help you perk up, so just like coffee they provide a temporary energy boost. 

Many people don't think about the large amount of sugar also in these drinks as well as other less than helpful substances. Added sugar can cause weight gain and too much caffeine and other stimulants can lead to nervousness, irritability, insomnia, rapid heartbeat, and even elevated blood pressure.

Mixing energy drinks with alcohol could lead to even more problems. The stimulant effect dulls the sensations of intoxication, so you can end up drinking more than you should. The effects could be much worse than just a severe hangover.

For most people, an occasional energy drink here and there is fine, as long as you don’t exceed 16 ounces (500 milliliters) in a day. Of course, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult your doctor before consuming any energy drinks. Also, anyone with a heart condition, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular risks should talk to their physician before drinking these products. 

If you are consistently feeling tired, fatigued or run down-- consider  better alternatives such as adequate sleep, good physical activity in your daily routine, a healthier diet or even Vitamin B12 supplementation. You can also schedule a FREE consultation with one of our NewMeMD wellness consultants if these strategies don’t work for you.

For additional tips on boosting your energy levels or for more information about our products & services visit NewMeMD.com TODAY.

Here's to increasing our energy the healthy way!
--The NewMeMD Wellness Team