Are They Really That Bad?
It can be difficult to answer this question definitively as everyone’s body is different.
They are very popular with young adults these days.
Generally speaking, however, energy drinks may not be the best choice for seniors.
Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine which can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure, both of which are already elevated in many elderly people due to age and underlying health conditions.
Therefore, they can potentially be dangerous for seniors and could lead to adverse health effects such as heart palpitations, headaches, insomnia, dehydration, irregular heartbeat and even cardiac arrest in extreme cases.
I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice, so consult with your health care professional when trying new diets or fitness routines. Some of the links below may be affiliate links with companies from which I receive a commission at no charge to you.
What are energy drinks
When I think of energy drinks, Red Bull and Monster Energy come to mind.
They are usually packed with caffeine and sugar and claim to give you energy or wings according to some commercials.
Well, that’s kind of what sugar does.
I personally don’t like the taste and am not a fan.
Some of them do add amino acids and b vitamins, which is a step up from soft drinks, but you have to look at what else is in the mix.
I worked as a contractor in Iraq and Afghanistan in the early 2000’s and these drinks were very popular with the military.
The soldiers used to drink them in large amounts just to stay alert on patrol or guard duty.
It worked, but what’s the price you pay with your health?
Why would you drink energy drinks?
Most people do it for an energy boost.
It is important for seniors to speak with their doctor before consuming any type of energy drink or stimulant, as even small amounts of caffeine may be dangerous for some.
In addition, sugar-sweetened energy drinks should be avoided entirely due to the risk of obesity and diabetes which are both more common among seniors.
Even though they may give an energy boost, you are upping your caffeine intake and consuming too much sugar.
The sugar content in most energy drinks is 41 grams.
They have up to 240 milligrams of caffeine in one serving whereas, drinking a cup of coffee will give you about 100 mgs per cup.
About 25% of college students consume alcohol with an energy drink.
You probably don’t want to do that.
How much caffeine is too much?
Let’s see what the experts are saying.
The Food and Drug Administration says that 400 mgs of caffeine per day is the safe threshold for adults.
Data from the Library of Medicine in 2011, shows that over 20,000 Emergency Room visits were due to energy drinks.
The National Institute of Health, says that caffeine in energy drinks can cause high blood pressure and headaches and may contribute to health problems.
Yes, They Are Bad for You
Consumption of excessive energy drinks could lead the body to an arrhythmia state, leading to a heart attack or headache.
One of 11 people with severe heart ailments in 2014 reported drinking excessive energy drinks.
For seniors who already have underlying health conditions or are more sensitive to the side effects of caffeine than younger people, it is even more important for them to avoid energy drinks completely.
Seniors should Ensure that their daily intake of caffeine does not exceed the safe threshold of 400 mgs recommended by the Food and Drug Administration.
Additionally, sugar-sweetened energy drinks should be avoided due to the risk of obesity and diabetes.
Taking into consideration all these factors, it is clear that energy drinks are bad for seniors and should be avoided in most cases.
The American Heart Association says men should keep their sugar intake to a max of 9 teaspoons a day which is 150 calories. For women, it’s around 6 teaspoons and is 100 calories.
That is total combined sugars for the day.
Healthy Alternatives to Energy Drinks
Drinking coffee can be a great alternative and may have some health benefits you didn’t realize.
Again, check with your Doctor.
Everything in moderation.
Four cups of coffee should be the limit since that is about 400mgs of caffeine and remember, that’s the upper limit for adults.
Just don’t overdo it.
If you drink it, take it black or with cream only.
A Smoothie that contains carbohydrates and protein is a much healthier choice to increase energy.
Click HERE for a protein smoothie recipe.
Conclusion
If you want a little dose of caffeine each day, coffee without sugar is probably a better choice.
Stay away from any drink with a high content of added sugar.
There are many healthy alternatives to energy drinks that you should try first.
Here’s to your health!