| Written by Dawn Weatherwax-Fall , on 06-08-2007 10:33 |
The Truth About Energy Supplements
If you can't live without that morning cup of coffee, afternoon energy drink or that caffeine pill at night, you might want to know the truth about those energy boosts, and the healthier alternatives.
Energy is defined as the capacity of a physical system to do work or
perform a vigorous activity. Energy for the human body is typically
obtained through consuming the proper and necessary foods, hydration
and sleep. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy, while proteins
and fats provide certain needed functions as well. Water helps remove
toxins from the body while sleep allows our body to recover and heal.
In society's "quicker, faster, easier" mentality, however, a popular
fad has developed for apparently gaining energy, losing weight and
burning fat. Many people have turned to products such as Red Bull, or
other enhanced drinks or products to seemingly increase their levels of
energy and lose weight. This raises a couple of questions, such as: Do
these drinks and products accomplish what their claims advertise, and
are they safe and healthy alternatives for proper nutrition?
Energy drinks and pills such as Red Bull, Jolt, Monster and Yellow Swap
are typically marketed to younger people, college students, athletes or
people who use them to simply get through the day. However, research
findings have determined that this is certainly not a recommended
energy boost technique.
One of the major problems with energy drinks and pills is that people
don’t know what they are consuming. Many times the actual ingredients
do not correspond with the listed ingredients on the can. Some
drinks/pills contain ingredients that are omitted, while others do not
always contain what they claim. Most of these ingredients, such as
creatine, are added in such small amounts that the benefits advertised
will be minimal to none. This can cause adverse reactions and
individuals need to be cautious.
Another problem with energy drinks and pills is that they typically
contain the same amount, if not more, caffeine than a cup of coffee.
This is equal to about 80mg of caffeine (they can go up to 300mg),
which is more than double the amount in a twelve ounce Mountain Dew,
which contains 37mg, and more than three times the amount in a 12 oz.
Coca Cola, containing 23mg. Some individuals will consume several
energy drinks or pills a day. This is equivalent to a twelve pack of
soda, not to mention all the stimulants and sugar added in! If you are
taking a pill, there’s no sugar, but the caffeine/stimulant mixture
usually equals up to 300mg!
Although small doses of caffeine have been proven effective for
exercise lasting one minute to two hours, large doses present in energy
drinks and pills will produce counter laxative and diuretic effects
that may hinder rather than help performance.
Other stimulants in the energy drinks/pills can have several harmful
effects as well. They can raise heart rate and blood pressure, cause
dehydration and prevent quality sleep. Many times stimulants are not
listed or they are grouped together without specific names. This
omission has created problems for collegiate athletes because these
substances are not guaranteed for approval by the NCAA. In some recent
cases, energy drinks/pills have been responsible for athletes
identified as positive after being drug tested.
These stimulants combined with the high doses of caffeine and sugar are
certainly not healthy alternatives to sports drinks, such as Gatorade.
Many consumers purchase the sugar free brands of energy drinks with
thoughts of a healthier choice. However, the effects of the stimulants
and caffeine will still be evident even with the sugar free energy
drinks/pills. Although individual responses to caffeine will vary, all
aspects of ingesting energy products should be carefully considered.
A fourth problem with using energy drinks or pills happens while
combining them with exercise, and can be dangerous. The fluid loss from
sweating during a workout in addition to unpredictable side effects can
increase the possibility of injuries and inconsistent performances.
It’s for this reason that energy drinks should not be used as a
supplement to Gatorade or other sports drinks, which are designed to
replenish electrolytes, water, and other nutrients that the body loses
during exercise. These nutrients are usually isotonic, which means they
are proportionate to the amounts found in the human body. Energy drinks
contain high levels of sugar and or caffeine and are not relevant to
the amount of nutrients in the body.
The Results Are In
If you are looking for an extra boost to finish the day on a strong
note, lose weight, burn fat or to improve competition results, the
healthiest and best research based approach is through proper
nutrition. Through a proper balance of carbohydrates, proteins and
healthy fats, along with proper hydration through water or sports
drinks, an individual is much more likely to improve his or her energy
levels. Also, don’t forget the importance of sleep. The combination of
all the above will certainly help people stay alert and energized and
will give both athletes and non-athletes a competitive edge.
In other words, put down the Red Bull or Fat Burners and pick up more
fruits, vegetables, proper hydrating sources and plan more quick naps.
Your body wants them and needs them, so start giving in to your body
and feel better about it, too!
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