Spring Break
Editorial: Energy drinks not the best way to get that extra boost
Staff Editorial
Issue date: 3/6/09 Section: Opinions
You're feeling drowsy. You lost hours of sleep last night from studying and homework. You have class in 15 minutes or work in an hour. So you grab an energy drink or the 5-Hour Energy shot.
What may seem like a quick fix to sustain energy is actually quite harmful, and with the convenience of energy drinks (they are offered in vending machines, gas stations, drug stores, etc.), students need to think twice next time before they opt for a highly-caffeinated drink like Red Bull, especially those who have made such drinks part of their daily routine.
Ryan Messinger, health education coordinator for the Health Education Resource Center, said energy drinks give off an illusion of energy by chemically stimulating the body for a short period of time.
"People need to remember that caffeine is a drug and with any drug it can lead to the person needing more and more to achieve desired results," he said. "This can cause strain on the body."
Energy drinks may have an immediate, positive effect of more energy, but the negatives outweigh the positives.
The side effects of consuming energy drinks vary from person to person, but common effects include acid reflux disease, insomnia, seizures, dehydration and withdrawal-like symptoms such as headaches and shakes.
When it comes to needing more energy, there are better, healthier alternatives than choosing energy drinks.
Messinger said the best way to feel energized is through a well-balanced diet, proper sleeping routine and exercise.
"Regular sleeping, going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time every morning, exercising and eating nutritious foods and snacks (can) sustain energy throughout the day," he said.
Messinger said reducing stress also helps in retaining energy.
Getting enough sleep, eating healthy and finding time to exercise may be hard some days for college students with their busy schedules, but the long-term effects are much better than those of a quick-fix energy drink.
The dining halls offer a variety of foods to help maintain a balanced diet. Try taking study materials with you next time you're working out at the gym; not only can it save time, but it can also keep you energized.
So avoid those tempting energy drinks that give you instant gratification, because that satisfaction will quickly subside once the side effects arise.
The editorial is the majority opinion of The DEN editorial board. Reach the opinions editor at: DENopinions@gmail.com.
What may seem like a quick fix to sustain energy is actually quite harmful, and with the convenience of energy drinks (they are offered in vending machines, gas stations, drug stores, etc.), students need to think twice next time before they opt for a highly-caffeinated drink like Red Bull, especially those who have made such drinks part of their daily routine.
Ryan Messinger, health education coordinator for the Health Education Resource Center, said energy drinks give off an illusion of energy by chemically stimulating the body for a short period of time.
"People need to remember that caffeine is a drug and with any drug it can lead to the person needing more and more to achieve desired results," he said. "This can cause strain on the body."
Energy drinks may have an immediate, positive effect of more energy, but the negatives outweigh the positives.
The side effects of consuming energy drinks vary from person to person, but common effects include acid reflux disease, insomnia, seizures, dehydration and withdrawal-like symptoms such as headaches and shakes.
When it comes to needing more energy, there are better, healthier alternatives than choosing energy drinks.
Messinger said the best way to feel energized is through a well-balanced diet, proper sleeping routine and exercise.
"Regular sleeping, going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time every morning, exercising and eating nutritious foods and snacks (can) sustain energy throughout the day," he said.
Messinger said reducing stress also helps in retaining energy.
Getting enough sleep, eating healthy and finding time to exercise may be hard some days for college students with their busy schedules, but the long-term effects are much better than those of a quick-fix energy drink.
The dining halls offer a variety of foods to help maintain a balanced diet. Try taking study materials with you next time you're working out at the gym; not only can it save time, but it can also keep you energized.
So avoid those tempting energy drinks that give you instant gratification, because that satisfaction will quickly subside once the side effects arise.
The editorial is the majority opinion of The DEN editorial board. Reach the opinions editor at: DENopinions@gmail.com.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Enlyten
posted 3/06/09 @ 12:11 PM CST
I also agree that energy drinks are unhealthy. But there are some situations where a little extra energy boost in needed. I found a product called Enlyten Energy Strips, which are a 0 sugar, 0 carb, 0 calorie strip that absorbs in your mouth like a listerine breath strip. (Continued…)
Vanessa
posted 3/10/09 @ 12:23 PM CST
Energy drinks are incredibly harmful. Recent studies have found that energy drinks are loaded with BPA, which is an estrogen-mimicking chemical. BPA was found in 96 percent of the soft drinks tested. (Continued…)
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