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Beware: Energy Drinks Can Be Lethal

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Energy Drinks

With over $1 billion in sales for 2004, energy drinks like RedBull are the fastest growing division of the beverage industry.However, consumers better beware for such drinks can pack a powerfulpunch.

Similar to coffee, the surge of energy comes from high caffeinecontent, and for energy drinks there's lots of it: A typical 8-ouncecan of Red Bull, for example, contains 80 milligrams of caffeine--whichits maker states is comparable to coffee--and is still more thantwice the caffeine in a 12-ounce can of Pepsi or Coke.

And, despite the outrageous cost of $2 per can, sales for theseenergy drinks continue to skyrocket. Aside from Red Bull, additionalbrands stocking grocery and convenient store shelves include:

  • Amp
  • Atomic
  • No Fear
  • Adrenaline Rush

When Abused, Energy Drinks Become Lethal

Mixing energy drinks with alcohol, which is combining a stimulantwith a depressant, has become an increasingly popular occurrenceat bars. When mixed with alcohol, drinks like Red Bull are instantlymorphed into popular club drinks like "Vodka Bulls" and"Yager Bombs."

However, some countries like France and Denmark have banned salesof Red Bull, claiming such drinks are associated with potentialhealth dangers due to high caffeine content. The action followedseveral reported deaths of people who mixed the energy drink withalcohol. Moreover, while caffeine drinks succeed in making drinkershyper, they can also raise heart rate and blood pressure.

In response to safety concerns, Red Bull strongly supports itsproduct, stating the drink is regulated by the Food and Drug Administrationand meets the agency's safety and labeling guidelines. A spokespersonrepresenting Red Bull claims there is no recognized connection betweenthe drink and the deaths mentioned.

Caffeinated Beer?

Along with mixing high-energy drinks with hard liquor, beer hasbeen added to the scene: Anheuser-Busch has released a caffeinatedbeer with ginseng and guarana called B(E). The beverage sells forabout $6 for four 10-ounce cans; and with its 54 milligrams of caffeineand blackberry and cherry aromas, this tartly sweet drink has beenprojected for success.

WGAL-TVFebruary 4, 2005

BostonGlobe February 2, 2005

 

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Many of us would love to have a boost in our energy levels periodically--justbeware that energy drinksaren't your best bet for that. It is far wiser to address theunderlying reasons why we are challenged to have as much energyas we would like. For many of us it may be due to a combinationof factors along with the primary ones including: poor food choices,low quality food, stressful lifestyles, non healed negativeemotional events, lack of optimal sleep and exercise.

Steps To Start OptimizingYour Health (And Regain Your Energy) Today:

First, increase your intake of omega-3fats. While fish would be an excellent omega-3 source,mercury levels in almost all fish have now hit dangerously highlevels across the world, and the risk of this mercury to yourhealth significantly outweighs the fish's omega-3 benefits. Thatis why routine consumption of krill oil is anotherhighly recommended method of increasing your omega-3 intake andimproving your mental and physical health. (It is important tofind a fish oil that is independently tested by a lab and foundto conform to the highest purity guidelines. This will ensurethat the oil is free of mercury and other toxins.)

Next, optimize your diet based on yourbody's unique metabolictype. One of the most important factors in helpingyou achieve a healthy life is to have a diet based on eating theright foods for your specific genetic biochemistry.

Please understand that you have an individual nutritional typethat is primarily based on the genes you inherited from your ancestors.Each nutritional type demands varying ratios of macronutrients (fats,proteins and carbohydrates) to function optimally. Your metabolictype will help you determine which foods are best for you andwhich to avoid. You can take yourfree test to help you better learn what foods you were designedto thrive on. Please understand though that nutritional typing isa process and that the key principle is to listen to your bodyand change your foods on the feedback your body provides you untilyou are feeling absolutely terrific.

Finally, eliminategrains and sugars from your diet. If you are experiencingany of the below symptoms chances are very good that the excesscarbohydrates in your body are to blame.

  • Excess weight
  • Low blood sugar
  • High blood pressure

We all need a certain amount of carbohydrates, but throughour addiction to grains, potatoes, sweets and other starchy andsugary foods, most of us are consuming far too many.

Related Articles:

Energy Bars Are Not YourBest Option

Energy Bars Not Your BestOption for Weight Loss

Caffeine Linkedto Diabetes

The PotentialDangers of Sucralose: Reader Testimonials

Sugar IncreasesBirth Defect Risks


* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Mercola, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Mercola and his community. Dr. Mercola encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.

Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Dr. Mercola, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Dr. Mercola and his community. Dr. Mercola encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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