Energy drinks may cause heart problems

Here's how to get a natural boost rather than energy these days is a hot commodity. Consumers are attracted to products promoted as energy boosters, ranging from bars to balls, shots, and a lot of drinks. In the U.S. alone, sales of energy drinks increased steadily between 2015 and 2018, with annual sales exceeding $3 million. But do energy drinks' risks outweigh the rewards? That seems to be the end of a new research published in the American Heart Association Journal. Healthy, young participants consumed 32 ounces of one of two types of energy drinks or a placebo free of caffeine, stimulant-free, for the study.

The drinks were finished on three separate days in a one-hour period, each with a six-day break. Scientists found that the energy drinks changed the heart of the participants' electrical activity and increased their blood pressure. The changes experienced by the hearts of the subjects related to the squeezing and relaxing heart chambers are generally considered mild. But the authors of the study say that it may be at increased risk for people with heart conditions, or those on certain medicines who have energy drinks.

Energy drinks and heart problems:

The use of energy drinks has been linked to side effects in previous research, including high blood pressure, irregular heart beat, seizures, stroke, and heart attack. One study suggested that a single 24-ounce energy drink could impair the function of the blood vessel in healthy young adults. One issue with energy drinks is that, in addition to one or more additional stimulants such as ginseng and guarana, they often contain caffeine. These herbs can interact synergistically with caffeine, meaning that the combined effect is greater than each individual's impact. Bottom line: for anyone, including athletes and healthy young adults, I don't recommend energy drinks. Energy drinks mask symptoms of fatigue, which are signals that your body is out of balance, in addition to the potential adverse effects.

Healthier ways to boost your energy:

Sleep, nutrition, hydration, stress management, and physical activity are some of the most important factors when it comes to your energy level. It can make a difference even for small shifts. Aim for more and better quality sleep, for example—even 30 to 60 more minutes per night to begin with. Opt for more products and substitute fresh alternatives for highly processed foods. Make water your preferred drink, spreading a target of 64 ounces all day long. To help manage stress, try a free, five-minute guided meditation app. And finally, find ways to build in motion, even if that just means going around the block for a walk. Try green tea or matcha if you still feel like you need an instant energy lift. Because of a natural substance in tea called l-theanine, they create a sense of alert calm, which induces relaxation without darkness.

Just be sure to avoid add-ins such as excess sugar, artificial sweeteners, and conventional dairy products that can zap energy. But stop drinking any source of caffeine six hours before bedtime in order to avoid interfering with sleep. And remember that keeping your body and mind in balance is the key to sustained energy. Take a glass of water and sit outside for a few minutes instead of a quick fix in a can. Or snack on an almond butter apple, or hummus veggies instead of a sugar option. The small steps you take to prioritize wellness will lead to higher energy payoffs today and on the road—no need for artificial boosting.