You’re feeling tired and want to boost your energy level. Is an energy drink the best way to get through the day?

Energy drinks are becoming increasingly popular, especially among teens and young adults. These drinks often have large amounts of sugar and caffeine. Depending on the brand you choose, you could be consuming as much as 500 milligrams in a 20-ounce serving (25 milligrams per ounce) compared to 200 milligrams of caffeine in a 12-ounce cup of brewed coffee (16 milligrams per ounce) or 35 milligrams of caffeine in a 12-ounce serving of Coca-Cola Classic (3 milligrams per ounce).

The Food and Drug Administration actually limits the amount of caffeine for cola-type drinks to 71 milligrams in a 12-ounce serving. However, the FDA does not place these restrictions on energy drinks.

Side Effects of Caffeine
Caffeine, which is a stimulant, may be safe in moderation for most people, but it can have some unpleasant side effects including jitteriness, upset stomach, headaches and sleep problems. Some people also feel nervous and irritable after consuming caffeine. 

For someone with any type of heart disease or someone who already has high blood pressure, caffeine may be dangerous. Some people’s blood pressure increases after consuming caffeine. It can make your heart beat faster and trigger abnormal heart rhythms.

Quickly drinking an energy drink just before exercise isn’t a good idea. The high levels of caffeine and sugar may cause a number of symptoms and have sometimes been severe enough to require hospitalization. 

Energy Drinks and Alcohol Don’t Mix
A recent survey of college students found that 27 percent said they mixed energy drinks with alcohol at least once in the previous month. Mixing the highly caffeinated energy drinks with alcohol may seem like a good idea since the caffeine would counteract drowsiness caused by alcohol. However, alcohol can cause your heart to beat faster. Mixing alcohol with an energy drink could lead to dangerous heart rhythms even in people who don’t have an underlying heart condition. Another danger from combining energy drinks with alcohol is that you may feel alert enough to drive even when the alcohol actually is impairing your responses.

Remember Moderation
Like many things in life, energy drinks may be okay if consumed in moderation. If you find that you need more and more of the drinks in order to feel alert, you may have developed a tolerance to caffeine. Watch your daily consumption of these drinks.

Your best way to feel energized each day is to eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water. You need get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five days a week. And don’t forget to get a good night’s sleep.