Energy drinks such as Red Bull, Celsius, Alani, Monster, and many other energy drinks are seen all around Saint Joe, especially in the morning. What students may not know is that energy drinks are extremely unhealthy. All energy drinks increase blood pressure, increase the risk of irregular heart rhythms, and can impact your sleep. Most people may not know why irregular heart rhythms are bad, but it is very concerning for one’s health. This means that there isn’t enough blood being pumped to your body, causing one to feel dizzy, faint, or other symptoms.
Energy drinks can be seen regularly every morning throughout the hallways, as a large portion of the student body takes them to school and drinks them first thing in the day. Energy drinks usually contain from around 24 grams to 31 grams of sugar per drink, which is about 125% of your daily value, from one drink. This is especially bad in the morning, as students can experience a sugar rush, and then a sugar crash. This means the student will experience a high amount of energy for a small amount of time, and the sugar high will go away, leaving the student suddenly exhausted for a long period of time. This is an issue in the morning, as students are expected to be attentive and ready to learn in class, and The sugar crash will cause the student to be tired, fall asleep, and not participate in work for their first period(s) of the day.
Some energy drinks have even been banned by athletic associations at the collegiate level. Politicians have asked the FDA to do more to regulate these beverages. So before you have another energy drink, consider whether the short term boost is worth thee potential health risks long term.