How long does the energy drink last? How to drink energy drinks


In 2014, the World Health Organization labeled energy drinks a "public health hazard" after finding that consumption of these drinks was on the rise. An infographic created by Personalise.co.uk shows exactly what happens to the body in the 24 hours after drinking an energy drink.

The amount of caffeine in a can or bottle of energy drink can range from 80 mg to 500 mg

Energy drinks are marketed as drinks that enhance mental and physical performance. Caffeine is the most common stimulant in these drinks, but some brands contain other plant-based stimulants such as guarana and ginseng.

According to the US Division of Abuse and Mental Health Services, the amount of caffeine in a can or bottle of energy drink can range from 80 mg to 500 mg. For comparison, one 150 ml cup of coffee contains approximately 100 mg of caffeine.

Like soda, energy drinks are also high in sugar. A 250ml can of Red Bull, for example, contains approximately 27.5g of sugar.

Numerous studies have shown that energy drinks may have negative health effects. In 2013, for example, a study found that energy drinks altered heart function in healthy adults, and another study linked consumption of these drinks to other unhealthy habits, such as smoking.

But what exactly do energy drinks do to the body after we drink them?

According to the infographic, caffeine enters the bloodstream within 10 minutes of drinking an energy drink, causing an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.

During the next 15-45 minutes, caffeine levels in the blood peak. As a result of this, the person will feel more alert and concentrated.

“Caffeine is an insidious drug that temporarily blocks the mechanisms of adenosine (a substance involved in how tired we feel), allowing “feel good” molecules like dopamine to be released more easily. You feel more alert, you feel better,” says researcher Dr. Stuart Farrimond.

All the caffeine is absorbed within 30-50 minutes of drinking the energy drink, and the liver responds by increasing blood sugar levels.

Within an hour, the effects of caffeine begin to wear off and a drop in sugar levels may occur. Energy levels will begin to decrease and fatigue may occur.

It takes the body approximately 5-6 hours to eliminate 50% of the amount of caffeine in the blood (half-life). In women taking contraceptive medications, this half-life is doubled. The body completely removes caffeine from the blood within 12 hours, although this depends on individual factors.

“Pregnancy, liver damage, and other medications can also slow the elimination of caffeine from the body,” says Dr. Farrimond. – It is important to note that children and adolescents have a significantly longer half-life, meaning caffeine remains in their blood for longer periods of time and at higher levels than in adults. Therefore, caffeinated drinks may cause behavioral and anxiety problems in children.”

Caffeine withdrawal syndrome may occur 12-24 hours after consumption

The infographic states that people who regularly drink energy drinks may experience caffeine withdrawal 12-24 hours after consumption, which includes symptoms such as headache, irritability and constipation.

Dr. Farrimod explained that withdrawal symptoms can last up to 9 days and their severity depends on the amount of caffeine consumed.

In people who regularly drink energy drinks, the body adapts to a regular supply of caffeine within 7-12 days. A person will not experience the effects of drinks if his body gets used to them

While the information presented in this infographic is not new, it helps shed light on why so many studies have pointed to the health effects of energy drinks.

However, energy drink consumption is on the rise. In the US, their sales grew by 60% between 2008 and 2012.

Energy drinks are especially popular among children and teenagers. Last year, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study was reported that found that 73% of children consume caffeine daily, most of it in the form of energy drinks and coffee.

Initially, the formulation of energy drinks was developed by pharmacists.

In Britain, energy drinks helped (and very successfully) people during recovery from illness.

In Asia, night shift workers were kept alert and clear-headed. Our deadline is the best stimulator of work, and the prudent Japanese know how much the timing and quality of production depend on the condition of the employee.

You can understand how an energy drink works by looking at its composition. All components tone the nervous system and increase blood flow, increasing the body's performance, and prevent sleep.

Of course, all components mutually reinforce each other, but they can be divided into three subgroups according to their dominant effect.

Effect No. 1: a surge of vigor

Thanks to the tonic components, “energotonics” remove all obstacles, and we overcome fatigue.

Alkaloids (they are the ones that charge the body):

Caffeine is the main component of coffee, tea, and mate. Most “energy drinks” contain 150-320 mg/l. Speeds up the heart and stimulates the nervous system, increases performance and endurance

Theobromine and theophylline, which is similar in action, stimulate cardiac activity

Extracts of plants and herbs - guarana, mate, ginseng - are gentle accelerators for our body. They are absorbed gradually and increase vitality, accelerate fat burning.

These are natural sources of caffeine, which is why they predominate in the composition of RAY JUST ENERGY.

Effect No. 2: concentration of attention

Caffeine simultaneously fights physical and mental fatigue. Other components charge our brain.

Amino acids:

Taurine is familiar to those who use sports nutrition. Stimulates nervous activity and brain function, improves reaction and coordination of movements

Glucuronolactone helps the body eliminate toxic metabolic products

L-glutamine is a source of energy for the brain, activates memory

But RAY JUST ENERGY does not contain these components, because their effect on humans has not been fully studied.

It contains natural brain activators - vitamins (B6, B7, B12). By themselves, they do not increase tone, but in combination with antioxidants they promote a surge of strength and normalize the functioning of the nervous system.

Effect No. 3: taste and thirst quenching

Modern “energy drinks” have acquired one more property - taste. It is affected by water quality, the presence of flavoring additives and sugar.

Most "energy tonics" are carbonated. Due to carbon dioxide, they begin to act faster and are more reminiscent of the usual sweet water.

Maltodextrin (molasses) increases the energy value of the drink and sweetens it.

Flavoring additives add variety. RAY JUST ENERGY has 3 interesting combinations for lovers of new products:

Classic without additives
. strawberries+grapes+acai berries
. lemon+lime+mint

Do they help you cheer up? In my own way. Rather, the play of tastes is exciting and refreshing.

Energy time out

1-2 hours - that’s how long the “energetic energy” works. The maximum effect occurs after 60 minutes. You feel a surge of energy, and then its effect slowly fades away.

How an energy drink works depends on its quality. If cheap substitutes are used instead of natural ingredients, the result is weak and the benefits are questionable. And some of them are even harmful.

Avoid these items:

Glucuronolactone (the effect of high doses has not been studied)
. taurine (proven to not have the expected tonic effect)
. Acesulfame and saccharin (artificial sweeteners with carcinogenic effects)
. chemical dyes and preservatives

RAY JUST ENERGY consists only of natural ingredients that are much stronger and healthier for the body than their substitutes.

In any case, after a surge of strength, the body needs rest. The natural sequence of excitation - depression must be restored. Therefore, for 3-5 hours you should not drink coffee, tea and sweet waters with caffeine like cola.

Take a time out. Relax and get ready to achieve new, even greater results. And RAY JUST ENERGY will always help.

An energy drink is an energy drink that stimulates brain activity and invigorates. With increasing tension and lack of energy, a person resorts to additional stimulants to strengthen the body. What is the harm from energy drinks? Harm from energy drinks is caused by the components they contain.

How does the composition affect the human body?

Composition of energy drinks:

  1. . Stimulates mental and physical activity. Increases heart rate and stimulates the nervous system. How much caffeine is in energy drinks? The indicator ranges from 80 to 150 grams, the same content in a cup of coffee.
  2. Sugar, . Improves brain concentration.
  3. Taurine. Helps concentrate, improves performance and promotes the absorption of minerals. Included in most vitamins for children and adults.
  4. L-carnitine. Accelerates metabolic processes and has a positive effect on the condition of the heart and blood vessels.
  5. Glucuronolactone. Cleanses the gastrointestinal tract and removes toxins from the body.
  6. Guarana and ginseng root. It is invigorating, but useful taking into account proper dosing; if the drink is abused, sleep is disturbed.
  7. Matein. Used to combat obesity and reduce appetite.
  8. B vitamins stabilize the nervous system.

Energy drinks contain useful elements, but does this mean that you can drink them all the time? Or do energy drinks only cause harm?

How do energy drinks work?

How long does it take for an energy drink to take effect? After drinking a bottle of cocktail, the invigorating effect appears within ten minutes. It comes on faster if you drink it in a hungry state.

How long does the energy drink last? The duration is four hours, and after that the opposite state is observed: nervous excitability and loss of strength.

What is the harm from energy drinks?

The harm of energy drinks has long been proven, with excessive consumption caffeine and sugar addiction takes root, and increasing the dosage leads to poisoning. What happens if you drink energy drinks often?

Harm of drinks:

  1. Violation of water-salt balance;
  2. Habituation;
  3. Depletion of the body's energy reserves;
  4. Deterioration of the condition of people with chronic diseases;
  5. Frequent urination, removal of essential microelements from the body;
  6. Negative effects on the digestive tract;
  7. Deterioration of dental condition;

Energy drinks are harmful to teenagers when taken loading dose sugar and caffeine have serious consequences. Who shouldn't drink energy drinks?

Contraindicated use:

  • Children under eighteen years of age;
  • Pregnant and lactating women;
  • People suffering from hypertension, glaucoma, diabetes mellitus, gastritis, stomach ulcers, depression and cardiovascular diseases.

Energy drinks increase blood pressure, affect blood sugar levels, and cause fatigue. It is important to be careful when consuming.

Are there any benefits from these drinks?

The demand for invigorating drinks does not fade; perhaps energy drinks do not only harm, but also benefit? What positive impact do they have?

Benefits of energy drinks:

  • Invigorating effect and increased ability to work;
  • An alternative to coffee, but useful when consumed on rare occasions;
  • Vitamins included;

There are invigorating drinks different types. Athletes use energy drinks with vitamins and carbohydrates, and students use caffeine. There are benefits from such energy drinks if you use them wisely.

For energy, you can drink no more than two cans a day and no more than several times a week. With a larger amount, there is a sharp jump in sugar in the body and an increase in blood pressure, which leads to serious consequences. There are several ways to neutralize negative influences. How to reduce the harm of energy drinks?

How to drink energy drinks:

  • Observe a break between taking the next can;
  • Athletes are allowed to drink the drink before training, not after;
  • After the drink wears off, fatigue may appear; you should rest for three to four hours;
  • Do not allow energy drinks to interact with alcohol, medicines and caffeinated drinks.

What are the symptoms of an overdose?

Excessive consumption of energy drinks may cause signs of poisoning. How to understand that an overdose has occurred?

Symptoms of poisoning:

  1. Redness, rash, or itching of the skin;
  2. Hypertension;
  3. Dizziness;
  4. Acute abdominal pain;
  5. Headache;
  6. Swelling;
  7. Increased body temperature;
  8. Vomit;
  9. Heavy sweating;
  10. Restless sleep;
  11. Nervousness and aggressive behavior;
  12. Frequent loose stools;
  13. Increased heart rate;
  14. Dehydration of the body;
  15. Fainting state.

If you notice symptoms of an overdose, call an ambulance. Drink plenty of water and flush your stomach. It will be useful to use adsorbent drugs, such as: -sti, lactofiltrum.

Is it possible to get poisoned and what are the consequences?

Drink poisoning is possible with daily consumption of more than two cans. What does an overdose of energy drinks lead to?

What happens if you abuse energy drinks:

  • Sleep disorder, nightmares;
  • Depressive states, aggression, suspiciousness;
  • Deterioration of heart function;
  • Decreased immunity;
  • Weight gain, diabetes;
  • Blockage of blood vessels (thrombosis, atherosclerosis);

With proper drinking regimen and a balanced diet, there will be no need for energy drinks.

Video: harm of energy drinks (shock)

Health

Despite repeated warnings about the dangers of energy drinks, many continue to drink them, especially young and middle-aged people.

Millions of students and workaholics around the world consume energy drinks or caffeine mixed with alcoholic drink to increase your performance.

But what actually happens to our body when we drink such a drink?

Here is a step-by-step guide explaining the changes in our body, starting from the first 10 minutes and ending with 12 days after drinking just one can of this drink.


It is worth noting that studies have proven that energy drinks, as well as alcoholic drinks, have the same effect on the adolescent brain as the most powerful drugs.

The harm of energy drinks



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The first 10 minutes after drinking one can of energy drink

Caffeine begins to penetrate the blood.

Heart rate and blood pressure begin to increase.

In 15-45 minutes

If you drink the drink quickly, after 15 minutes you will feel more alert and more concentrated. But if you drink the drink slowly, this effect will occur in about 40 minutes.

In 30-50 minutes

Caffeine absorption is complete. Your pupils dilate, your blood pressure rises, and as a result, your liver releases large amounts of sugar into your blood. The adenosine receptors in your brain are now blocked and you no longer feel sleepy.

Blood sugar levels spike, causing a spike in insulin. The liver responds to this by converting sugar into fat.

After 1 hour

Your body begins to feel a sudden drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). You quickly run out of energy and you begin to feel very tired.

An hour after drinking the drink, you will want to go to the toilet, and you will get rid of the water that was in the drink. This water was enriched with valuable nutrients, but instead of using them for their intended purpose, these substances came out along with the water.

Impact of Energy Drinks


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In 5-6 hours

During this time, the amount of caffeine in the body decreased by half. For women taking birth control pills, this period can be up to 10 hours.

In 12 hours

During this time, the human body completely gets rid of caffeine in the blood. Still, the speed of caffeine cleansing depends on many factors, from age to physical activity.

After 12-24 hours

Withdrawal begins. About a day after drinking the energy drink, an unpleasant surprise awaits you. If a person often drinks such a drink, then during this period he begins to feel lethargic, exhausted, headaches and constipation appear.

In 7-12 days

Studies have shown that by this time the body becomes more resistant to regular consumption of a certain dose of caffeine. This means that you will no longer experience the same unpleasant feelings to the same extent.

Read also:

Non-alcoholic energy drinks


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Today, anyone can buy a sweet non-alcoholic energy drink, even a schoolchild. While teenagers and older people continue to drink energy drinks and end up in the hospital, advertising continues to talk about how this or that drink invigorates and inspires.

Doctors in many countries, including Russia, have long been warning about the dangers of such drinks, that energy drinks cause problems with the cardiovascular system, potency, can cause insomnia and quickly deplete the body’s energy reserves.

Well, if you mix such a drink with alcohol, the situation gets even worse. This mixture can cause heart rhythm disturbances, seizures, and even kidney failure. It is worth noting that deaths have been repeatedly recorded after consuming energy drinks with alcohol.

Relative benefits of energy drinks


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1. For a short period of time, a person receives a boost of vigor and energy.

2. It is possible to choose a drink with a high concentration of caffeine or with big amount vitamins and carbohydrates. The former help cope with drowsiness, and the latter increase the level of endurance during physical activity.

3. The vitamins in such drinks can stimulate vital processes in the human body, and glucose can quickly enter the bloodstream and provide energy to the muscles and brain.

4. Thanks to its convenient packaging, energy drinks can be taken with you anywhere and consumed almost anywhere. For some, they can replace a cup of coffee.

5. Most 8-ounce cans of the energy drink contain 80 milligrams of caffeine, which is less than the 400 milligram limit recommended by doctors. Coffee may contain more caffeine than an energy drink (about 300 milligrams on average).

Why are energy drinks harmful?


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1. Drinking more than 2 cans of energy drink per day can significantly increase your blood pressure and may also increase your blood sugar levels. The result is hypertension and diabetes.

2. Since deaths after consuming energy drinks have been officially recorded in Europe, in some countries they can only be purchased in pharmacies.

3. The vitamins contained in energy drinks do not form a balanced complex.

4. If a person suffers from a disease of the heart, blood vessels, nervous system, pancreas or liver, then consuming energy drinks will only worsen the situation. The same applies to those who are predisposed to the above diseases.

5. The energy drink itself does not provide energy, but opens the channels of the body where internal resources are contained. As a result of using energy reserves, the body is depleted, a person may experience nervous overexcitation, and with frequent use, fatigue increases, insomnia, irritability appear, a person is more prone to nervous breakdowns and depression.

6. At regular use energy drinks, the body gets used to caffeine and over time asks for a larger dose, and a large dose of caffeine depletes the body and encourages frequent urination, and this in turn removes salts from the body (in a fairly large volume).

7. A large concentration of B vitamins can lead to disruption of the nervous system, increase heart rate, lead to tremors in the limbs and greatly weaken the body.

8. The dose of amino acids taurine and glucuronolactone in one can of energy drink exceeds the daily norm by 500 times. And if you consider that they are consumed together with caffeine, then such a mixture can lead to severe exhaustion of the human nervous system.

9. Caffeine and other ingredients in energy drinks irritate the stomach lining, which means your risk of developing stomach ulcers and gastritis increases.

10. Energy drinks are high in sugar, which means high in calories. Caffeine, as a stimulant, can cause anxiety, nausea, dehydration and increased heart rate.

11. Between 2007 and 2014, in the US alone, the number of people hospitalized due to energy drink use doubled. This data was shared by the Office of Substance Abuse Treatment Services and mental disorders SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), which is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Composition of energy drinks


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* The basis of any such drink is caffeine

There are also extracts of guarana, tea or mate, which also contain caffeine.

Sometimes the manufacturer calls caffeine differently: mateine ​​or theine, but in fact it is the same caffeine.

Other stimulants, such as theobromine and theophylline, which are homologues of the same caffeine.

* Carnitine.

This component promotes the rapid oxidation of fatty acids. This means that it enhances the overall metabolism in our body. As a result, a person’s level of muscle fatigue decreases.

* Taurine.

Some believe that this component of energy drinks, as it accumulates in muscle tissue, leads to improved muscle (and heart) function. However, medical experts claim that taurine has absolutely no effect on muscles. Despite this, in one can of energy drink its volume can range from 400 to 1000 mg. This begs the question: why is it needed then?

* There are also vitamins (in particular B vitamins), such as carbohydrates (glucose, sucrose).

It is worth noting that the body needs B vitamins, and if you are deficient in them, your body will tell you about it. But an excess of these vitamins (which an energy drink can provide) can hardly be considered beneficial for a person.

Energy drinks are a relatively recent invention of mankind. Although their components have been used as invigorating agents since centuries before the invention of aluminum cans. It seems that the invention of energy tonics is a panacea for students during the session, workers on deadline days, fitnessists going for a record, tired drivers and nightclub visitors and everyone who is very tired, but must continue to be in a cheerful state of mind and body. Drink a jar - and you no longer nod off, but can continue again and again...

Manufacturers claim that their drinks bring only benefits and produce more and more new varieties. If everything is so rosy, why did legislators try to issue a law limiting the distribution of the miracle drink? Let's figure it out.

Caffeine. All energy drinks without exception contain it. Acts as a stimulant: 100 mg of caffeine stimulates mental activity, 238 mg increases cardiovascular endurance. To get this effect, you need to drink at least three cans, but energy drink manufacturers recommend drinking no more than 1-2 cans per day.

Taurine. One jar on average contains from 400 to 1000 mg of taurine. This is an amino acid that accumulates in muscle tissue. It is believed that it improves the functioning of the heart muscle. However, recently, opinions have emerged among doctors that taurine has no effect on the human body at all.

Carnitine. It is a component of human cells that promotes the rapid oxidation of fatty acids. Carnitine increases metabolism and reduces muscle fatigue.

Guarana and ginseng. Medicinal plants with tonic properties. Guarana leaves are used in medicine: they remove lactic acid from muscle tissue, reducing pain during physical activity, prevent the occurrence of atherosclerosis and cleanse the liver. Doctors, however, believe that the stimulating properties attributed to guarana and ginseng have not been confirmed by research.

B vitamins. Necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system and the brain in particular. The body can feel their deficiency, but increasing the dose will not improve your productivity, mental abilities or anything else, as energy drink manufacturers try to convince you.

Melatonin. Contained in the body and is responsible for the daily rhythm of a person.

Matein. A substance that is part of the South American green tea mate. Evergreen tree extract Ilex Paraguarensis helps cope with hunger and promotes weight loss.

Facts "Pro"

— If you just need to cheer yourself up or activate your brain, energy drinks are great for these purposes.

- You can find a drink that suits your needs. Energy tonics are divided into groups for people with different needs: some contain more caffeine, others contain vitamins and carbohydrates. “Coffee” drinks are suitable for inveterate workaholics and students who work or study at night, and “vitamin-carbohydrate” drinks are suitable for active people who prefer to spend free time in gym.

— Energy drinks contain a complex of vitamins and glucose. There is no need to talk about the benefits of vitamins. Glucose is quickly absorbed into the blood, is included in oxidative processes and delivers energy to the muscles, brain and other vital organs.

— The effect of drinking coffee lasts 1-2 hours, from energy drinks - 3-4. In addition, almost all energy drinks are carbonated, which speeds up their impact - this is the third difference from coffee.

— The packaging allows you to consume energy drinks in any situation (dance floor, car), which is not always possible with coffee or tea.

Facts against:

— Drinks can be consumed in strictly dosed quantities. Maximum - 2 cans per day. Drinking more than normal may result in a significant increase in blood pressure or blood sugar levels.

— In France, Denmark and Norway, “energy drinks” are prohibited for sale in grocery stores; they are sold only in pharmacies, as they are considered medicine. And recently, Swedish authorities began investigating the deaths of three people allegedly caused by drinking energy drinks.

— The vitamins contained in energy tonics cannot replace a multivitamin complex.

— People with blood pressure or heart problems should avoid these drinks.

— The opinion that tonic saturates with energy is absolutely unjustified. The contents of the jar, like a key, open the door to the body's internal reserves. In other words, the jar does not give energy, it sucks it out of you. Man uses his own resources, or simply put, borrows them from himself. The debt, of course, sooner or later has to be repaid, paying with fatigue, insomnia, irritability and depression.

— Energy drinks, like a drink containing sugar and caffeine, are unsafe for a young body.

— Many energy drinks contain large amounts of vitamin B, which can cause a rapid heartbeat and trembling in the arms and legs.

— Fitness enthusiasts should remember that caffeine is a good diuretic. This means that you cannot drink the drink after a workout, during which we lose water.

- In case of overdose possible side effects: tachycardia, psychomotor agitation, nervousness, depression.

— Tonics contain taurine and glucuronolactone. The taurine content is several times higher than in all other products; the amount of glucuronolactone contained in two jars can be almost 500 times (!) the daily dose of this substance. How these components work in such doses in our body is unknown even to scientists. It is unclear how they interact with caffeine. That is why experts from the Scientific Committee on Food of the European Union officially state that the safety of using taurine and glucuronolactone in such doses has not been established and further studies are required.

As you can see, there are more arguments against than arguments for. And yet, it is quite possible that there may come a time in your life (hopefully a one-time event) when you feel the need to drink a can of energy drink. In this case, read the rules for using tonics to help you avoid harming your beloved body.

Rules of use

— Do not exceed the daily dose of caffeine - this is about two cans of the average energy drink. Taking more than two cans in a row can be harmful to your health: the body’s resources have already been exhausted, and therefore, instead of the desired effect, you will experience side effects.

— After the effect of the energy drink ends, the body needs rest to restore resources.

— Do not drink drinks after exercise - both increase blood pressure.

— Drinks should absolutely not be consumed by pregnant women, children and adolescents, the elderly, those with hypertension, or illnesses. of cardio-vascular system, glaucoma, sleep disturbances, increased excitability and sensitivity to caffeine.

Caffeine is removed from the blood after 3-5 hours, and even then by half. Therefore, you cannot mix tonics and other caffeine-containing drinks (coffee, tea) during this time - you may greatly exceed the permissible dose.

— Many drinks are very high in calories. If you drink energy drinks at the gym, drink them only before your workout. If your plans are only to restore strength, but you do not intend to lose weight, you can use such tonics both before and after classes.

— You cannot mix tonics with alcohol (as, for example, visitors to nightclubs often do). Caffeine increases blood pressure, and when combined with alcohol, its effect is greatly enhanced. As a result, a person can easily experience a hypertensive crisis.

Health and medical experts say that tonics are nothing more than fortified coffee substitutes, only more dangerous to health. And fruit juices and glucose, contained in many foods, can lift our spirit to the same heights. So it’s up to you to decide whether to use tonics or not. But now we have a reason to drink a cup of coffee with your favorite chocolate (instead of tonic) without remorse!