The problem is that many of these ergogenic aids have negative side effects.  Take a look:

• The most common ingredient of all energy drinks is caffeine; which is a natural diuretic.  Too much caffeine combined with increased amounts of carbohydrates can slow down the fluid and nutrient absorption.  Caffeine affects our central nervous system and due to the diuretic affect it ultimately causes dehydration; several vitamins are water soluble thus the absorption rate is decreased. 

• Side effects of too many energy drinks include tremors, anxiety, nervousness, increased pulse rate, increased risk of anxiety attacks, nervousness, interrupted sleep patterns, increased blood pressure, cause irritability, weight gain, dehydration, increased risk of stroke and heart attacks.

• Energy drinks may boost your energy, but it doesn’t last long.  More often than not, that boost of energy is followed by an energy crash 1-2 hours later and increased amounts of caffeine can ultimately foster the side effects listed above.

• Even the energy drinks that boast a concentration of vitamins and minerals do not contain the daily recommended allowance of nutrients; this can be coined as fragmented nutrition.  Real and sustained energy should contain full spectrum nutrition…the human body needs at least 100 nutrients every day of its life.  Full spectrum nutrition includes the daily allotment of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, phytonutrients, fatty acids.

• Energy drinks should not be consumed by children.  They can cause over-stimulation of their central nervous system.

• Energy drinks can contain a range of 200 to 300 mg of caffeine. Used regularly, such drinks create caffeinism, the addiction to caffeine, which can move from the buzzing speed of the addict to the withdrawal symptoms of headaches, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia.

• Energy drinks, like other stimulants, can increase risk of addiction (not only of energy drinks themselves), but may contribute to increased use of illicit drugs, alcohol use, and risk taking behaviors.

• Overconsumption of energy drinks can cause over stimulation, over-arousal, and a state of being hyper-focused which can ultimately cause more errors, increase risk of injury, and decrease overall ability to concentrate and focus.

• Do not consume energy drinks if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, are diabetic, or pregnant.

• BOTTOM LINE – Only use energy drinks in moderation and be sure to compliment with a multi-vitamin, adequate sleep, regular exercise, proper diet and hydration! 

Are you burning the midnight oil?

Is your engine bogged down? 

It is time to take care of YOU! 

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN ELEVATE YOUR LIFE AND KEEP YOUR ENGINE HUMMING!!!

• Get an adequate amount of sleep (6-8 hours each night)
• Exercise regularly (flexibility, cardio, and strength)
• Eat a well balance diet (40 % carbs/30 % protein/ 30 % fat)
• Take time for you (mental and psychological health)
• Lose weight if you’re overweight or obese (improve your health)
• Be preventative in your health (annual check-ups)

If these strategies don’t seem to help, consult your doctor.  Sometimes fatigue is a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as hypthyroidism or anemia.

In Fitness,

Julia Karlstad

JKFITNESS, LLC

www.jk-fit.com

www.juliakarlstad.com