Did you know that the popular energy drinks we find in our grocery stores contribute to cognitive decline? Did you know they can contribute to anxiety and blood sugar issues? Did you know they can contribute to seizures? Many people think that they are innocuous, but that is far from the truth.
The first energy drinks were developed in the early 1900’s, in the UK. By 1949, Dr. Enuf, the first energy drink in the US became available in Chicago. It wasn’t until the advent of the 1980-90’s that energy drinks gained popularity in the US.
The ingredients in these drinks include, sugar, caffeine, amino acids and vitamins. Global sales top $159 billion, so we see quite a large number of the population consuming these drinks on a regular basis. While they do help energy and focus, there is a negative influence on sleep and long term attention.
- The caffeine and sugar in these drinks can affect insulin resistance, which can in turn affect the way the brain processes sugar.
- Some cases of dementia are caused by the brain’s inability to use glucose as an energy source due to insulin resistance.
- Insulin resistance also is a precursor to Type 2 Diabetes.
- Insulin resistance also escalates free radical damage through oxidative stress.
Stress increases the production of catecholamines. These are neurotransmitters that affect the fight or flight response. When adrenalin is in the system too long, the body sets up a negative feed-back loop that keeps Cortisol high and contributes to insulin resistance.
This stress response also can contribute to cardiovascular events and seizures. While Cortisol and the amino acid taruine are natural ingredients, the concentration of these substances are too much for the brain to assimilate over the long term. Young people need to have access to safer alternatiaves.
One of the reasons we have Pharmanex products in the clinic is because we know the scientists do everything they can to give us clean, healthy products. The energy drink E2 is no different. You may be wondering if a natural alternative can give the same energy as what you would find in a commercial energy drink. The answer is a resounding yes. Clients who regularly consumed energy drinks said there was no difference in the focus or stamina when they switched to E2. Even though this is a healthy alternative, we still would not recommend giving it to children under the age of 14. If you would like to order, click here.
Until next time,
Dr, Polly
