Energy drinks are marketed as beverages that boost 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. As with soda, energy drinks are also high in sugar – for example, just one can of Red Bull contains around 27,5g of sugar.
But what do energy drinks do to the body after we consume them?
1. First, caffeine enters the bloodstream within 10 minutes of consumption, triggering a rise in heart rate and blood pressure.
2. Second, all of the caffeine is absorbed within 30 to 50 minutes of consuming an energy drink, and the liver responds by soaking up more sugar from the bloodstream.
3. Within an hour, the effects of the caffeine will begin to subside and a sugar crash may occur. Energy levels will be low and tiredness will set in.
4. Caffeine withdrawal may occur 12 to 24 hours after consumption.
5. For regular energy- drink consumers, it takes the body around seven to 12 days for the body to adapt to a regular intake of caffeine. An individual is unlikely to experience a boost from the beverages once the body gets used to them.
So how DO you get out of that dip of energy mid-afternoon?
Perhaps you should count how many glasses of water you have had since you woke up. We know we should ideally be drinking eight glasses of water for our general health and well-being, but did you know that keeping up your fluid intake will ensure that you keep the pep in your step?
“We are made of approximately 67% of water,” explains Ashburner. Poor hydration inhibits normal physiology functions of the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract and your circulatory and lymphatic systems.” All of which, when properly hydrated, will raise your energy levels. According to nutrition expert Linda Drummond, you need 30ml to 35ml of fluid per kilogram of body weight, per day, adjusted for ambient temperature and lifestyle factors, such as exercise and consumption of alcohol, caffeine and sugar. Remember, if you are feeling thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Carry a water bottle and take regular sips throughout the day. Don’t wait for your body to remind you.
Other benefits of good old H2O
By staying hydrated, you can also improve the clarity and appearance of your skin, the appearance of cellulite, the luminosity of your hair, and the health of your nails. It additionally helps you to stay focused and improves thought processes in the brain. Learn more by clicking on the following link.
If you want to stay hydrated AND increase your electrolytes, try coconut water.
