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Copywriting丨Health 365
Editor丨Health365
On the shelves of the supermarket, there are all kinds of drinks, colorful and attract the attention of customers. And in this dazzling array of drinks, there is a "life-killing drink" that is quietly eroding people's health, and even some people have died suddenly. This is by no means alarmist, but a real tragedy.
What exactly is this drink? Why is it so harmful? Today, let's find out and unveil its mystery.
1. The mysterious "deadly drink" has begun to emerge
Walk into any convenience store or supermarket and you'll see shelves filled with a wide variety of energy drinks. They are often brightly packaged and advertised as refreshing and energizing, making them the preferred choice of many young people and sports enthusiasts. And it is these seemingly ordinary beverages that hide huge health risks.
In recent years, there have been many reports of energy drinks causing health problems. From mild heart palpitations and insomnia, to severe arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and even sudden death, the side effects of energy drinks are shocking. According to the United States New York Times, thousands of people are admitted to emergency rooms every year in the United States alone for excessive consumption of energy drinks.
In China, although the specific data has not yet been fully counted, similar incidents are also happening.
2. The "Mysterious Formula" of Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are invigorating thanks to a few key ingredients: caffeine, taurine, guarana extract, and a lot of sugar. These ingredients may not be a big deal when used alone, but when combined in high concentrations, they can have a strong irritating effect that poses a threat to human health.
Caffeine: Caffeine is one of the most common ingredients in energy drinks. It is a central nervous system stimulant that is able to temporarily increase alertness and concentration. Excessive caffeine intake can lead to heart palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, and even arrhythmias. According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, adults should consume no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day.
The caffeine content in many energy drinks far exceeds this criterion.
Taurine: Taurine is an amino acid that is often used as an additive in energy drinks. It is believed to improve athletic performance and mental focus. Long-term high intake of taurine may have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system and increase the risk of heart disease.
Guarana Extract: Guarana is a plant from the Amazon region whose extract is rich in caffeine and other irritating substances. Guarana is widely used in energy drinks due to its high caffeine content and long-lasting effects. Excessive intake of guarana extract can likewise lead to cardiovascular problems.
Sugar: To increase taste and energy supply, many energy drinks also contain a lot of sugar. Long-term diets high in sugar can lead to obesity and diabetes, and may also cause damage to the cardiovascular system.
3. The "fatal" case of energy drinks
Globally, there are countless cases of health problems caused by the consumption of energy drinks. Here are some typical examples that may be a wake-up call.
Sudden death: In 2019, an 18-year-old United States high school student suddenly collapsed on a basketball court and eventually died after rescue efforts failed. Doctors detected excessive caffeine levels in his body, and the culprit was none other than the few energy drinks he had previously consumed.
Arrhythmias: In 2020, a 25-year-old Chinese man developed severe arrhythmias due to long-term consumption of energy drinks. After being resuscitated by the hospital, although he was finally out of danger, the doctor warned him that if he continued to drink energy drinks, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Mental problems: In addition to cardiovascular problems, energy drinks can also cause mental problems. A 16-year-old teenager in United Kingdom presents with symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia and hallucinations due to long-term consumption of energy drinks. After psychotherapy and a withdrawal from energy drinks, his symptoms gradually eased.
Fourth, the science revealed: the harm mechanism of energy drinks
The reason why energy drinks can cause so much harm to the human body is mainly related to their composition and mechanism of action.
Cardiovascular system damage: Stimulants such as caffeine, taurine and guarana extract can act directly on the cardiovascular system, causing an increased heart rate and blood pressure. Long-term high intake of these substances can put the cardiovascular system in a state of high load for a long time, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Metabolic disorders: The high sugar and caffeine content in energy drinks can interfere with the body's normal metabolism. Sugar can lead to insulin resistance and obesity, while caffeine can affect appetite and sleep, further exacerbating metabolic disorders.
Damage to the nervous system: Stimulants such as caffeine can also have adverse effects on the nervous system. Long-term intake of large amounts can lead to neurasthenia, anxiety, insomnia, and even symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions may occur in severe cases.
5. How to avoid the harm of "deadly drinks".
In the face of the dangers of energy drinks, how should we protect our health? Here are some suggestions:
Limit your intake: Limit your intake of energy drinks. Both adults and adolescents should avoid excessive consumption of energy drinks. If you need a pick-me-up, opt for other healthier beverages such as green tea, coffee (but in moderation).
Know the ingredients: When shopping for energy drinks, look carefully at the ingredient list to see how much caffeine, taurine, sugar, and more are in it. If a drink contains too many ingredients, it should be avoided to buy and consume it.
Pay attention to your physical condition: Keep an eye on your physical condition after consuming energy drinks. If symptoms such as heart palpitations, insomnia, and anxiety occur, you should stop drinking immediately and seek help from your doctor.
Choose healthy drinks: In addition to energy drinks, there are many other healthy drinks to choose from. Fruit juices, vegetable juices, milk, etc., these drinks taste good, and are nutritious and beneficial to your health.
Strengthen regulation and education: Governments and relevant agencies should strengthen the regulation of energy drinks to ensure that their ingredient content meets safety standards. Public education should also be strengthened to raise awareness of the dangers of energy drinks.
6. Doctor's point of view: look at energy drinks rationally
As a doctor, I am well aware of the dangers of energy drinks. And I understand the need for refreshment in the fast-paced life of modern people. I think we should look at energy drinks rationally, both to see their potential harms and their positive effects in certain situations.
For people who need to work, study or exercise for long periods of time, a moderate amount of energy drinks may be able to help. This does not mean that we can drink in moderation. There are two sides to everything, and energy drinks are no exception. We should choose drinks reasonably according to our physical condition and needs and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
7. Conclusion: Be wary of "life-killing drinks" and protect health
This "deadly drink" on the shelves has already claimed the lives and health of many people. As consumers, we should be vigilant and make rational choices about our drinks. The government and relevant institutions should also strengthen supervision and education to ensure people's health and safety. Let's work together to protect the health of ourselves and our families from the dangers of "deadly drinks".
There are no shortcuts on the road to health. Only by adhering to a scientific lifestyle and eating habits can we truly have a healthy body and a good life. I hope that every reader can draw useful information from this article and take responsibility for their own health.
The above content is for reference only, if you feel unwell, please consult a medical professional. If you like it, you can pay attention to it, share health knowledge every day, and be your exclusive online doctor.