Are you part of the recent energy drink craze?

@maezee (42003)
United States
March 30, 2009 1:45am CST
Do you drink energy drinks? If so, how often, and what kind? Or do you try to avoid them - for health / money reasons? As I'm sure you know, in the past couple of years, energy drinks have SOARED in popularity and have become the basic staple of any college student or busy professional's life. Packed with caffeine, and rarely any good nutrients, they're pretty much another harmful addiction that we can contribute to our already-growing list: cigarettes, alcohol, soda, coffee, junk food, and so on. As I sit here, on myLot (as well as doing homework), I'm actually sipping on a sugar free Red Bull, as ironic as it is. But it's become habitual: each night I usually have at least one, if not two, energy drinks just to stay semi-awake while forcing myself to write yet another mediocre essay. It's almost become a necessity. What do you think about this? Are you part of the huge majority of people who consume in energy drinks on an every-day basis? What are some of your tips to those who'd like to quit drinking energy drinks in general, but feel are addicted? Do you think energy drinks will continue to be popular, or do you think their popularity will die down? Do you think some of the "nutrients" in energy drinks (taurine, ginseng, vitamin b12, etc) actually have health benefits that outweigh the health ailments that over-consumption could cause you to have (high blood pressure, stroke, etc)? What do you think? I know I just threw about 10 questions out there, but I've been thinking and spending a lot of money on energy drinks in the past year or so, and it would be interesting to hear all of your opinions!
1 person likes this
3 responses
• Canada
30 Mar 09
For quite a while I was having at least one energy drink per day...mostly Monster Green. It is delicious stuff, I love the taste. I also found it was giving me a good boost during the day. The only problem was, some time throughout every day I would have heart pains...they werent bad, but I could definitely feel them...it didnt feel very good. I also had a check up from the doctor, who told me I had high blood pressure. I quite drinking them cold turkey, and havent felt since. Also, since I quit I do not have high blood pressure any more, I can sleep better at night, and I do not have the same heart pains I felt while I was drinking them regularly. I think there are probably some god nutrients in them, but as a general rule of thumb, theyre no good for you. They do nothing but hurt your body, and cause a lot of problems. Good question, by the way!
1 person likes this
@maezee (42003)
• United States
30 Mar 09
Wow! That's a pretty inspirational story. How hard was it for you to go "cold turkey"? I couldn't imagine doing such a thing! I agree, sometimes I get really jittery just after I drink one and feel almost dizzy from having my heart beat too irregularly - and it's been a wake up call lately, so I'm trying to cut back (as silly as that sounds). lol. Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it!
@maezee (42003)
• United States
30 Mar 09
That's a great mindframe to be in. Thanks again!
• Canada
30 Mar 09
It was pretty tough to go Cold Turkey, because i like the flavor so much...but I knew I should quit, because of the health problems I was having...I have 2 little girls, and I wouldnt being around when they grow up, made me really think about things. Good luck to you on cutting back...its not easy, but it will be worth it!
• United States
30 Mar 09
I used to drink energy drinks quite often when I was in high school but now I don't buy them as much I have other things I could spend my money on.
1 person likes this
@maezee (42003)
• United States
30 Mar 09
I wish I could do that. They're about $2-$3 per can, so I can definitely see that adding up overtime. I don't even want to begin to think about how much money I've spent on them in the past year..Yikes.
@stealthy (8181)
• United States
30 Mar 09
I don't drink them and never considered drinking them. I get enough caffeine from my two cups of weak coffee in morning and regular soda I might have during the day. I don't need any of those over caffeinated drinks for "energy" since I have plenty. They are way to expensive and all people need to do is eat a proper diet and they will be fine energy wise.