KILLING YOU SOFTLY

COLA,SODA,POP,ICED TEA,ENERGY DRINKS 

KILLING YOU SOFTLY

KINDLY VISIT

ENERGY SUPPLEMENT ADVICE FOR A HEALTHY LIFE 

Are Energy Drinks Like Red Bull Good For You?    Posted by DegreeCouncil.org on November 10, 2012

We live in a world where it isn’t unusual to be running on just a few hours of sleep. This is because there are many demands put upon our daily lives. For example, you may have to work a 12-hour shift at work, spend another few hours in class and then come home to a screaming baby that won’t go to sleep. In that case, an energy drink may provide a much needed boost. However, is it safe for you?
The Key Is Always Moderation
Drinking a single energy drink is not going to hurt you. In fact, if you drink them in moderation, it isn’t much worse than drinking a daily cup of coffee. In both cases, you are getting an increased dose of caffeine that will help wake you up and get you going for the day.
However, you should try not to drink more than one or two a day at the very most. There is a lot of sugar and other chemicals that are put in the drinks to give you that energy boost. A single 12 ounce can of a typical energy drink has more sugar and caffeine than even the sugariest soda.
Drinking too many energy drinks can leave you jittery, hyperactive, and unable to sleep at night. Once the drink wears off, you are going to feel more lethargic than you did before. This means that you will have no choice but to grab another energy drink.
 
Never Mix Energy Drinks With Alcohol
In recent years, it has become popular to mix energy drinks with alcohol. While this creates the impression that you are more awake and less drunk, the truth is that it is just masking the impact of the drinks that you are consuming. Drinks such as Four Loko that were sold with alcohol in them have been banned in some states.
There is no way to lessen the impact that an alcoholic drink has on your body. Once it is in your system, the only way it leaves is by giving it time. Mixing a Red Bull with your drink is not going to help you drive home. In fact, it can actually make things worse for you.

 
If you don’t think that you are as drunk as you are, you will be tempted to drink even more. This can lead to alcohol poisoning and other negative consequences that are associated with excessive drinking. You could get into a car crash, say something you regret, or do something even worse.
Avoid Energy Drinks If You Have Heart Issues
When you drink something with sugar in it, your body gets a bolt of adrenaline. You are jolted awake and your nervous system starts working harder. This will ultimately put more stress on your heart to keep pumping blood to your body.
Most healthy people can handle pretty large doses of caffeine in their systems. However, doctors warn that those with health problems can see negative health effects from drinking too many energy drinks. In a worst case scenario, you could even die from drinking a single energy drink.
Again, healthy people will not die from consuming an energy drink. But, if you have any health issues at all, consult your doctor before drinking any sort of energy drink. You could be putting yourself in a world of danger that you don’t even know about.

 
Teenagers Should Stay Away From These Drinks
Teenagers should be highly discouraged from drinking energy drinks. The biggest reason is that teenagers need more sleep than other age groups. Energy drinks are a great way to lose sleep at night. This means that an average teenager could be grouchy, irritable and unable to perform well in school.
There may also be concentration issues during class. It is hard to sit still during a movie or lecture when you are shaking because you have ingested so much sugar. This can lead to discipline issues that could lead to other consequences in the future.
Teenagers are still developing physically. They don’t have mature immune systems and other body structures that can handle the extra sugar. While an adult can handle several energy drinks in a day, a teenager may not be able to. Parents should monitor what their children are drinking on a daily basis to make sure that they are safe. It should be noted that childhood obesity is caused partially by ingesting too much sugar.
A healthy adult will certainly be able to drink an energy drink without too many issues. However, teenagers and those with health issues should stay away from them at all costs. Keep in mind that healthy adults will still suffer from issues such as obesity, tooth issues due to the sugar as well as possible hyperactivity. Therefore, these drinks should be consumed in moderation and without any alcohol added. As with anything else, you have to be responsible for what you put in your body.
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 5-Hour Energy Drinks Cited in 13 Deaths

By JIM AVILA (@JimAvilaABC) Nov. 15, 2012

The federal government and the New York Attorney General's office are investigating after the Food and Drug Administration received claims that the drink 5-Hour Energy may have led to 13 deaths and 33 hospitalizations over the past four years.
The popular energy shot – which comes in 2 oz. packages and packs a powerful caffeine punch, equal to two cups of coffee -- led the way in this new and growing energy drink segment over the past eight years. Now government officials are investigating whether the product, made by Michigan-based Living Essentials, does much more.
"If someone is to use multiple cans, now is when we start to see some of the side effects," Dr. Sean Patrick Nord, USC Director of the Section of Toxicology, told ABC News. "You're getting astronomical amounts, 30 to 40 cups of coffee."

The recent FDA filings mark the second time in a month the administration has confirmed it is investigating claims that energy drinks are causing fatal reactions. In October, Monster energy, another popular drink that contains even more caffeine, was allegedly linked to five deaths.
The manufacturers point out that these are just claims, and there is no proven link between the drinks and the deaths.
In a statement overnight, 5-hour Energy said the product is "intended for busy adults." The company says its compact product contains "about as much caffeine as a cup of the leading premium coffee."
During an interview this September, Manoj Bhargava, the founder and CEO of 5-Hour Energy, told ABC News "Nightline" that when used as directed, the caffeine in his product doesn't do any harm.
"It's overblown. When it's in small quantities … It's like this -- water is good, but if you have too much you drown," he said.
Most experts say the fatal dose of caffeine for an adult would be almost impossible to drink – actually 50 to 60 times of what is contained in an energy drink. But critics worry about children with underlying heart problems drinking them, and are warning that energy drinks may be more hazardous than coffee because of the temperature. 

5 Hour Energy Nutritional Facts

Apr 22, 2011 | By Dan Harriman
The energy drink 5-hour Energy has a formula designed to help you stay energized. Through a blend of ingredients, the drink aims to raise your energy and alertness levels without causing any jitters -- a side effect commonly associated with energy drinks. While 5-hour Energy promises to help you get through the day without feeling fatigued, researchers at the Mayo Clinic question the drink's effectiveness and nutritional value, and worry that its ingredients can cause side effects in the liver or kidneys.
Products

Living Essentials, makers of 5-hour Energy, offers seven varieties of the energy drink, including pomegranate, grape, berry, lemon, orange, decaf and extra strength. The drinks are marketed toward a busy, hard-working audience who need extra energy to get through the day without feeling tired or sluggish. Every 5-hour Energy variety comes in a 1.93 fluid ounce bottle that contains four calories and no sugar. The decaf and extra strength varieties have a formula that differs from the original formula.
Ingredients

Ingredients in the original formula products include 30 mg of niacin, 40 mg of vitamin B-6, 400 mcg of folic acid, 500 mcg of vitamin B-12, 18 g of sodium, and an energy blend that contains taurine, glucuronic acid, malic acid, N-Acetyl, L-Tyrosine, L-Phenylalanine, caffeine and citicoline. The daily value percentages for the B vitamins, niacin and folic acid are extremely high, ranging from 100 percent to 2,000 percent, but are not considered to be at a toxic level, a Mayo Clinic expert told CNN. No nutritional values exist for the energy blend in 5-hour energy, but there is approximately as much caffeine in one 5-hour Energy shot as there is one cup of coffee.
Other Ingredients

Other ingredients in one 5-hour Energy shot that do not play a factor in the drink's energizing effects include purified water, natural and artificial flavors, sucralose, potassium sorbate, sodium benzonate and EDTA, or Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, to help keep the product fresh. The decaf variety does not contain any niacin, while the extra strength variety contains 40 mg of niacin
Usage

If you try a 5-hour Energy shot for the first time, drink only half of the bottle to gauge your body's reaction. A potential side effect is a "niacin flush" reaction from the high vitamin B-3 amount. A niacin flush can consist of a hot, prickly feeling on the skin and skin redness. The reaction should last only a few minutes, according to Living Essentials. The 5-hour Energy website warns to not take the energy drink if you are pregnant or nursing, or under the age of 12. You should speak to your doctor before drinking 5-hour Energy if you are taking medication or have a medical condition.
References

    CNN.com; Small Drinks Promise Big Energy, but Experts Say Effects Unclear; Danielle Dellorto; July 2009
    5-hour Energy: How to Use 5-Hour Energy Shots
    5-hour Energy: 5-Hour Energy Ingredients & Safety

Article reviewed by GlennK Last updated on: Apr 22, 2011
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The 5 Hour Energy Scam And The Power Of Self-Deception

“We asked over 3,000 doctors to review 5 Hour Energy, and what they said is amazing.  Over 73% who reviewed 5 Hour Energy said they would recommend a low-calorie energy supplement to their healthy patients who use energy supplements.”
The first time I saw this commercial, I had to double check to see if it was a Saturday Night Live skit.  But alas, it wasn’t.
Yes, they asked “over 3,000 doctors.”  According to the fine print, they actually asked 5,000 in person and only half of them agreed to review the drink, and by review the drink, they clarify that they agreed to read the ingredients and their associated descriptions.  An additional 503 doctors responded to an online survey, but they don’t tell us how many they asked to respond online.
73% of the docs who actually reviewed the stuff recommended a low-calorie energy supplement—not 5 Hour Energy, specifically, just a low-calorie energy supplement.  But this “recommendation” was still further qualified; they recommended the low-calorie supplement only to their healthy patients who actually use energy supplements.
What do we really learn, then, from this not-so-highly scientific study?

For those statistical anomalies who can somehow be deemed “healthy,” even though they require a regular chemical boost merely to survive the day, 73% of the doctors who didn’t blow this study off as an absurd waste of time recommend that you use an energy supplement that won’t also make you fat, accelerating your already rapid pace to an early grave.

My first inclination was to be offended that 5 Hour Energy thinks there are enough people dull enough to be manipulated by the lady with the perma-smile sitting next to a bunch of fake documents, but then it hit me—they’re not trying to get non-users to take 5 Hour Energy.  They’re trying to help existing users perpetuate their own ruse of self-deception.
Self-deception is more powerful than coercion, because we’re more inclined to believe the stories we tell ourselves (both true and untrue) than the convictions of others.  So the most effective external manipulation is that which supports what we’d already prefer to believe.  I know my body does not naturally require the daily infusion of 5 Hour Energy if I actually get enough sleep and exercise—but I’d rather not, so I’ll buy your story about the 73% of doctors.
What stories are you buying regarding your health, marriage or other relationships, work or finances that are rooted in self-deception?  And what forces may be seeking to perpetuate that self-deception?

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More Deaths, Illness Linked to Energy Drinks

By Daniel J. DeNoon WebMD Health News Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Nov. 16, 2012 -- The FDA has posted adverse-event reports for two more energy drinks: 40 illnesses and five deaths linked to Monster Energy, and 13 illnesses and two lasting disabilities linked to Rockstar Energy.
The new reports follow this week's revelation of FDA reports linking 92 illnesses and 13 deaths to 5-Hour Energy shots. The FDA previously said it was investigating the deaths linked to 

Monster Energy.
These adverse-event reports (AERs) are filed by patients, families, or doctors. They simply warn that the products might have harmed someone -- but they do not prove that the product caused harm. The FDA can remove a product from the market only when investigation shows that the product causes harm when used according to the product label.
"If we find a relationship between consumption of the product and harm, FDA will take appropriate action to reduce or eliminate the risk,"  FDA public information officer Shelly Burgess says.

Moreover, the reports do not offer details on any underlying medical conditions that may have led to product-related illnesses.
The reports, some dating back to 2004, are not a complete inventory of all events that product users may have suffered. Most people, and many doctors, do not know how to file these reports or do not get around to filing them. And even when a product actually causes an illness, a user or doctor may not associate the product with the illness.
The new reports detail the events suffered by users of 5-Hour, Monster, and Rockstar energy drinks. These include:

• Deaths due to heart attack or suicide linked to 5-Hour Energy
• A miscarriage linked to 5-Hour Energy
• Convulsions, life-threatening fear, deafness, and hemorrhage linked to 5-Hour Energy
• Deaths due to heart attack or loss of consciousness linked to Monster Energy drink
• Hospitalization due to irregular heartbeat, severe diarrhea, migraine, psychotic disorder, heart attack, and/or vomiting linked to Monster Energy drink
• Disability from irregular heartbeat or stroke linked to Rockstar Energy drink
• Hospitalization due to psychotic disorder, increased heart rate, or loss of consciousness linked to Rockstar Energy drink
•  

All of these reports are collected by the product manufacturers. Because they market their products as nutritional supplements, they are required to submit them to the FDA.
A recent government report documented a sharp spike in the number of people who need emergency medical care after consuming energy drinks.
Living Essentials, the maker of 5-Hour Energy, said in a statement that the company "takes reports of any potential adverse event tied to our products very seriously."
But the company maintains that its products are safe when used as directed. Rockstar and Monster Energy did not respond to interview requests by publication time.

Caffeine Levels in Energy Drinks

Caffeine is the main active ingredient in energy drinks, most of which also contain herbal supplements.
A recent test by Consumer Reports found that:

• 5-Hour Energy contains 215 milligrams of caffeine per serving.
• 5-Hour Energy Extra Strength contains 242 milligrams of caffeine per serving.
• Monster Energy contains 92 milligrams of caffeine per serving.
• Rockstar Energy Drink, Double Strength contains 80 milligrams of caffeine per serving.
• Rockstar Energy Shot contains 229 milligrams of caffeine per serving.

An 8-ounce cup of coffee has about 100 milligrams of caffeine, although that varies according to how the coffee is brewed. For example, Consumer Reports finds that 8 ounces of Starbucks coffee has 165 milligrams of caffeine.
According to Consumer Reports, safe limits of caffeine are up to 400 milligrams per day for healthy adults, 200 milligrams a day for pregnant women, and up to 45 or 85 milligrams per day for children, depending on weight.
High doses of caffeine can result in restlessness, nervousness, insomnia, and tremors. High doses can also trigger seizures and unstable heart rhythm.
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Is Your Energy Drink Turning You Into a Woman?

Here’s a short quiz for all the male energy drink addicts out there.

1. Have you noticed the growth of man boobs since drinking energy drinks?
2. Has your  shaving strangely cut down to once a month?
3. Can you sing along with Michael when you hear song “Billy Jean”?
4. Do you cry for no reason and then the next minute giggle like a school girl?
5. Have you experienced unexplained shrinkage?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, your beloved Energy Drinks could be turning you into a woman. Now don’t get me wrong, women are great and all, but most guys don’t want to become one, right?
Well it appears Energy Drinks are testing positive for  the chemical, Bisphenol A, which mimics the hormone estrogen. This chemical is often used to line the inside of cans and new testing performed  in Canada showed alarming levels of this chemical in the drinks themselves.
This chemical is known to cause birth defects, but it is unclear if it really causes damage in adults. However, it’s something to be aware of and guys if you have any of the above symptoms you may want to have your hormone levels checked!
Source: TheDailyGreen.com

What Ingredients Make Energy Drinks Dangerous?

Jul 26, 2011 | By Brian Willett


Energy drinks pack a punch, giving you a much-needed increase in alertness and stamina if used responsibly. However, energy drinks aren't an adequate substitute for sleep, and some of the ingredients in them may be detrimental to your health. Not all energy drinks have the same ingredients, so check product labels closely before drinking.
Caffeine

Caffeine is the primary ingredient in many energy drinks, and it's also found in soda, coffee and many other beverages. However, energy drinks typically contain more caffeine than soda, tea and even coffee. While caffeine promotes alertness, focus and energy, it also has drawbacks. Common side effects from caffeine include nervousness, anxiety, dizziness and nausea. Dizziness can cause a loss of coordination, which can lead you to fall and injure yourself during exercise. Energy drinks tend to be much higher in caffeine than other caffeinated beverages; a 12 oz. can of soda provides about 35 mg of caffeine, while just 8.4 oz. of an energy drink may contain up to 280 mg.
Yohimbine

Yohimbine is an herbal extract -- derived from the yohimbe tree -- found in many energy drinks and supplements. This substance is purported to increase energy levels and boost your metabolism, but as with caffeine, it can be harmful. Yohimbine ingestion can cause adverse effects including insomnia, increased blood pressure, nausea and dizziness. Insomnia can cause sleep-deprivation, creating a susceptibility for falling asleep during daily activities; doing so during driving or operating machinery can be dangerous. Additionally, high blood pressure can cause stroke, kidney failure and heart failure.
Sugar

Energy drinks are typically high in sugar, as this simple carbohydrate can provide a quick source of energy. In addition to promoting a crash after the initial burst of energy, excess sugar promotes tooth decay. Additionally, research from Massachusetts General Hospital indicates that consumption of large doses of sugar can reduce testosterone production.
Phosphoric Acid

Many energy drinks and sodas contain phosphoric acid, which is added because it imparts a tangy flavor to the beverage. Unfortunately, phosphoric acid can also erode the enamel on the surface of your teeth.
Guarana

Guarana is an extract from South American trees that contains caffeine and several other chemical compounds purported to enhance energy levels. Guarana can cause nausea, shakiness, anxiety, diarrhea and vomiting. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration, a condition that can potentially cause you to fall into a coma or state of shock, seizures, low blood pressure, brain damage and even death, if untreated.
References

    MayoClinic.com; Caffeine Content for Coffee, Tea, Soda and More; October 2009
    Drugs.com: Caffeine Side Effects
    Mount Auburn Hospital; Yohimbe; December 2009
    PhysOrg.com; Testosterone Decreases after Ingestion of Sugar; The Endocrine Society; June 2009
    "Journal of the American Dental Association"; Diet and Tooth Decay; April 2002
    Drugs.com: Guarana Side Effects

Article reviewed by Tina Boyle Last updated on: Jul 26, 2011
 

Supplements in Energy Drinks 
Sep 28, 2010 | By Brian Willett


Energy drinks are useful for helping you keep up with the pace of modern life, but most of them are based upon the original energy drink--coffee. This is because the central ingredient in most energy drinks is caffeine, even though energy drinks also offer a wide array of other ingredients, such as B vitamins and herbal extracts. These ingredients may be beneficial for increasing energy, but research them carefully to avoid potential side effects. In addition, consult your doctor about any supplements with which you're not familiar before taking them.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a common stimulant and is one found in coffee, soft drinks and dark chocolate, albeit in small amounts. Caffeine can help increase your energy levels but has a number of other effects, some of which are unpleasant. Caffeine is a diuretic and can make you go to the bathroom more frequently. In addition, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that excessive caffeine intake may lead to tremors, insomnia, anxiety, nausea and vomiting. In addition, abrupt caffeine cessation can lead to withdrawal, which may cause headaches, drowsiness and other side effects.
Guarana
Guarana, an herbal extract from a shrub native to Brazil, is commonly found in energy drinks. As the supplement information resource Drugs.com explains, guarana is very high in caffeine and may increase energy. In addition, guarana may aid in appetite suppression. Drugs.com suggests avoiding guarana if you have high blood pressure or anxiety, and notes that the FDA has not evaluated guarana for safety or efficacy.Some known side effects of guarana include nervousness, loss of appetite, nausea and headaches.
B Vitamins

Although many energy drinks offer little more than sugar, some offer a bit of nutritional value in the form of B vitamins. These nutrients--there are eight forms of vitamin B--are included in energy drinks because they assist in your body's production of energy. You can also find B vitamins in foods such as fish, leafy green vegetables and eggs.
Ginseng

Ginseng is an herbal extract that is purported to have a wide variety of benefits and is added to some energy drinks. The National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health explain that research is mixed on many ginseng's properties. The organizations note that ginseng's ability to improve exercise performance has not been proven in studies, and studies on its ability to prevent fatigue have offered mixed results. However, ginseng may be beneficial for improving high blood sugar and some heart conditions.
References

    University of Maryland Medical Center: Caffeine In The Diet
    Drugs.com: Guarana Medical Facts
    MedlinePlus: B Vitamins
    MedlinePlus: Ginseng

Article reviewed by Marianne Chin Last updated on: Sep 28, 2010