With temperatures breaking new records with the inception of summer, the upcoming few months are expected to make you feel hotter and thirstier than ever. While you might think energy drinks can help you get through the summer, the opposite is true.

What you need to know:

What exactly are energy drinks?
Potential benefits of energy drinks during summer
Potential health issues of energy drinks during summer

What exactly are energy drinks?

Energy drinks are beverages usually high in caffeine, added sugars, other additives, and legal stimulants like guarana, taurine, and L-carnitine. These are well known for enhancing alertness, focus, and energy, but they can also raise blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. In addition, the stimulants can adversely affect how your nervous system functions.

Moreover, the high sugar content in energy drinks is counterproductive and does not energize your body, regardless of the time of year. Frequently consuming energy drinks can become addictive and trigger the release of dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ hormone.

Here are some healthy summer drinks you can opt for compared to sugary energy drinks to avoid dehydration during the summer:

Orange drink: For a refreshing summer drink, mix a cup of water with two tablespoons of freshly made orange juice without sugar.

Grape and lemon drink: Drink a cup of grape juice, preferably homemade, with half a cup of refreshing lemonade and water.

Fruit juices: To stay hydrated, you can also drink healthy fruit juices without added sugar. For example, watermelon juice, coconut water or mint lemon water can keep you hydrated while providing many necessary micronutrients.

Potential benefits of energy drinks during summer

Here are some of the potential benefits of drinking healthy energy drinks for summer:

Boosting hydration: These beverages are key in restoring the body’s fluids lost through sweat. Incorporating electrolytes and water can protect against the adverse effects of dehydration.

Replenishing electrolytes: Essential for fluid regulation and muscle function, these drinks replenish electrolytes lost during exercise, supporting muscle recovery and preventing muscle spasms from dehydration.

Improves energy levels: These energy drinks are ideal for those who need frequent energy boosts while conducting their daily activities or work.

Enhanced focus: Dehydration can impair concentration and cognitive abilities. These drinks help you maintain your mental sharpness and focus all day by replenishing fluids and electrolytes.

Potential health issues of energy drinks during summer

Here are some of the potential health issues that come along with sugary energy drinks:

High sugar content

Energy drinks are often packed with sugar, leading to quick surges in blood sugar. This can cause an initial burst of energy, soon followed by a significant drop, making you feel drained and sluggish. Habitually drinking these energy drinks can contribute to obesity and heighten the risk of health conditions like type-2 diabetes and tooth decay.

Dehydration risks

During summers, our bodies lose more fluids, and staying hydrated is essential for staying healthy. Energy drinks contain caffeine, a diuretic that prompts frequent urination. Drinking them excessively, especially when it’s warm, can dehydrate you, increasing the risk of heat-related issues such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Nutrient deficiencies

Though energy drinks might give you a quick energy boost, they are low in essential nutrients. Depending on them too much can lead to a lack of vital vitamins and minerals, especially if they replace more nutritious meals.

Cardiovascular issues

The mix of high caffeine and sugar in energy drinks can put a strain on your heart. Caffeine can cause your heart rate and blood pressure to spike, posing dangers for those with heart conditions. At its worst, too many energy drinks could lead to heart issues like palpitations, irregular heartbeats, or even heart attacks.

Sleep disruption

Drinking energy drinks can make it harder to fall asleep, diminish the quality of your sleep, and cut down on your sleep time. Lack of rest can lead to several health problems, including trouble concentrating, mood swings, and a weakened immune system.

While consuming energy drinks in moderation is fine, having them every day can do more harm than good. If you experience any of the symptoms discussed above, visit a medical practitioner.

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