Originally published October 28, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified October 28, 2007 at 2:00 AM
Energy drinks aren't worth the buzz
Q: I work full-time, and it seems like I am tired all the time. Do energy drinks work? Are they OK to use every day, or should I use them...
Special to The Seattle Times
Q: I work full-time, and it seems like I am tired all the time. Do energy drinks work? Are they OK to use every day, or should I use them only when I need a boost?
A: Energy drinks such as Red Bull are popular right now. You find them in cans or bottles not only in grocery stores, but at bars as well because some people like to combine them with alcohol in mixed drinks. They usually contain large amounts of sugar and caffeine, although some "diet" versions contain artificial sweeteners instead of sugar. In addition, some brands add B vitamins, herbs such as ginseng or ginkgo, and the amino acid taurine.
In general, the short-term boost you get from energy drinks is mostly from the caffeine content. The amount in different brands varies from about 80 to 160 mg — which is equivalent to one or two cups of instant coffee.
The problem is that some brands don't clearly state the amount of caffeine they contain, or else the caffeine is disguised. Few people know, for instance, that the herbs guarana and yerba mate contain caffeine. So even if you read the label, you may not know you are drinking a caffeinated beverage.
From a holistic point of view, there are major downsides to relying on caffeine and sugar for energy. Many holistic providers consider it a short-term gain with negative long-term consequences. If you think about it, that makes sense. Drinking lots of caffeine may allow you to avoid the fact that you haven't slept well or relaxed in three years. Eventually such lack of self care will catch up to you. And when it does, it's probably going to hit a lot harder than if you had put in the time up front.
Conventional medicine holds that caffeine is safe when used in modest amounts by a healthy person. Yet taking in large amounts rapidly can potentially cause a heart attack or abnormal heart rhythms. This may be a problem with energy drinks because they are cold beverages. As a result, people may be more prone to gulp several down and get a large amount of caffeine too quickly.
As a general caution, you should never use energy drinks when you exercise. The caffeine acts as a diuretic, and you can get severely dehydrated. I don't recommend combining the drinks with alcohol either, because the caffeine's stimulant may mask how much you are being affected by the drink you just had.
Fatigue can be frustrating for many people. I will tell you that the payoff is huge for people who are willing to look at long-term solutions, especially if the fatigue is chronic.
Dr. Astrid Pujari is a Seattle M.D. with an additional degree as a medical herbalist; she practices at the Pujari Center and teaches as part of the residency programs at Virginia Mason and Swedish/Cherry Hill hospitals. Send questions to apujari@seattletimes.com for possible use in future columns. All information is intended for education and not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your doctor before following any suggestions given here.
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
Big demand, grim outlook for state Basic Health Plan
Trying last-ditch lung bypass for worst swine flu
Comatose for 23 years, Belgian feels reborn
Vaccine to kill nicotine buzz now in late tests by small drug firm
Cutting through breast-cancer confusion

New Beginnings Christian Fellowship
Coming in this Sunday's Pacific Northwest Magazine: Pastor Braxton's mission is to preach a message that appeals to everyone.
general classifieds
Garage & estate salesFurniture & home furnishings
Sporting goods
just listed
6.5 kw Kohler gas generator - $599
Alto Saxophone - $400
ATV POLARIS TRAILBLAZER - $1800
More listings
POST A FREE LISTING
shopping
events for Tuesday, Nov. 24
- Shenui.com Holiday Sale
- Alhambra 20 Percent Off Jewelry Sale
- Amy Bengtson Holiday Trunk Show
- REI Winter Sale
editors' picks
- Independent bookstores
- Phinney Ridge & Greenwood shopping
- Independent video stores
- Neighborhood shopping
- Home break-in ends in shootings, Everett police say
- Steve Kelley | Next Seahawks GM should be Mike Holmgren
- Mariners Blog | Jose Lopez appears to be on his way out
- Illegal workers quietly let go
- Amazon, Wal-Mart escalate Web price war
- As glam as he wants to be: Adam Lambert's real debut
- Sprouts, raw fish on attorney's 'do not eat' list
- Bellevue Blog | Bellevue residents blast new bikini espresso stand
- Big demand, grim outlook for state Basic Health Plan
- Husky Men's Basketball Blog | An interview with Enes Kanter's coach
- Bellevue residents blast new bikini espresso stand
253 - Jose Lopez appears to be on his way out
243 - Big demand, grim outlook for state Basic Health Plan
206 - Next Seahawks GM should be Mike Holmgren
153 - Washington State coach Paul Wulff says he's excited about Cougars' future
139 - Hate crimes against gays, religious groups up, FBI says
91 - Man shoots self at Westlake Center
83 - Some fans at Fort Bragg see themselves in Sarah Palin
82 - Teen pimp found guilty of human trafficking
66 - Portland cafe's specialty: medical-marijuana tokes
49
- Sprouts, raw fish on attorney's 'do not eat' list
- Tattoos at Mill Creek church pierce skin, soul
- Food-safety lawyer's wish: Put me out of business
- Illegal workers quietly let go
- Architects, chefs find 'kid' within to build Gingerbread Village
- Nicole Brodeur | Homeless woman bent on giving
- Portland cafe's specialty: medical-marijuana tokes
- Big demand, grim outlook for state Basic Health Plan
- Hutch gets $10M from Bezos family for immunotherapy research
- Rediscovering Moab, 'the most beautiful place on Earth'

