Redbull and coffee is a concoction that’s fast gaining popularity. The global energy drinks market is estimated to reach over $70billion by 2025, making it a hotly-contested market for products such as Redbull and coffee. But what happens when you drink the two together?
A can of Redbull contains approximately 80mg of caffeine, while a cup of brewed coffee contains around 80–100mg. Combined, they can cause a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure, due to the simultaneous stimulation of both caffeine and taurine, an amino acid present in Redbull. An excessive intake of caffeine in general can also cause restlessness, anxiety and insomnia, so adding Redbull to your coffee may worsen these effects.
The main downside to combining the two drinks is its potential toxicity. According to the American Heart Association, drinking them together could create a dangerously high levels of caffeine in the bloodstream. This can lead to palpitations, chest pain, vomiting, and even an irregular heartbeat. In extreme cases, it can cause seizures or serious cardiovascular complications.
If you’re planning on having Redbull and coffee together, it’s best to stick to the recommended maximum daily caffeine intake of 400mg. It’s also important to consider your overall caffeine intake over the course of the day, not just the individual drinks you consume. It’s generally recommended that you wait at least four hours before consuming a large dose of caffeine again.
Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a neurologist at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, explains how it is important to be mindful of the effects of both caffeine and taurine. “In addition to its stimulatory effect, both taurine and caffeine have an overall psychological effect. Overdosing on them can lead to excessive energy and agitation, something you definitely don’t want to experience.”
Consuming Redbull and coffee in moderation is usually safe, and it can even have its benefits. Caffeine is known for its stimulatory effect, boosting alertness, concentration and attention. A study conducted by the University of Utah found that drinking one can of Redbull and one cup of coffee together can improve reaction time and psychomotor performance.
Effects on the digestive system
When combined, Redbull and coffee can cause upset stomach and diarrhea, as the effects of caffeine can be exasperated due to the high amount of stimulants in Redbull. The high amount of calories in the drink can also cause weight gain over time, and it can be difficult to digest due to its high sugar and caffeine content.
Dr. Thomas Dowd, an internal medicine doctor at Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital, states, “The combination of caffeine, taurine and sugar can be hard on the digestive system. In addition to causing nausea and stomach pain, it can also worsen existing conditions such as heartburn, as the caffeine and sugar can aggravate the acids in the stomach.”
It’s important to be mindful of the effects on your digestive system when consuming Redbull and coffee together, as it can have significant long-term health implications.
Effects on sleep
The combination of Redbull and coffee can have a detrimental impact on your sleeping patterns. Caffeine can stay in the bloodstream for several hours after consumption, causing difficulty in falling asleep. The combination of the two drinks can make it even more difficult to get to sleep, as the stimulatory effect of the taurine can worsen the effects of the caffeine.
According to Dr. Robert Vorin, a sleep specialist at the Cleveland Clinic, “The combination of caffeine and taurine can create an alerting effect that can keep you awake longer than necessary. This can cause difficulty in falling asleep and staying asleep, leading to insomnia and fatigue. Over time, this can wreak havoc on an individual’s sleep schedule and have serious health implications.”
Due to the stimulatory effects of both drinks, it’s best to avoid drinking Redbull and coffee late in the evening. Cut off caffeine consumption at least four hours before bedtime in order to give the body ample time to metabolize it.
Effects on the heart
Redbull and coffee can have an adverse effect on the heart, due to the combined stimulatory effect of the caffeine and taurine. It can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which can be dangerous in those with existing heart conditions.
Dr. Philip Robinson, a cardiologist at Duke University Medical Center, elaborates: “The combination of caffeine and taurine can be counterproductive for those who have existing heart problems. The stimulatory effects of the two substances can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, leading to palpitations, chest pain, and an irregular heartbeat.”
It’s important to be mindful of any underlying heart conditions when consuming Redbull and coffee together, as it could worsen symptoms and put undue strain on the heart.
Risk of addiction
The combination of Redbull and coffee can be addictive for some individuals. The stimulatory effect of the caffeine and taurine can cause a false sense of energy and well-being, leading to an increased dependence on the drink.
Dr. Michael Robert, an addiction specialist at St. Louis University, explains: “The combination of caffeine and taurine can create an artificial sense of energy and alertness. This can lead to a false sense of well-being, causing an individual to become dependent on the drink. Over time, this can develop into an addiction that can be difficult to break.”
It is important to be mindful of the risks of addiction when consuming Redbull and coffee. If you feel that you are becoming overly reliant on the drink, it’s best to cut down or cut it out of your diet entirely.
Alternatives to Redbull and Coffee
If you’re looking for an energy boost without the potential risks associated with the two drinks, there are plenty of alternatives. Green tea is an excellent choice, as it contains a moderate amount of caffeine and an abundance of antioxidants. It can give you the energy boost you need without the potential risks associated with Redbull and coffee.
Other healthy alternatives include matcha, black tea, chamomile tea and herbal teas. These drinks contain much less caffeine than coffee, and they can provide a calm and sustained boost of energy without the jitters and crash associated with caffeine.
If you are looking for a healthier alternative to Redbull and coffee, make sure to choose natural drinks that contain organic, natural ingredients only. This will help you get the energy boost you need without the potential health risks associated with energy drinks.
