Background
Coffee and energy drinks like Red Bull, Monster and Rockstar have become increasingly popular among individuals of all ages. Although both coffee and energy drinks boost alertness and concentration, it is important to understand how these drinks interact with one another when consumed in the same period of time. Despite the popularity of energy drinks, many people are uncertain about the safety of drinking them after coffee. In this article, we will explore the potential risks associated with consuming these two beverages together.
Short-Term Risks
When consumed in large amounts, both coffee and energy drinks can have detrimental effects on one’s health. Caffeine is the main active ingredient in both beverages and can cause serious side effects when ingested in high quantities. According to the National Institutes of Health, the recommended safe daily dosage of caffeine is no more than 400 milligrams per day. A single can of Red Bull can contain up to 80 milligrams of caffeine, so drinking a can immediately following coffee could easily exceed that recommendation. Additionally, energy drinks often contain high levels of sugar and other stimulatory substances such as guarana and taurine, which could further exacerbate the effects of caffeine when combined.
Long-term Risks
Further, drinking too much coffee and energy drinks in the long-term can have serious complications on one’s health. Studies have linked excessive coffee and energy drink consumption with arrhythmia, gastrointestinal problems, and headaches. Additionally, prolonged and excessive caffeine intake has been linked to hypertension and changes in heart rate.
Side Effects
When coffee and energy drinks are consumed together, the cocktail of stimulatory ingredients can have immediate, short-term side effects. Notable side effects associated with caffeine overdose include nervousness, irritability, restlessness, insomnia, and headaches. Additionally, energy drinks can cause jitteriness, increased heart rate, and even elevated blood pressure.
Conclusion
Coffee and energy drinks can offer a boost of energy to help you get through the day. However, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with consuming these drinks together. It is difficult to determine at what point the two beverages become dangerous when mixed, as it varies from person to person. As such, it is strongly recommended to limit your consumption of coffee and energy drinks in order to keep your health and wellbeing in check.
Nutritional Values
An 8oz cup of black coffee contains 95mg of caffeine, which is equivalent to 1 can of Red Bull. However, coffee also contains beneficial vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Caffeine consumption in large quantities however, can lead to increased blood pressure, nausea and even insomnia. Coffee contains no sugar, whereas an 8 oz can of Red Bull contains 27g of sugar, which can increase risk of diabetes, tooth decay and cardiovascular disease.
Alternatives
If you’re looking for an alternative to coffee and energy drinks, consider drinking herbal tea. Many varieties of herbal tea contain caffeine, but in much lower doses than coffee and energy drinks. Additionally, herbal tea does not contain any sugar, and is a good source of antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals.
Expert Opinions
Experts universally advise against mixing coffee and energy drinks. As noted by Rob Kominiarek, a board-certified doctor of family medicine and sports medicine, “The combination of multiple stimulants can be a bad idea, especially in larger doses… It’s much safer to stick with one or the other, or to enjoy plain water if you find yourself feeling tired or thirsty.”
Physical Activity
In addition to limiting your consumption of coffee and energy drinks, physical activity can help provide a boost of energy without the risks associated with caffeine consumption. Light exercise such as walking or yoga can go a long way in providing the energy you need to get through the day without relying on coffee or energy drinks.
Nutritional Supplements
For those looking to avoid both coffee and energy drinks, natural nutritional supplements can be a great source of energy. Many natural supplements such as B-complex vitamins, ginseng and guarana are beneficial for providing energy, alertness and concentration. These supplements often come in pill and powder form for easy consumption.
Dosage
If you do decide to drink coffee and energy drinks, experts recommend limiting the dosage so that you do not exceed the recommended daily amount of caffeine. If you are feeling jittery or overwhelmed after drinking coffee and energy drinks, stop consuming them and rehydrate with water. In the case of any adverse effects, contact your primary care physician or local poison control center.
