What Happens To Your Body When You Drink RedBull Or Any Energy Drink?

Besides being addictive, consuming energy drinks speeds up the heart rate. A single can has the amount of caffeine equivalent to six cups of tea

Energy drinks, like RedBull, have been very popular for a couple of decades. Since then, their health side effects have been investigated.

The RedBull is, perhaps, one of the most famous and consumed in the world. This provokes a stimulus in the brain  of those people who, for one reason or another, have to undergo intense physical effort or various stressful situations.

Thus, for example, it is usually consumed in long work days, when doing university assignments or before an exam.

It is true that this drink works and serves to prolong energy when the body needs it. However, several scientific experiments that we will discuss below have shown that a single can ingested causes alterations in several functions of the body.

In fact, its daily consumption could lead to the development of various cardiovascular problems. Read this article if you want to discover why these drinks can have negative effects on your health.

What are energy drinks and what do they contain?

A study carried out by the University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia (Spain) has concluded that the information we receive on energy drinks is insufficient. According to the research, only 76.3% of adolescent students are aware of the state of nervousness and anxiety that it can bring.

Energy drinks are commercial soft drinks that combine substances such as caffeine, amino acids (such as taurine), carbohydrates (such as glucuronolactone, a derivative of glucose), vitamins and, in some cases, extracts of medicinal plants, such as ginseng or guarana.

A single can of these drinks contains high amounts of caffeine, equivalent to four cups of coffee, as stated in this research carried out by the OCU (Organization of Consumers and Users).

A healthy person can moderately ingest between 100 and 300 mg of caffeine per day and a maximum of 400 mg. OCU specialists agree that this high dose only poses a health risk if it is ingested continuously over time and as  long as it is not combined with other substances such as alcohol.

What are the main damages present in drinks like RedBull?

In the case of energy drinks, one of the main problems lies in the combination of caffeine with other substances that can be quite dangerous.   This is the case, for example, with aspartame, a compound that has been shown to be neurotic, metabolic and hypoallergenic.

It also tends to generate a certain addiction, as stated in this study carried out by the Universidad Peruana Unión, causing the consumer not to feel satisfied with a single can. This can cause you to resort to drinking several to meet your need.

RedBull and other energizers: banned in some countries

It is estimated that in the last year about 3.5 million cans of RedBull have been distributed in the 143 countries of the world where they are allowed to be marketed.

However, the evidence confirming its negative health effects has concerned authorities in several countries. For this reason,  nowadays its sale is prohibited in Norway, Denmark and Uruguay.

For its part, in Kuwait, energizers are prohibited for all those under 16 years of age. This is due to the scandal that was formed when two members of the national squash team died of a heart attack from ingesting these drinks.

What are the main dangers of energy drinks?

We have already seen the damage that drinks like RedBull can have on your body. However, it is necessary to see what specific harmful effects its consumption may entail.

While more scientific evidence is still lacking to determine how dangerous these beverages can be, there are currently some warnings for consumers about their potential effects.

Effects on the digestive system

• These drinks do not work for liquid overlay. This is because caffeine has diuretic effects, according to this research carried out by the University of Antioquia (Colombia), and in these cases it could increase the risk of dehydration.
• Mixing RedBull with alcoholic beverages can be fatal, as it directly attacks the liver. This is stated in this article published in  Clinical Medicine carried out by the Autonomous University of Barcelona.

Consequences on the circulatory system

• They should not be ingested after intense physical exercise.  This is because the energizing function accelerates the heart rate and can cause a fulminant heart attack, as we will discover in the next section.

• Due to its high content of compounds that thin the blood, its excessive consumption can cause a cerebral hemorrhage. This is stated in this study carried out by the Spanish Society of Cardiology. The reason for this is that the heart has less work to pump blood, but increases the physical effort.

• People with cardiovascular problems, pregnancy, chronic fatigue syndrome, caffeine sensitivity, and blood clotting disorder should avoid them completely.
• Tachycardia, palpitations or increased blood pressure can also be consequences of drinking energy drinks.

Damage to the nervous system

• Drinking a can of these drinks every day increases the risk of developing irreversible nerve diseases.
• It can also cause insomnia, nervousness or lack of motor coordination.

If despite knowing the negative effects of energy drinks, you still want to consume them, do so with great caution and consulting a specialist!