Stimulant Drinks free essay sample

Stimulant drinks are becoming the drinks of choice for many young people, and as their popularity rises, so do the sales numbers. Terry (2005) clarifies that energy drinks sales over $200 million in 2001, which more than doubled year 2000 sales of $130 million. These drinks are heavily marketed to teens as a harmless way to boost energy, but in reality theyve been linked to serious health effects. The sales and consumption should therefore be restricted. 64 First and foremost, stimulant drinks often contain ingredients such as caffeine and taurine. According to Elliott (2008), caffeine is the primary ingredient in energy drinks, with most drinks containing twice the amount of caffeine as soft drinks. Elliott (2008) stated that taurine helps to dispose toxins and harmful substances more efficiently. But, excessive drinking of these will pose serious health risks. Freeman (2007) acknowledges an increased level of caffeine can lead to stomach problems, panic attacks, anxiety, and cardiac arrhythmias. 69 People who have high blood pressure might need to avoid stimulant drinks because a study suggests that they might interfere directly with blood pressure. We will write a custom essay sample on Stimulant Drinks or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page An overview was provided in Sixwise (2008). In a study of 15 healthy volunteers who drank two energy drinks a day for a week, it was found that maximum systolic blood pressure increased by 7. 9 percent on day one and 9. 6 percent on day seven. Moreover, diastolic blood pressure increased by 7 percent on day one and 7. 8 percent on day seven. Heart rate increased by 7. 8 percent on day one and 11 percent on day seven. The adverse effects are significant enough to recommend people with high blood pressure avoid stimulant drinks. Stimulant drinks are commonly used as mixers for alcoholic drinks in bars and nightclubs. The fact that dangerous combination of mixing energy drinks with alcohol has proven heart failure (Terry, 2005). As shown in GO ASK alice! (2007), the effects of caffeine may allow the drinker to be more alert, and therefore drink more alcohol than usual without feeling impaired. However, caffeine has no effect on ones blood alcohol concentration. Dehydration can hinder your bodys ability to metabolize alcohol, and therefore the hangover, the next day. Even though stimulant drinks such as coffee and red bull have adverse effects, advantages still can be found. As shown in What are advantages and disadvantages of drinking coffee? (2008), coffee keeps our brains alert and receptive to new information while diminish health risks. Furthermore, Jeremy (2008) maintains that Red Bull can boosts energy of an office worker to complete his jobs. It also helps a student to burn midnight oil whereas an athlete can continues his rigorous training. In conclusion, I think that stimulant drinks should require a warning label due to its adverse effects on health. Moreover, consumers should consider their health when consuming the drinks.