What's the Buzz with Carbonated Energy Drinks?

Carbonated Energy Drinks have become extremely popular, especially among college students looking for a pick-me-up to get through the day. Yet these Carbonated Energy Drinks are not all they’re cracked up to be. Carbonated Energy Drinks should not be used to replace nourishing food, or in combination with alcohol, and they may be harmful to your body.

Carbonated Energy Drinks as fuel

Carbonated Energy Drinks should not be used in place of meals or healthy snacks. Though some drinks do contain certain vitamins and carbohydrates, whole foods can provide more nutrients for your body. Snacks such as fruit, yogurt, or whole grain cereal bars are better choices when you are low on energy. Yogurt smoothies and nutritional shakes are drinkable options.

Carbonated Energy Drinks and hydration

For busy students, it may be tempting to replace healthy beverages like water with Carbonated Energy Drinks because of the misconception that they will provide more energy. The caffeine present in Carbonated Energy Drinks can contribute to dehydration, and Carbonated Energy Drinks may also cause gastric distress during exercise due to a high sugar (or artificial sweetener) concentration. Additionally, some Carbonated Energy Drinks are carbonated. Bubbles from carbonated beverages take up space in the stomach and can give a false sense of fullness, so one may end up drinking less fluid than needed. Water and/or sports drinks are better choices for hydration before, during, and after a workout. The National Athletic Trainers Association recommends:

·  Drink 17-20 fluid ounces 2-3 hours prior to working out

·  Drink 7-10 fluid ounces 15-20 minutes prior to working out

·  Drink 7-10 fluid ounces every 10-20 minutes during your workout

·  After your workout, drink 16-24 fluid ounces for every pound you lost in sweat. Try to do this within 2 hours.