In today’s fast-paced world, particularly among the younger generation, maintaining optimal eating and sleeping habits often takes a backseat to the desire for constant energy and productivity. Many turn to energy drinks or highly caffeinated beverages to fuel their hustle and stay energised. While these drinks provide an instant boost, relying on them frequently or over an extended period is not advisable. A recent study in Cincinnati Children’s Hospital sheds light on the actual repercussions of consuming energy drinks, revealing the intricate and often concerning effects on our bodies. Understanding these things happening inside your body is crucial for making informed decisions about your daily habits and prioritising sustainable well-being over short-term energy fixes.
The consumption of high-caffeine energy drinks can have a significant impact on your body, with effects spanning from the first few minutes to several days after consumption. These beverages often pack 160-200 mg of caffeine per 500 ml, surpassing the caffeine content of a typical cup of coffee (around 80 mg) or a can of cola (approximately 30 mg), reports LadBible.
Within the initial 10 minutes, the caffeine begins to enter your bloodstream, resulting in an uptick in heart rate and blood pressure. As the next 15 to 45 minutes pass, the caffeine peaks in your bloodstream, leading to heightened alertness and improved concentration.
When you are around 30 to 50 minutes post-consumption, your liver responds to the fully absorbed caffeine by releasing more sugar into your bloodstream, possibly resulting in a temporary sugar high.
However, after about an hour, the descent begins, marked by a sugar crash and diminishing caffeine effects. Eventually, some fatigue sets in, and energy levels start increasing over time.
Five to six hours post-consumption, your body has typically eliminated about half of the caffeine from your bloodstream, though individual variations, including age, can influence this process.
Twelve hours later, the caffeine should be entirely removed from your system, yet individual factors play a role in this timeframe.
Between 12 to 24 hours, regular caffeine consumers may encounter withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, heightened irritability, and constipation. It takes approximately 7 to 12 days for the body to develop tolerance to regular caffeine intake, diminishing its impact over time. This period signifies your body adapting to the accustomed caffeine dosage, reducing its overall influence.
Hence, the next time you opt for some highly caffeinated drinks or a quick-fix kind of energy drink, you might need a larger dose of it.
Comments
0 comment