Today’s blog is about a commonly enjoyed drink that causes harm to the body. If you skipped the headline, you would assume we were talking about alcohol. But energy drinks can be more harmful than alcohol. But a new study from South Dakota State Univ. found energy drinks can be more dangerous than alcohol in many ways.
Energy drinks contain massive amounts of sugar, caffeine and preservatives. The combination causes inflammation in the kidneys and reduces their ability to filter toxins. Additionally, the drinks take a toll on the liver and heart.
Alcohol dehydrates the kidneys. The caffeine in energy drinks does that too, but then the sugar and preservatives in energy drinks also slam them with extra work. They cause oxidative stress in the kidneys as they are packed with things that are toxic to kidney cells, like high-fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners, caffeine and taurine, along with a lot of salt. Drinking them constantly can heighten the risk of chronic kidney disease.
Caffeine is a diuretic; it makes you urinate. If you don’t replace the fluid, you can become dehydrated. That can contribute to kidney stones or acute kidney injury. Additionally, the salt in the drinks and the increased urination can lead to electrolyte imbalances.
“Your kidneys work tirelessly to maintain balance in your body,” said Dr. Bhanu Mishra, “but frequent consumption of highly caffeinated or sugary energy drinks can increase urine output and dehydration, setting the stage for kidney stress and even stone formation.”
Another problem with energy drinks is that they spike your blood pressure. High blood pressure damages the tiny capillaries in the kidneys that are needed to keep them healthy. That can lead to scarring and loss of function. All of the stimulants in the drink are a “pressure cooker environment for your renal system.”
While energy drinks may seem like the biggest “bang for your buck” when it comes to looking for a pick-me-up, they have a lot of drawbacks. Sugar-free ones are still packed with harmful stimulants, salt and preservatives. When it comes to trying to feel more alert during the day, there are steps you can take. It’s better to get a good night’s sleep, drink plenty of water, have a reasonable amount of coffee and stay away from the energy drinks. As far as your kidneys are concerned, they’re “the hard stuff.”
