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Energy Drink Dangers: Parents, Be Alerted!

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One of my daughters recently suffered an adverse health condition due to dehydration. We’re a big water-drinking family. This particular child, however, never drinks enough water. (She does now, thanks to an app she downloaded to remind herself.) Many parents think that as long as their kids drink something, they’re hydrated. This post will hopefully raise awareness toward energy drink dangers. Kids younger than 13 are consuming such products at great risk.

The human body needs water to regulate temperature and maintain functionality. A person’s body uses water in cells, tissues and organs. Optimum health cannot be achieved without water. No other liquid serves as adequate replacement. Kids across the country are consuming energy drinks but not drinking enough water. It’s a recipe for disaster.

Advertisements often disregard energy drink dangers

Marketing schemes often claim that energy drinks enhance mental and physical performance. Ads typically fail to mention potential energy drink dangers. The average energy drink contains more than twice the caffeine of the average 12-ounce caffeinated soda? There a currently no federal regulations restricting the amount of caffeine in energy drinks.

The Federal Drug Administration has no guidelines regarding caffeine in children. While small amounts are likely not dangerous, parents must be cautious. Some countries recommend no more than 85 mg per day in kids ages 10 to 12. An energy drink might have as much as 100 mg of caffeine in a single can. Think of the effect on children’s health for those consuming several cans per day!

Symptoms of energy drink dangers

Dehydration and energy drink dangers are technically two separate topics although they often intersect. It’s dangerous enough for children to consume energy drinks. If they’re already dehydrated, they’re at even greater risk. Symptoms of caffeine overload may include nervousness, irritability or trouble sleeping. Kids, in particular, may also suffer headache, upset stomach or increased heart rate.

Consider your child’s overall diet

Perhaps you don’t think allowing your child to consume an energy drink is a problem. Drinking one Jolt, Red Bull or other product once in a while isn’t the only issue. There is also caffeine in many other foods and drinks.

If your child has an energy drink, soda, coffee and tea, it’s critical to take all of it into account when estimating energy drink dangers. Kids also eat things containing caffeine, such as chocolate. This can further increase risk for negative health conditions. You can help your children by providing healthy diet options.

Empty calories

Energy drink dangers usually contain empty calories. Downing a 12-ounce energy drink can make your child feel full. Caffeine is a stimulant. Stimulants suppress appetite. Such drinks are loaded with calories but not nutrients. Energy drinks and soda also place children at risk for tooth decay and obesity.

Help your kids choose wisely

Today’s youths love participate in product trends. They lack maturity to recognize many energy drink dangers and other health risks. Kids see teammates or friends drinking a particular product and they want to drink it, too. They may not fully grasp the health implications.

Parents must provide healthy drinking choices for their kids. It’s also important to lead by example! Your warning is less convincing if your child sees empty energy drink cans lying on the floor of your car. We only get one go around at life. We’re obligated to help our kids maintain healthy lifestyles!

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