Working out is a favorite pastime activity for many people. It helps in getting a fit and well-toned body, and also in establishing a healthy lifestyle. There are times where you want to hit the gym but you lack the energy. You will need some boost to get you moving. Some people will resort to water, pre-workout or energy drinks.
This piece looks at taking energy drinks before and during a workout. You will realize that many people have a favorite energy drink for exercising to help them bring out their best. Stick on as we take an in-depth look at this subject.
Is It Okay To Take Energy Drinks When Exercising?
Yes, if you feel you need some extra power to get you going through in the gym you can carry a bottle of your preferred power drink. It plays many roles that you will appreciate as an athlete or someone who wants to keep fit.
However, many experts will advise you to check on the ingredients in your energy drink to see how it will help you with your energy needs. Additionally, knowing the components aids in keeping off various side effects.
How Energy Drinks Work
A query many power drink consumers have is how they work. Key to know how the drinks give you the energy boost is their caffeine content. According to studies, the standard energy drink has as much caffeine as a cup of coffee.
When ingested, caffeine block the action of adenosine, which is the chemical in the brain associated with sleep. This action activates brain neurons, which in turn causes the body to feel as if it is at risk. The result is a fight or flight reaction, leading to the release of adrenaline.
With the releases of adrenaline, your eyes dilate, your heart beats faster and the liver releases more sugar for energy. This energy surge ensures resiliency when you are exercising.
Moreover, caffeine helps in concentration, meaning your mind focuses on the task at hand, ensuring a smooth workout session. The sugar content also gives you the power you need when exercising, though many people are avoiding sugared energy drinks due to the effect of sugar.
How Energy Drinks Help When Working Out
Energy drink will give you the energy you need to jog, lift weights or your preferred regimen. If you are not in the mood, lack the power or focus, a power drink will give you the spark you need to get you in the right feeling.
The concentration part is crucial when exercising, as it ensures you are in the flow and bringing your best. As earlier mentioned, caffeine will also help with the focusing part.
Ingredients of Energy Drink
What is in a bottle of energy drink? The ingredients may vary depending on the brand of power drink you go for. Highlighted below are the common ingredients present in most bottles or cans.
- Caffeine
Caffeine is present in energy drinks, where it plays the role of stimulating the brain and gets your body in the mood for action. According to experts, you should limit your caffeine consumption to avoid problems like addiction and loss of sleep.
- Sugar
Sugar is a sweetener and also gives you the energy you need for working out. Like caffeine, you should consume little of it to prevent conditions like diabetes, and obesity. There are sugar-free varieties, which may use xylitol.
- Taurine
This is an amino acid that enhances athletic performance. It is safe in small doses, of up to 3000-miligrams per day.
- Green Tea Extract
This ingredient delivers small amounts of caffeine, a better option if you want little amount of this substance. Additionally, it contributes to weight loss and has antioxidants that fight aging related ailments and keeps cancer away.
- Guarana
Guarana is an extract from the guarana plant seeds and delivers twice as much caffeine as coffee. Other ingredients include carnitine, vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid. Some brands have ginkgo and green coffee extracts.
How Many Energy Drinks Should I Consume?
According to health experts, an adult should not have more than one can of power drinks a day. Exceeding the limit can bring up some side effects that we will look at later on in this piece.
Also, space out your consumption. Consumption of these drinks should not be an everyday affair. Take it when you feel your brain is hazy and you are not in the right element for working out. Daily use can lead to addiction, among other severe health issues.
Some experts advise on diluting your drink with water. For instance, mix a small can with around 2-liters of water. It will help when working out as you get a controllable dose of energy and still get rehydrated.
Adverse Effects of Energy Drink Consumption
The following are some of the side effects that come with drinking too much power drinks.
Addiction
The drinks contain caffeine and sugar, two things that can lead to addiction when consumed in large doses. Addiction interferes with your life and may lead to unproductivity. Plus, management of addiction can be quite challenging.
Heart Issues
Caffeine initiates the flight or fight defensive mode, explaining how active you get after its consumption. The energy surge can lead to cardiovascular issues, such as high blood pressure or cardiac arrest in serious situations.
Diabetes and Obesity
When talking of diabetes and obesity, sugar is the main culprit. Energy drinks pack a lot of sugar which can spike these conditions. The good thing is that if you use the drinks for working out you reduce the chances of the diseases.
Final Thought
A can of energy drink before working out is a welcome idea. It gives you the power and mood you need to get your body in shape. It comes through when you need to hit the gym or the road but you do not have the feeling for it.
This piece takes an in-depth look at energy drink consumption and what to expect from a can when working out. Do not take more than one can or bottle a day for your healthy wellbeing.