{"id":24831,"date":"2021-06-21T17:37:42","date_gmt":"2021-06-21T17:37:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/?p=24831"},"modified":"2021-06-22T17:24:24","modified_gmt":"2021-06-22T17:24:24","slug":"why-are-energy-drinks-bad-for-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/why-are-energy-drinks-bad-for-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Are Energy Drinks Bad For You? A Dietitian Explains"},"content":{"rendered":"<em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/author\/shavonne-morrison\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shavonne Morrison, MS, RD, LD<\/a>, dives into why energy drinks are bad for you, detailing their potential side effects.<\/em>\r\n\r\nMake your way down any drink aisle at the grocery or convenience store and you&#8217;ll spot them: brightly colored, practically luminescent bottles and cans of energy drinks. Plus, new brands claiming to be &#8220;cleaner&#8221; and &#8220;healthier&#8221; pop up every day, it seems.\r\n\r\nThese drinks are meant to increase your energy and focus quickly. But, as the old saying goes: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.\r\n\r\nFor years, healthcare professionals have warned about the dangers and side effects of energy drinks. And it&#8217;s not just the caffeine\u2014the habits formed by consuming these beverages make an impact, too.\r\n\r\nIn this article, we&#8217;ll explore just how bad energy drinks are for you and why. Later, we&#8217;ll review some healthier alternatives for when you need energy quickly.\r\n<h2>Energy Drinks vs. Energy Shots<\/h2>\r\nAn energy drink is a beverage that&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22730801\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">intended<\/a> to increase mental alertness, clarity, and focus. Energy shots are similar in effect, but are typically more concentrated and are considered dietary <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/what-vitamins-and-supplements-should-i-take\/\">supplements<\/a>.\r\n\r\nThey usually contain a variety of ingredients, including but not limited to:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>B vitamins<\/li>\r\n \t<li>caffeine<\/li>\r\n \t<li>sugar<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThe claims behind these products vary widely. Some promise to give you lasting energy for a few hours, while others boast additional benefits, such as elevating your mood and aiding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/how-much-weight-can-you-lose-in-a-month\/\">weight loss<\/a>.\r\n<h2>Why are energy drinks bad for you?<\/h2>\r\nConcerns about the side effects effects of energy drinks aren&#8217;t new.\r\n\r\nFor starters, many experts are wary of them because the energy provided by these drinks is often through<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27633110\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> large amounts of caffeine and\/or sugar<\/a>.\r\n\r\nMany people know these ingredients are unhealthy in excess. However, energy drinks often market themselves as healthier by drawing consumers&#8217; eyes to the vitamins and few calories they contain.\r\n\r\n<img data-dominant-color=\"2b6585\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #2b6585;\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-24978 aligncenter not-transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Side-Effects-of-Energy-Drinks-Sleep-Disturbances-The-Wellnest-by-HUM-Nutrition.jpg\" alt=\"Man suffering from sleep disturbances due to his dependence on energy drinks\" width=\"770\" height=\"474\" \/>\r\n<h2>5 Side Effects of Energy Drinks<\/h2>\r\nLet&#8217;s dig deeper into some of the potential side effects of energy drinks. They just may have you think twice before grabbing your next canned fix.\r\n<h3>1. Sleep Disruptions<\/h3>\r\nOne of the major issues with energy drinks is their ability to overstimulate your body and\/or mind. As a result, they can <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22426157\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">cause difficulty sleeping<\/a> and disrupt your circadian rhythm. Ironically, this can perpetuate the problem that led you to rely on the energy drink in the first place!\r\n\r\nA 2016 study on adolescents shows the <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/26888471\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">trend between energy drink consumption<\/a> and:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>an increase in late bedtimes<\/li>\r\n \t<li>complaints of headaches<\/li>\r\n \t<li>irritation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>fatigue<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThese side effects can <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24051113\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">lead to poor academic performance<\/a> and put adolescents at risk for other behavioral and health issues.\r\n\r\nIf you&#8217;re not willing to give up energy drinks, at the very least, be mindful of <em>when<\/em> you&#8217;re consuming them. To promote a good night&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/mighty-night\/\">sleep<\/a>, experts recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/Disorders\/Patient-Caregiver-Education\/Understanding-sleep\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">avoiding caffeine<\/a> late in the day. One study states that cutting off your intake <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24235903\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">at least six hours before bedtime<\/a> can help minimize sleep disturbances.\r\n<h3>2. Mental Health + Mood Disturbances<\/h3>\r\nSome <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/27274415\/\">research<\/a> suggests that with chronic use, energy drinks may <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32845046\/\">contribute to low mood<\/a>. One study states that males in particular demonstrated <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24019267\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">higher levels of stress<\/a> after consuming energy drinks.\r\n\r\nThese mental health hazards may be a result of the high levels of caffeine and the tendency to over-consume these drinks. After all, excessive caffeine consumption in one sitting can lead to more severe withdrawal.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, the rapid, short-lived burst of energy must come to an end at some point. For some, coming down from this energy spike can negatively affect your mood. Plus, many people become irritable when they&#8217;re tired, and caffeine withdrawal can exacerbate these symptoms.\r\n<h3>3. Increases in Blood Pressure<\/h3>\r\nSince the main active ingredients in energy drinks are stimulants, regular consumption can lead to more stress on your cardiovascular system.\r\n\r\nOne study states that adolescents who consume energy drinks experience an increase in blood pressure <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30770983\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">within two hours<\/a> of consuming these products. Another study cites <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6585360\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">similar results<\/a> in young, healthy volunteers.\r\n\r\nWhile pumping blood more quickly or forcefully through your veins will give you more energy, it&#8217;s not without its drawbacks. Higher blood pressure means more work for your heart, so avoiding energy drinks or drinking them sparingly can help you avoid this additional strain on your body.\r\n\r\n<img data-dominant-color=\"3a314d\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #3a314d;\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-24979 aligncenter not-transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/How-bad-are-energy-drinks-for-you-The-Wellnest-by-HUM-Nutrition.jpg\" alt=\"Teenage girl at computer crashing after consuming too many energy drinks\" width=\"770\" height=\"501\" \/>\r\n<h3>4. Physiological Dependence<\/h3>\r\nA concerning phenomenon is the tendency for those who consume energy drinks to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2735818\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">become dependent<\/a> on them.\r\n\r\nSome people may start with one or two energy drinks when they&#8217;re tired. Eventually, they may come to depend on the caffeine to make it through the day. This may induce a cycle of poor sleep habits that cause an unhealthy reliance on energy drinks. Unfortunately, these beverages only offer relief for a short <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/this-is-what-your-period-is-saying-about-your-health\/\">period<\/a> before the energy boost wears off.\r\n\r\nIf this pattern continues, more energy drinks may be necessary to produce the desired effect. This could result in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6166148\/\">negative health outcomes<\/a> such as:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>caffeine toxicity<\/li>\r\n \t<li>liver complications<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6009064\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">excess weight gain<\/a> (due to excessive sugar intake)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nTo avoid these side effects, it&#8217;s best to consume energy drinks as infrequently as possible.\r\n<h3>5. Digestive Issues<\/h3>\r\nMany energy drinks now offer sugar-free versions, which is usually accomplished via sugar <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/long-term-effects-of-alcohol\/\">alcohol<\/a> or other alternatives. However, some still contain high amounts of added sugars\u2014often as much as sodas.\r\n\r\nThese high levels of sugar or sugar alcohols can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7284805\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">disrupt the gut microbiome<\/a>. (As a refresher, the gut microbiome consists of the &#8220;good bacteria&#8221; in your stomach and intestines that keep you healthy.)\r\n\r\nOne study also lists <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5583516\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">stomach irritation<\/a> among the many negative side effects of energy drinks. While this study doesn&#8217;t give specific detail about the type of irritation, it&#8217;s safe to conclude that this irritation could cause <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/anti-inflammatory-lifestyle\/\">inflammation<\/a> and other related issues for the gut.\r\n\r\nProtecting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/gut-health-and-immune-system\/\">gut health<\/a> is key to maintaining a healthy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3337124\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">immune system<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6142822\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">mood<\/a>, proper <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/how-digestion-works\/\">digestion<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5414803\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">hormone function<\/a>. For that reason, it&#8217;s wise to avoid over-consuming energy drinks to preserve optimal gut function.\r\n\r\n<img data-dominant-color=\"756655\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #756655;\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-24980 aligncenter not-transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Green-tea-healthy-energy-drink-alternatives-The-Wellnest-by-HUM-Nutrition.jpg\" alt=\"Woman sipping green tea as a healthy alternative to energy drinks\" width=\"770\" height=\"482\" \/>\r\n<h2>Healthy Alternatives for Energy Drinks<\/h2>\r\nDue to their plethora of drawbacks and the many superior alternatives, you may want to opt out of energy drinks entirely.\r\n\r\nHere are just a few ideas for healthier alternatives that will help you to stay energized and get through any slumps in your day.\r\n<h3>Supplements for Energy<\/h3>\r\nOne alternative to energy drinks can be found in certain supplements.\r\n\r\nHUM&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/product\/7\/uber-energy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Uber Energy<\/a> is a caffeine-free alternative that uses B vitamins and brain-boosting nutrients like choline and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/eleuthero-benefits\/\">eleuthero<\/a>. It also contains <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/what-are-adaptogens-herbs\/\">adaptogens<\/a> that combat stress and tension, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/benefits-of-rhodiola-rosea\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">rhodiola rosea<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/ashwagandha\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ashwagandha<\/a>.\r\n\r\nRather than causing your body to work harder, these vitamins and herbs work with your body&#8217;s natural processes to optimize their functions.\r\n<h3>green tea<\/h3>\r\nGreen tea has about 45 milligrams of caffeine per cup, compared to coffee which has between 90 to 100 milligrams. However, energy drinks contain anywhere from 50 to 500 milligrams per serving!\r\n\r\nSome people report that green tea gives them more steady energy compared to coffee, as well. This could be due to the L-theanine in green tea, which can <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16930802\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">promote lasting energy<\/a> while producing a calming effect. That means you get the extra focus without the caffeine jitters!\r\n\r\nAs a plus, green tea is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/types-of-tea\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">source of powerful antioxidants<\/a>. These protect your body from damage to the skin and other organs caused by UV rays, air pollution, and other types of free radical damage.\r\n\r\nIn sum, green tea stacks up wins across the board.\r\n<h3>Balanced Snacks<\/h3>\r\nThe best energy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/healthy-foods-for-energy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">comes from eating well<\/a>. If you stop at the convenience store where you&#8217;d typically grab an energy drink, next time, opt for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/why-do-we-need-protein\/\">protein<\/a> bar with at least five grams of protein instead. A balance of carbohydrates and protein will give you a boost and won&#8217;t cause a withdrawal like caffeine might.\r\n\r\nAlso, snacks with few (or no) added sugars are ideal, but try to keep them under 10 grams.\r\n\r\nIf you can&#8217;t find a protein bar, try:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>peanut butter crackers<\/li>\r\n \t<li>cheese + an apple or mandarin orange<\/li>\r\n \t<li>trail mix (note: kinds without M&amp;Ms or other candies will be more balanced)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<img data-dominant-color=\"947966\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #947966;\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-24981 size-full not-transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/Are-energy-drinks-bad-for-you-The-Wellnest-by-HUM-Nutrition.jpg\" alt=\"Woman doing yoga at home and staying hydrated with water\" width=\"770\" height=\"514\" \/>\r\n<h3>Hydrating<\/h3>\r\nDid you know that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/why-is-it-important-to-stay-hydrated\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">dehydration can zap energy levels<\/a>? Drinking lots of water throughout the day will keep you moving regularly, too, since you&#8217;ll be making regular trips to the restroom.\r\n\r\nWater, coconut water, and iced herbal tea are all caffeine-free alternatives to help keep your body hydrated and your mind sharp and focused.\r\n\r\nIn general, adults should aim to drink half their body weight in ounces of water each day.\r\n<h2>final thoughts<\/h2>\r\nEnergy drinks have grown in popularity throughout the past few decades, and their sales don&#8217;t seem to be slowing down any time soon. However, despite the seemingly healthy claims they make, science still supports avoiding them if at all possible.\r\n\r\nOverall, there are many superior alternatives to energy drinks, making it easier to steer clear to protect your health. Staying hydrated and consuming regular meals with healthy, balanced snacks in between will provide the best energy to keep you going.\n<div  class=\"products-block -mx-4 md:mx-0 my-10\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/product\/7\/uber-energy\" class=\"text-xs text-dark hover:!text-dark flex items-center border border-light rounded p-4 group !no-underline mb-4 relative pb-16 sm:pb-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"shrink-0 mr-4\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.humnutrition.com\/assets\/c6823370-7ed9-11f0-a056-b3bdb0090cfd.png\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" class=\"object-cover transition-opacity group-hover:opacity-80 !mb-0\" alt=\"\u00dcber Energy\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"grow pr-4\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"mb-2 flex flex-col sm:flex-row sm:items-center divide-x-0 sm:divide-x divide-light text-sm\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pt-1 pr-2 flex\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"flex mr-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"mr-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\"><path d=\"m11.532 4.697 4.353.663c.36.053.664.316.828.64.066.397 0 .791-.288 1.06l-3.157 3.193.745 4.581a1.01 1.01 0 0 1-.39.978c-.3.188-.698.25-1.022.072l-3.888-2.14-3.889 2.14c-.327.178-.724.116-1.024-.072a1.008 1.008 0 0 1-.388-.978l.745-4.581L1 7.06C.713 6.79.646 6.397.713 6c.162-.324.464-.587.827-.64l4.35-.663L7.842.563c.16-.344.5-.563.87-.563.372 0 .711.219.872.563z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"mr-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\"><path d=\"m11.532 4.697 4.353.663c.36.053.664.316.828.64.066.397 0 .791-.288 1.06l-3.157 3.193.745 4.581a1.01 1.01 0 0 1-.39.978c-.3.188-.698.25-1.022.072l-3.888-2.14-3.889 2.14c-.327.178-.724.116-1.024-.072a1.008 1.008 0 0 1-.388-.978l.745-4.581L1 7.06C.713 6.79.646 6.397.713 6c.162-.324.464-.587.827-.64l4.35-.663L7.842.563c.16-.344.5-.563.87-.563.372 0 .711.219.872.563z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"mr-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\"><path d=\"m11.532 4.697 4.353.663c.36.053.664.316.828.64.066.397 0 .791-.288 1.06l-3.157 3.193.745 4.581a1.01 1.01 0 0 1-.39.978c-.3.188-.698.25-1.022.072l-3.888-2.14-3.889 2.14c-.327.178-.724.116-1.024-.072a1.008 1.008 0 0 1-.388-.978l.745-4.581L1 7.06C.713 6.79.646 6.397.713 6c.162-.324.464-.587.827-.64l4.35-.663L7.842.563c.16-.344.5-.563.87-.563.372 0 .711.219.872.563z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"mr-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\"><path d=\"m11.532 4.697 4.353.663c.36.053.664.316.828.64.066.397 0 .791-.288 1.06l-3.157 3.193.745 4.581a1.01 1.01 0 0 1-.39.978c-.3.188-.698.25-1.022.072l-3.888-2.14-3.889 2.14c-.327.178-.724.116-1.024-.072a1.008 1.008 0 0 1-.388-.978l.745-4.581L1 7.06C.713 6.79.646 6.397.713 6c.162-.324.464-.587.827-.64l4.35-.663L7.842.563c.16-.344.5-.563.87-.563.372 0 .711.219.872.563z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"mr-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"17\" height=\"16\"><path d=\"m8.713 3 1.54 3.61 3.46.58L11.207 10l.588 4-3.082-1.878zm4.555 7.253 3.157-3.193c.288-.269.354-.663.288-1.06-.164-.324-.467-.587-.828-.64l-4.353-.663L9.584.562A.965.965 0 0 0 8.713 0a.965.965 0 0 0-.871.562L5.89 4.697l-4.35.663c-.363.053-.665.316-.827.64-.067.397 0 .791.287 1.06l3.157 3.193-.745 4.581a1.01 1.01 0 0 0 .388.978c.3.188.697.25 1.024.072l3.889-2.14 3.888 2.14c.324.178.721.116 1.021-.072a1.01 1.01 0 0 0 .391-.978z\"\/><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t4.3\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pt-1 sm:pl-2 text-medium\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t731 Reviews\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"text-base font-semibold mb-1 group-hover:text-primary\">\u00dcber Energy<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"mb-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t natural energy through adrenal support\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"absolute bottom-4 left-4 right-4 sm:bottom-0 sm:left-0 sm:right-0 sm:relative inline-flex justify-center bg-primary group-hover:bg-primary-light text-white rounded py-3 px-12 leading-none text-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"pr-1.5 border-r border-primary-lightest\">$27<\/span><span class=\"pl-1.5\">SHOP NOW<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"self-start\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Shavonne Morrison, MS, RD, LD, dives into why energy drinks are bad for you, detailing their potential side effects. Make your way down any drink aisle at the grocery or convenience store and you&#8217;ll spot them: brightly colored, practically luminescent bottles and cans of energy drinks. Plus, new brands claiming to be &#8220;cleaner&#8221; and &#8220;healthier&#8221; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":24977,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_toc_level":"h2","_toc_min":2,"footnotes":""},"categories":[828,825],"tags":[252,248,262,617,415],"coauthors":[],"class_list":["post-24831","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-energy","category-mind","tag-clean-eating","tag-energy","tag-gut-health","tag-mental-health","tag-sleep"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.2 (Yoast SEO v24.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Why Are Energy Drinks Bad For You? A Dietitian Explains | HUM Nutrition Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Wonder why energy drinks are bad for you (and how bad, exactly)? 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