Peer pressure has made many kids do crazy things. It is all about fashions and the things considered to be cool at a specific moment. No matter how stupid, some of these fashions gain mass attention, as soon as a number of kids start following.
Energy drinks are something that many adults resort to when in need of better concentration and an instant energy boost. What happens when kids start consuming those? The bad news is that many kids are already turning to such beverages for one reason or another.
Almost all energy drinks contain too much caffeine. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the amount of caffeine in soft drinks but it has no such authorities when it comes to the production of energy or sports drinks.
Just think about the devastating effects that such beverages could have on the young organism. Children and many adults believe that energy drinks are harmless but the truth turns out to be very different.
One of the ‘mildest’ effects that energy drink consumption is associated to is sleep problems. Many kids who drink such beverages may find it difficult to fall asleep or to enjoy quality night time relaxation.
Other health problems that energy drinks could be responsible for include high blood pressure, anxiety, headache and elevated heart rate. The fact that these drinks warn people suffering from high blood pressure and pregnant ladies about consumption dangers should be sufficient in terms of getting the red lamp lit.
Children need no stimulation and energy boosts from coffee or energy drinks. They should be getting many hours of sleep, in order to stay concentrated and energetic. The problem starts when other kids begin drinking energy drinks. Every teen will feel tempted to try, especially if parents have given a warning against it.
Apart from caffeine, energy drinks contain artificial colorants and flavors that could also be dangerous for a young, growing organism.
Redline, the berry-flavored energy drink, contains yohimbine. Yohimbine is something used very commonly in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Would you be willing to let your kid ingest that substance?
Four students have already been taken to hospital as a result of energy drink consumption. Media begin discussing the issue and parents should already be gaining some awareness and knowledge about such drinks. They could be exceptionally dangerous, especially when it comes to regular consumption or ingestion by very young individuals.
Energy drink and alcohol cocktails turn out to be just as dangerous as the intake of the beverage on its own. Students could feel ready to drive after having vodka and an energy drink but the truth is that this type of behavior is exceptionally dangerous.
Advertising campaigns make the problem even more serious. Energy drinks appear to be cool and very sexy. Kids are tempted to try, in an attempt to look grownup and very trendy. Children are very vulnerable and the exposure to commercial messages will often lead to irrational decisions.
It is your responsibility to protect young ones from health dangers. If your kid is curious about energy drinks, do your best to explain what they are all about and why such should be avoided. Your kid is certainly going to feel tempted but proper guidance and a friendly behavior on your behalf can do a lot.