Energy Drinks/energy pills
JonnyPistachio
Florida Posts: 10,219
Do you guys ever drink energy drinks or take energy pills.
I have a friend who is one of the founders of DNA energy drinks. I had one once and I'll never do that again. I thought my heart was going to leave me.
Viewpoint: Have We Become Too Obsessed with “Energy”?
By Lawrence J. Cohen and Anthony T. DeBenedet, M.D.
Read more: http://ideas.time.com/2013/01/11/have-w ... z2HxtatP2r
http://ideas.time.com/2013/01/11/have-w ... e-mostpop1
This past year, we became aware of the dangers of energy drinks. Amid allegations linking these popular beverages to various illnesses and even death, the Food and Drug Administration has launched an investigation. However, the ongoing probe hasn’t seemed to have dampened enthusiasm for energy drinks. In fact, consumption is skyrocketing—sales topped $8 billion in 2012 in the U.S. alone, a nearly 15 % increase from a year ago. What’s more, the success of energy drinks has inspired the launch of “energy” versions of popular snacks like popcorn, potato chips, jelly beans, and even sunflower seeds.
We have become obsessed with the concept of “energy” and yet display a profound misunderstanding of what energy is. On a purely biological level, it’s molecules that help cells do the work they need to do—the carbohydrate, protein and fat we get from food that feeds our muscles and brain. By contrast, the active ingredient in “energy” drinks is not energy but a chemical stimulant: caffeine.
Most energy drinks contain at least one and a half times the amount of caffeine in a single cup of coffee—and some contain more. Caffeine works by blocking adenosine, a molecule that helps us slow down. The end result is we produce more adrenaline, which speeds us up and enhances our performance—until we crash. Eventually, we develop a caffeine tolerance, so that consuming the same amount does nothing more than prevent withdrawal symptoms. Not surprisingly, manufacturers’ of energy drinks like to claim there is more to their bottles of oomph than just caffeine. But this really isn’t true. With the exception of some weak evidence for guarana and glucose, there is no scientific proof to support claims that flashy ingredients—like taurine, ginseng, and various herbal extracts—enhance cognitive or physical performance. Only caffeine does.
Why do we turn to stimulants? Some of us consume caffeine because we have used it for years and can’t tolerate withdrawal. We may look for an additional boost when we’re stressed out or sleep-deprived. Many consumers know that what they’re really getting in energy drinks is caffeine, and yet they continue to rely on them. Our energy levels naturally vary throughout the day, but we rarely tune in to them by taking breaks or power naps. In addition from healthy eating, here’s what also really gives you energy: adequate sleep, exercise, play and stress management. Some new research even suggests that simply having an emotionally positive workday may be the greatest determinant of our energy level at the end of the day and in the evening.
Our energy obsession isn’t all bad. On the surface, we are working harder, performing better and are more productive. But this makes us vulnerable to the belief that we just need more “energy” to be able to keep up. But until we reckon with our susceptibility to this sales pitch, and have a better understanding of what energy really is, we will simply be running on a treadmill with no end in sight.
I have a friend who is one of the founders of DNA energy drinks. I had one once and I'll never do that again. I thought my heart was going to leave me.
Viewpoint: Have We Become Too Obsessed with “Energy”?
By Lawrence J. Cohen and Anthony T. DeBenedet, M.D.
Read more: http://ideas.time.com/2013/01/11/have-w ... z2HxtatP2r
http://ideas.time.com/2013/01/11/have-w ... e-mostpop1
This past year, we became aware of the dangers of energy drinks. Amid allegations linking these popular beverages to various illnesses and even death, the Food and Drug Administration has launched an investigation. However, the ongoing probe hasn’t seemed to have dampened enthusiasm for energy drinks. In fact, consumption is skyrocketing—sales topped $8 billion in 2012 in the U.S. alone, a nearly 15 % increase from a year ago. What’s more, the success of energy drinks has inspired the launch of “energy” versions of popular snacks like popcorn, potato chips, jelly beans, and even sunflower seeds.
We have become obsessed with the concept of “energy” and yet display a profound misunderstanding of what energy is. On a purely biological level, it’s molecules that help cells do the work they need to do—the carbohydrate, protein and fat we get from food that feeds our muscles and brain. By contrast, the active ingredient in “energy” drinks is not energy but a chemical stimulant: caffeine.
Most energy drinks contain at least one and a half times the amount of caffeine in a single cup of coffee—and some contain more. Caffeine works by blocking adenosine, a molecule that helps us slow down. The end result is we produce more adrenaline, which speeds us up and enhances our performance—until we crash. Eventually, we develop a caffeine tolerance, so that consuming the same amount does nothing more than prevent withdrawal symptoms. Not surprisingly, manufacturers’ of energy drinks like to claim there is more to their bottles of oomph than just caffeine. But this really isn’t true. With the exception of some weak evidence for guarana and glucose, there is no scientific proof to support claims that flashy ingredients—like taurine, ginseng, and various herbal extracts—enhance cognitive or physical performance. Only caffeine does.
Why do we turn to stimulants? Some of us consume caffeine because we have used it for years and can’t tolerate withdrawal. We may look for an additional boost when we’re stressed out or sleep-deprived. Many consumers know that what they’re really getting in energy drinks is caffeine, and yet they continue to rely on them. Our energy levels naturally vary throughout the day, but we rarely tune in to them by taking breaks or power naps. In addition from healthy eating, here’s what also really gives you energy: adequate sleep, exercise, play and stress management. Some new research even suggests that simply having an emotionally positive workday may be the greatest determinant of our energy level at the end of the day and in the evening.
Our energy obsession isn’t all bad. On the surface, we are working harder, performing better and are more productive. But this makes us vulnerable to the belief that we just need more “energy” to be able to keep up. But until we reckon with our susceptibility to this sales pitch, and have a better understanding of what energy really is, we will simply be running on a treadmill with no end in sight.
Pick up my debut novel here on amazon: Jonny Bails Floatin (in paperback) (also available on Kindle for $2.99)
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http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/10/22/parents-sue-monster-beverage-over-girl-death/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/22/monster-energy-drink-deaths_n_2002787.html
I remember when Jolt cola and Mountain Dew were the two that got you through the day.
Yes... and I remember when there were very few choices of energy drinks. Now there is something for almost every mood.
Relaxed, original, 2x, tea
Hell, there is a protein monster now. :fp:
It really is crazy how many of them are out there. Some folks are getting rich off this shit!
I've actually just noticed that my energy levels changed in the last year. Im 38, so I assume age is catching up to me. But I decided to get up and either run or take a swim in the ocean every morning, and its really made me have more energy throughout the day. Then it becomes cyclic too...I sleep better because I got all my energy out...so then I have more energy from a good sleep. But I have to admit, I was unable to do this when my schedule was unusual or if I go to bed at all different times like I was doing for awhile, so I can see why some folks use these items sometimes.
Definitely, and I do sell A LOT of them.
All different sizes...
had one of these one time
Never again
Every january I "detox" for as long as I can; no junk food, alchohol etc.. and no caffiene. It's the caffiene headaches which last for about 2 days that reminding about the sanity of hitting the same brick wall. :roll:
It would be really grand if h2o was a fix so we could actually crave something that was good for us!
I don't get the obsession with energy drinks for some people. I have a relative who is a early 20's deadbeat (no job, etc...), and most of her friends are the same... but everytime I see them, they are drinking a huge can of monster or whatever. What the hell do they need energy for?!?!?
was like a picture
of a sunny day
“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”
― Abraham Lincoln
Having said that I do take arginine/endurance supplements before particularly long runs or work out sessions simply because life gets in the way but a can of monster sounds less appealing than a jar of someone else's piss...and as adam sandler told us, things are much worse when it is someone else's (pts to who knows what shitty movie that is from).
I have always found that the less caffeine I have, and right now that is none for me, the less tired I am on any given day. Takes a while, the body definitely craves caffeine if you are a regular user of it.
It is terrifying when you are too stupid to know who is dumb
- Joe Rogan
In one of Andrew Weil's books, he recommends quick little breathes through the nose for an energy boost. It works pretty well. Deep breathes/yoga breathing works well also. Power naps are good for energy too.
Thanks for the tips! I really don't like taking naps because I always feel crappy when I awake....
(this is why I stick with the green - all's cooool
By the way, the other day at the market, they had these little baskets next to the checkout line of what one would counter the energy drinks with - the label even said something to effect of bringing you down so you can sleep after having the energy drink. The bottles were identical to the 5-hour thing, could've even been the same manufacturer.
Reminds me of mother's little helper, and then the shit taken at night as the balance.
I know what you mean. My idea of a power nap isn't actually falling asleep because if I do, I awake feeling crappy as well. I just sit or lie down somewhere comfortable and close my eyes for a few minutes and breathe and clear my mind. It's a little like meditation and takes some practice to do it without going fully into sleep.
I see this all the time myself and I wonder how these kids afford to drink these daily. A latte a few times a week is a treat for me and I work.
Some people tell me green makes them sleepy. I always thought of it as energizing "green".
"Mother's little Helper"- love that song!
Speaking of green, green tea is good for it's anti-oxidants and just a hint of caffeine-- very little.
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.
Seems my preconceptions are what should have been burned...
I AM MINE
Chi chi chi chia
Lets try this remedy for energy shortages.....sleep.
It is all Edison's fault for inventing the light bulb, longer hours, more work, more stuff to do...all leading to less sleep and more work
my neice drinks monster and i can tell you it is the 'in' thing for kids today.
"monster... i got my monster" or "i gotta get my monster"
fuck monster...
"Hear me, my chiefs!
I am tired; my heart is
sick and sad. From where
the sun stands I will fight
no more forever."
Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
"Hear me, my chiefs!
I am tired; my heart is
sick and sad. From where
the sun stands I will fight
no more forever."
Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
vitamins are badass. that's about it. natural foods & drinks. the end.
"Hear me, my chiefs!
I am tired; my heart is
sick and sad. From where
the sun stands I will fight
no more forever."
Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
The reason couldn't be I am a fat out of shape pile of shit. Just give me my damn stimulants.
You know how you can get energy? from metabolising food and a bit of exercise. Neither needs to be excessive. It has worked for humans and animals for millions of years.
Yes.
I live on energy drinks.
Although I usually use Vegan, natural ones... I stay away from the crazy mega-wow-koo-koo ones.
Getting off Redbull was hell for me. I used to go through 8-10 per day. Stopping that... wasn't pretty.
Wow, 8-10? I drink one 20oz red bull when I work nights. Not really for the energy, I really like the taste. Damn, sounds like I'm in denial.
"Hear me, my chiefs!
I am tired; my heart is
sick and sad. From where
the sun stands I will fight
no more forever."
Chief Joseph - Nez Perce
actually drinking coffee, mt. dew & monsters & redbulls is all bullshit. when the caffeine & whatever else drugs wear off you are a pile of zombie shit craving another fucking monster
"Hear me, my chiefs!
I am tired; my heart is
sick and sad. From where
the sun stands I will fight
no more forever."
Chief Joseph - Nez Perce