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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Comments
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Yes, I used to drink them religiously at work. I don't so much anymore, but I do enjoy a good cherry NOS every once in a while.0
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Those links are crazy.
I remember when Jolt cola and Mountain Dew were the two that got you through the day.Pick up my debut novel here on amazon: Jonny Bails Floatin (in paperback) (also available on Kindle for $2.99)0 -
JonnyPistachio wrote:Those links are crazy.
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:0 -
peacefrompaul wrote:JonnyPistachio wrote:Those links are crazy.
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.Pick up my debut novel here on amazon: Jonny Bails Floatin (in paperback) (also available on Kindle for $2.99)0 -
JonnyPistachio wrote:peacefrompaul wrote:JonnyPistachio wrote:Those links are crazy.
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 again0 -
Yes! One fix I don't have to wean myself from.
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!0 -
I get that some people live VERY fast paced lives and "need" caffeine to get them through their day.
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?!?!?My whole life
was like a picture
of a sunny day
“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”
― Abraham Lincoln0 -
I used to drink energy drinks when I was out partying, and I quit that shit once I started getting angry at after parties because no one wanted eggs with their drinks
...I don't like what it does to my brain chemistry at all. I am not myself when I drink them.
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.that’s right! Can’t we all just get together and focus on our real enemies: monogamous gays and stem cells… - Ned Flanders
It is terrifying when you are too stupid to know who is dumb
- Joe Rogan0 -
No way! I don't need speed, caffeine, amphetamines or sugar to jack my system. I'm a dynamic ball of natural human energy (and a good bullshitter).
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."It's a sad and beautiful world"-Roberto Benigni0 -
81 Needing a ride to Forest Hills and a ounce of weed. Please inquire within. Thanks. Or not. Posts: 58,276i won't touch em.81 is now off the air
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brianlux wrote:No way! I don't need speed, caffeine, amphetamines or sugar to jack my system. I'm a dynamic ball of natural human energy (and a good bullshitter).
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....0 -
I'm convinced I'll have a heart attack if I try any of that shit - hell, I haven't touched coke since my late teens/early 20s, and rarely have more than one cup of coffee per day.
(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.0 -
peacefrompaul wrote:brianlux wrote:No way! I don't need speed, caffeine, amphetamines or sugar to jack my system. I'm a dynamic ball of natural human energy (and a good bullshitter).
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....
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."It's a sad and beautiful world"-Roberto Benigni0 -
blackredyellow wrote:I get that some people live VERY fast paced lives and "need" caffeine to get them through their day.
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?!?!?
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.0 -
hedonist wrote:I'm convinced I'll have a heart attack if I try any of that shit - hell, I haven't touched coke since my late teens/early 20s, and rarely have more than one cup of coffee per day.
(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.
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."It's a sad and beautiful world"-Roberto Benigni0 -
I scoff when I see people consuming them. If you need more energy, get some sleep.The only people we should try to get even with...
...are those who've helped us.
Right 'round the corner could be bigger than ourselves.0 -
started my annual detox regime today only to find I have no green tea in the house. damn, not a good start.0
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I've always been to afraid to try them because I figured my heart would explode as soon as it hit my system But I did use those energy gels on my long runs for a boost but I've found a more natural way to get that boost - chia seeds soaked in coconut water. Trying it this weekend so I'll let you know how that goes
Are we getting something out of this all-encompassing trip?
Seems my preconceptions are what should have been burned...
I AM MINE0 -
Nah a gram a day would do thetrick back in the day for me and all my friends jesus greets me looks just like me ....0
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