Energy Drinks and Alcohol

As the popularity of energy drinks continues to rise unabated, an interesting new recipe has been developed by energy drink enthusiasts. A very common idea currently doing the rounds is, why not combine energy drinks and alcohol? Energy drinks like red bull are also used in hookahs and they do make quite a potent combination. But recent studies are pointing to facts that perhaps your vodka red bull isn't quite the best combination for you.

Effects of Energy Drinks with Alcohol

Why is energy drinks and alcohol such a popular combination anyway? People who have tried this combination claim that energy drinks negate the drowsiness which alcohol causes in the body. How? Well they are 'energy' drinks and hence come packed with stimulants like caffeine and taurine. Hence, they claim that you can have alcohol all night and still be fighting fit to go back to work the next day.

But recent studies have emerged that present a case for the dangers of energy drinks and alcohol. The studies say that drinking a cocktail which contains both energy drinks and alcohol increases the risks associated with alcohol consumption, and also increases the chances of alcohol abuse. But what is it that makes energy drinks and alcohol bad for you?

They say that the drowsiness or fatigue which comes after consumption of alcohol is the body's reaction to too much alcohol. The brain is sending signals to the body that alcohol consumption beyond this point is dangerous and should now be discontinued. But the caffeine interferes with these signals and gives the body a fake sense of energy. Hence, while people who have consumed this drink have a fake sense of being alert, they are not actually so. Their senses have been impaired by the consumption of caffeine, which gives them a fake boost in their alertness. This fake alertness also creates an illusion in the drinker that his perceptions are real, when actually the reality and perception of the drinker are two quite disparate things.

Energy drinks also often contain a very large amount of caffeine, excess consumption of which has been discouraged the world over. It is said that caffeine is responsible for interfering with the normal working of the nervous system which in turn affects the working of the heart and its rhythm, leading to cardiovascular diseases. Too much caffeine may also cause high blood pressure and cause palpitations.

Besides, it is also claimed that energy drinks may in fact worsen the hangover caused due to alcohol. As we know, a hangover is largely caused due to dehydration caused in the body due to alcohol consumption. Since alcohol is a diuretic, it makes a person urinate a lot and leads to loss of water from the body. Energy drinks too are diuretic and hence may lead to a heightened dehydration and hangover. It may also worsen the effects of dehydration.

So is energy drinks and alcohol a complete no-no? Well not quite. Yes, a beverage containing both energy drinks and alcohol has its ill effects, but one should know one's limit. First you ought to try out an energy drink and alcohol separately before mixing them. It is also good to know and remember the limit of alcohol one can take. Each body is different and hence alcohol resistance varies from person to person. It is always better to take the necessary precautions than repenting for your mistakes later.