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Energy in a Pinch: The Facts on Energy Drinks
By Adam Khan
With highly suggestive names like Full Throttle, Monster, Red Bull, Rock Star or Amp, it's not surprising that the energy drink market has hit a high, especially with teens and the college set. These bottled beverages are available at grocery stores, convenience stores, and even bars. But is the energy hype real? And more importantly, are these drinks safe?
This article explores the energy drink phenomenon.
In 2005, energy drinks earned more than three billion dollars in retail sales in the United States alone. This figure is steadily climbing, and with the addition of many new drinks on the market each year, it is not likely to plateau soon. Yet, energy drinks are not quite so new to the world. Researchers point back to 1905 when Scotland produced a type of energy drink called Irn-Bru. Later in the century, Japanese businessmen were known to consume "genki drinks," which were thought to keep them alert during long hours or on the drive home.
In 1997, an Austrian company introduced Red Bull to U.S. consumers. Red Bull is adapted from a Thai drink called Krating Daeng, which is the drink of choice for rickshaw drivers there. Red Bull's infamous ingredient is not from a bull's semen or urine as reputed by urban legend, but rather, an amino acid, taurine, that was first discovered in bulls.
Energy drinks on the market today generally contain caffeine, B vitamins, and herbal ingredients; most contain sugar, but there are some sugar-free energy drinks available now. Look on any energy drink label and you are also likely to find other ingredients such as ginseng, guarana, taurine, maltodextrine, creatine, and ginkgo biloba as well as others. The average energy beverage contains roughly the same amount of caffeine as a cup of brewed coffee. But there are many new drinks on the market that are pushing the caffeine envelope to new heights. Red Bull contains as much caffeine as two cans of Coke or Pepsi. A new product made by Redux Beverages (called Cocaine) has three times the caffeine as a can of Red Bull.
Most people who consume energy drinks believe their energized effects are not hype. Caffeine, a well-known stimulant, does boost alertness and energy in the short term. However, regular and excessive caffeine use can result in headaches, jitteriness, upset stomach, and problems sleeping. People with a sensitivity to caffeine may experience anxiety or palpitations as well. Critics of energy drinks additionally point out the concerns about the combinations of the other ingredients, which have not been studied and worry about their effects on the body, particularly after exercise.
Researchers also warn that people should not confuse energy drinks with sports drinks like Gatorade. Gatorade and the like are made to help people stay hydrated during exercise or sports-related activities and to replace electrolytes and carbohydrates that are lost through sweat. Energy drinks actually promote dehydration due to high levels of caffeine.
In France, Red Bull has been banned for its role in a sports-related death. A young athlete died after drinking four cans of the beverage before playing a basketball game. Red Bull is also banned in Denmark. A British study concluded that the drink should not be consumed by pregnant women, and the U.S. is likely to place some restrictions on energy drink makers in the future.
Another potential problem for these energy drinks is their partnership with alcohol in bars and clubs. Drinks like Red Bull and vodka are favorites with young crowds who claim to like the stimulating effects of the cocktail. The problem, however, is that the energy drink masks the effects of alcohol. People may not feel tired or be aware of how much they are actually drinking, yet the energy drinks do not mask the blood's alcohol level. In fact, caffeine actually stalls the body's ability to metabolize the alcohol. Critics believe alcohol and energy drinks are an unsafe combination.
Nevertheless, if consumers heed advice and forego energy drinks during exercise and while consuming alcohol, they are not likely to experience negative side effects unless they over-indulge in the drinks. For instance, drinking several cans of the drinks over a couple days can lead to caffeine-withdrawal symptoms upon stopping their consumption for a day. Also, at a few bucks per can, energy drinks are not cheap to buy.
Go Away Gum Disease!
By Staff Writer
Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth.
Gum disease is easily avoided or cured (if you already have it) by carefully reading and adhering to the simple tips highlighted below.
Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque causes the gums to become inflamed.
FORMS
Gingivitis
This is the mildest form. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no ache at this stage. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good at home oral care.
Aggressive Periodontitis
Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction and familial aggregation.
Chronic Periodontitis
Swelling within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss and is associated with pocket formation and/or recession of the gingiva. It is recognized as the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis.
CAUSES:
Smoking:
Tobacco users are susceptible to chronic and perpetual periodontal infections.
Genetics
Parents may pass periodontal infections to their offspring. Bacteria that cause periodontal disease pass though saliva. Common contact of saliva in families puts children and couples at risk.
Pregnancy and Puberty
Gums can become sensitive, and at times react strongly during hormonal fluctuations. This may make you more susceptible to gum disease. Additionally, recent studies suggest pregnant women with gum disease are seven times more likely to deliver premature, low birth weight babies
Stress
Stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.
TREAMENT OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE
The goal of periodontal treatment is to control any infection that exists and stop development and spread of the disease. Treatment options involve healthy eating and proper brushing and flossing. Antibiotic treatments can be used either in combination with surgery and other therapies, or alone, to reduce or temporarily eliminate the bacteria associated with periodontal disease.
Your periodontist may recommend periodontal surgery. Periodontal surgery is necessary when your periodontist determines that the tissue around your teeth is unhealthy and cannot be repaired with non-surgical treatment. The four types of surgical treatments most commonly prescribed are:
If you've already lost a tooth to periodontal disease, you may be interested in dental implants - the permanent tooth replacement option.
WARNING SIGNALS
These are warning signals indicating periodontal disease.
Having pain in your mouth.
Bleeding when you brush your teeth or when you eat hard food.
Having spaces developing between your teeth.
Swollen, reddish tender gums.
Having your gums receding (pulling back from your teeth) or your teeth appear longer than before.
Having persistent bad breath.
Having pus between your teeth and gums.
Developing sores in your mouth
Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
Loose or shifting teeth
Changes in the way teeth fit together on biting, or in the fit of partial dentures.
Healthy Happenings
Free Health Screenings
Noon – 4 p.m. Free health screenings offered by Northridge Hospital Medical Center at the Northridge Fashion Center. Friday, July 10: Medical Emergency Training. Also a FREE Blood Pressure Screening. August 14: Breastfeeding 101. August 15: Advance Directives. , September 11: Prostate Cancer. Northridge Fashion Center, 9301 Tampa Ave., Northridge.
(818) 885-9700
www.northridgefashion.com
Carbohydrate Counting
Ongoing. Class for individuals who want to improve blood sugar control through carbohydrate intake. Providence Tarzana Medical Center's Tarzana Campus, 18321 Clark St., Tarzana.
(818) 345-8955
Young Onset Parkinson's Disease Support Group
2nd Sat. each month, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. A free "Young Onset Parkinson's Support Group. Northridge Hospital Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge.
(866) 499-2732
Brain Injury Support Group
2nd Wed. each month. Free. Provides encouragement and education. Northridge Hospital Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge.
(818) 885-8500 ext. 2833
Mental Health Support Group
1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. Free. Support group for family members of those with mental illness. Northridge Hospital Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge.
(818) 994-6747
Brain Tumor Support Group
Second Wednesday each month, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Support for those suffering with brain cancer. Northridge Hospital Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge.
(818) 885-8500, ext. 2833
Breast Cancer Support Group
Second and Fourth Tuesday each month, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Meet with other breast cancer patients to discuss treatment options and mental comraderie.
Northridge Hospital Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge.
(818) 885-8500, ext. 2833
Breastfeeding Support Group
Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Meet with other new mothers. Northridge Hospital Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge.
(818) 885-8500, Ext. 2298