Five Tips to Avoid an Energy Overdose

Posted by in Healthcare


In many companies, the breakroom coffee pot drips or perks coffee all day. Lots of employees enjoy a cup of hot tea or chug on mega-cups of caffeine-laced soft drinks. A strong cup of coffee is often the remedy for a cranky or sleepy co-worker or boss. Skipping your morning Starbucks or Diet Coke is a headache waiting to happen. Some people need a jolt of caffeine just to function. 

 

Just about everyone experiences an energy drop at some time of the day. For those working 9 to 5, that dip comes around 2 p.m., just after lunch. Night owls may crash sometime in the morning hours. Regardless of your body clock, when your energy crashes, you can always reach for some instant energy. Pop open a Red Bull or 5-Hour Energy Shot and you can make it through the day or night. However, you may be getting something more than energy in those drinks. 

 

The Federal Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) is looking into whether high-energy drinks are potential health hazards. According to an article in the New York Times, “F.D.A. May Tap Experts on Energy Drinks,” the high levels of caffeine in the drinks could pose health hazards to teenagers or people with health problems. 

 

These energy drinks were already under investigation by the F.D.A. They are now calling in outside experts with specialized knowledge, such as the Institute of Medicine, which is part of the National Academy of Sciences.  

 

Could 5-Hour Energy or Red Bull be banned from company vending machines or the communal break room refrigerator? The article reported that a Canadian health panel made several recommendations to Canada Health, the F.D.A.’s Canadian counterpart. A recommendation to label energy drinks as “stimulant drug-containing drinks” was not adopted. They did agree to limit caffeine levels to 180 milligrams in energy drinks.

 

How much is too much? Not just caffeine, but regulation? When New York banned 32-ounce sugary soft drinks, people just satisfied their sugar cravings by buying two 16-ounce servings. The same would go for energy drinks. Since an 8-ounce cup of coffee could contain as much as 150 milligrams of caffeine, would some of the more potent coffee products be banned as well? Awareness of these new potential health hazards is important for consumers, employers and healthcare professionals. Some suggestions before the F.D.A. makes new regulations could include:

 

1.     Know thyself. If you have health problems that can be exacerbated by high levels of caffeine, self-regulation is the first step. Making smart decisions about your own health is more effective than struggling against outside regulations.

 

2.     Know thyself (more). How does caffeine affect you? Are you just more alert or do you become loud, annoying or argumentative? Everyone is different. If your caffeine consumption changes your personality from friendly to freaky, switch to water or no caffeine after your first cup or can of instant energy.

 

3.     Offer the best for all. The next time you plan a company luncheon, meeting or celebration, pay attention to the quality of beverages. Sure, buckets of Red Bull on ice may be cool, but can make some otherwise calm and cordial people wired and out-of-control. At least offer a variety of beverages so people can make choices. 

4.     Keep informed. New regulations or recommendations can help your company develop healthcare plans to help employees stay healthy and productive whatever shift they work. 

 

5.     Keep work schedules reasonable. Too many double shifts may drive employees for some outside stimulant to keep their eyes open. Sleep is the best refresher, and no caffeine jolt.

 

Whatever the F.D.A. decides, companies and individuals have some decisions of their own to make. All would agree that staying alert keeps employees productive and safe.  

 

Photo Courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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  • Mary Nestor-Harper
    Mary Nestor-Harper
    Richard, More people should be warned of the effects of too much caffeine.  So many people turn to this type of stimulant when what they really need is a more flexible schedule, better training and a good night's sleep!  I hope people who read the article take the time to read the comments as well.  Such good advice from people who have experience.  Thanks!
  • Richard L H
    Richard L H
    I believe a megadose of caffeine lead to my termination at my company. I became combative and said something I should not have and was fired for it
  • Patricia M
    Patricia M
    Working in a medical clinic, I see many patients who use the combination of Red Bull and coffee  when they think their energy level is low.  Mostly agriworkers.  This is a major health hazard waiting to happen.  The heart rate speeds up, reportedly from family members the patient becomes agitated, combative and then add alcohol to the mix to (calm) down.  This combination by self and or combination also dehydrates the body. Also teen students have turned to this combination to keep up with their peers and teen activities.Because these items are readily available in the super market, the response is; if this is not safe why is it on the shelf?With most people, especially teens, moderation is not a usual choice.
  • Donald M
    Donald M
    Wow regulating non alcoholic drinks.  Government involvement in personal choice is getting ridiculous.  How about monitoring the money we send overseas and Hydrogen operated motor vehicle standards so the civil population can be smarter and make better choices with industries smart government influence.  We are to the point where we are getting taxed to breath. PERCEIVED FREEDOM IS IN AFFECT!!!!
  •  Erly E. M
    Erly E. M
    May I know if coffee drinking is bad to persons with arthritis.Thank you.
  • Donna T
    Donna T
    it is already ignored that caffeine is a stimulant. stimulants are a class of medication may equal caffeine is a drug. it is without question that many people are addicted to caffeine. addiction to anything is a problem. addiction to something that can be harmful to your health is a serious risk and shows poor judgement. just some thoughts to ponder.
  • Robert M
    Robert M
    There really appears to be no regulated or educated individuals that know when to say when or have a clue on the correct amts. Of energizer or sweet or caffeinated drinks is proper for their daily consumption !   :-) Bob

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