The Hidden Dangers of Energy Drinks: A Wake-Up Call

Energy drinks are often seen as a quick fix for tiredness. But they can be risky. A healthy man in his 50s from the UK found this out the hard way. He drank eight energy drinks every day. This led to a stroke and very high blood pressure. His blood pressure was 254/150 mmHg. That's way above the healthy range of less than 120/80 mmHg. Doctors treated him for an ischemic stroke. This happens when blood vessels in the brain get blocked. He had trouble walking, swallowing, and talking. Even after quitting, he still feels the effects. He has numbness in his left side. This has lasted for eight years. The man didn't know the dangers of energy drinks. He wasn't aware of the risks. Energy drinks can have a lot of caffeine. Some have up to 300 mg per can. That's a lot compared to a cup of coffee, which has about 100 mg. But it's not just the caffeine. Other ingredients like sugar, guarana, and ginseng can also cause problems. They can raise heart rate and blood pressure. Doctors say energy drinks can increase the risk of stroke. They want stricter rules on these drinks. They also want better advertising. Energy drinks are popular, especially among young adults. Global sales are expected to reach $125 billion by 2030. But with these risks, maybe it's time to think twice before grabbing that energy drink.