Everyday Stimulants

Everyday Stimulants

A stimulant is a substance that causes an increase in the activity of an organ of the body. The term usually refers to chemicals that excite or increase certain activities of the central nervous system.

Common Ingredients in Energy Drinks

·         Caffeine

·         B Vitamins

·         Sugars

·         Artificial sweeteners

Caffeine

The most common stimulant found in coffee, Coke and Mountain Dew but usually is found in much higher quantities in energy drinks. Most energy drinks contain between 70 and 200mg. For example, a can of Coke has 34mg of Caffeine.

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system giving the body a sense of alertness. It can raise heart rate and blood pressure while dehydrating the body. A lot of people experience side effects above 200mg, which include sleeplessness, heart palpitations, headaches, nausea, and most commonly jitters.

Effect of Caffeine on Nervous System

Caffeine is a nervous system stimulant and there are some common symptoms that indicate too much caffeine consumption. In moderate doses it can:

•          Increase alertness
•          Reduce fine motor coordination
•          Headaches
•          Increased heartbeat
•          Nausea
•          Anxiety
•          Insomnia
•          Sweating
•          Dizziness
•          Vomiting
•          Cardiac arrest

These symptoms should be recognized and further caffeine intake should be stopped to avoid more serious and even life-threatening symptoms.

 Caffeine Disadvantages

Birth Control - women who regularly consume coffee and/or energy drinks reduce their chances of getting pregnant.

Caffeine may cause Gout.

Did you know that if you are under the influence of caffeine, you are easier to persuade than you are when you’ve had no caffeine?

Caffeine can cause incontinence in women - in other words; too much caffeine can cause women to pee their pants.

Caffeine Advantages

Prevent Strokes - Some caffeine addicts may well be on their way to prevent a stroke later in life.

Caffeine helps women more than men - It appears that women in stressful situations are benefited by caffeine while men under the same amounts of stress are actually hindered by the caffeine.

Weight loss booster - Caffeine has been used in diet pills and supplements for decades as a weight loss aid.

Prevents Brain Cancer - Yet another benefit of caffeine has potentially been discovered by researchers in the UK.

Interesting Facts

Top 3 Caffeinated Cities in America

1.       Seattle, Washington

2.       Portland, Oregon

3.       San Jose, California

Red Bull

A test done by 30 university students showed that one hour after a can of Red Bull is consumed, the body showed the cardiovascular profile of someone with heart disease. They believe that a chemical in the Red Bull causes the blood to become sticky which could cause blood clots.