It is pretty common to see young children and teenagers drinking coffee, pop and energy drinks these days. Some are addicted to caffeine and can't seem to get through the day without their 'buzz'. Many of the energy drinks are a blend of caffeine, sugar and herbs. The Medical Director from the Center of Integrative Medicine at the Encino-Tarzan Regional Medical Center says, "It just becomes more of a witches brew. You're playing with things we don't really understand and the long-term consequences are unclear."

A lot of caffeine...While Mountain Dew contains 55 milligrams of caffeine in a 12 ounce serving, one 8 ounce serving of Monster has 75 milligrams of caffeine and a 16 ounce SoBe Adrenaline Rush includes 152 milligrams of caffeine. Because many of the cans for these drinks have gotten larger, kids are getting 2-3 times the caffeine listed on the label.

With a lot of sugar...The average energy drink has 28-40 grams of sugar. That is 7-10 packets of sugar. Because sugar is implicated in health issues ranging from depressed immune systems to obesity to diabetes to cancer, kids drinking these energy drinks are severely compromising their health. The artificial sweeteners that replace the sugar in the sugar-free versions are known carcinogens.

And addiction...Caffeine is addictive. Research has also linked caffeine consumption with cancer, high blood pressure, increased heart rate, heart palpitations, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, calcium imbalance, bone health problems, and behavioral changes. Caution! The long-term effects of caffeine on a child's developing brain and nervous system are largely unknown.[1] 

 

Children are learning to rely on caffeine and sugar to feel good. Many kids, instead of eating well, exercising or getting enough sleep are falling right into the same patterns as so many adults - adrenal exhaustion. Poor diet, little exercise, not enough sleep, and reliance on caffeine and sugar to boost their adrenals for a quick energy pick-me-up. Long-term this pattern contributes to serious health issues: diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.  

 

As parents, we want our kids to be healthy and happy and live their best life! Toss out the caffeine buzz.