Energy drinks have large amounts of caffeine, much higher than a standard cup of coffee
Youngsters—children and teenagers these days—gobble energy drinks like water. The only difference is that instead of hydrating them, these drinks—loaded with preservatives and sugar—are causing havoc with their health—especially the kidneys.
Doctors say children view them as a source of instant energy, but “their high caffeine, sugar, and additive levels can be very dangerous,” Dr. Salil Jain, Senior Director and HOD of Nephrology and Renal Transplant, Fortis Hospital, told Times Now.
What are energy drinks?
Experts say energy drinks are beverages that, apart from caffeine, are packed with added sugars and legal stimulants that are used to increase alertness and energy. Even though they may enhance your endurance through the day in the short term, caffeine can have a drastic impact long after it has left the system.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, energy drinks are not appropriate for children and adolescents. Due to their developing organs—brain, heart, or kidneys—these drinks lead to decreased impulse control, and smaller body sizes are more susceptible to the effects and risks of caffeine ingestion.
Apart from having difficulty sleeping, most youngsters develop chronic kidney issues. “Energy drinks have large amounts of caffeine (150-300 mg per serving), much higher than a standard cup of coffee. Caffeine is a diuretic, causing the body to produce more urine, and a person can become dehydrated, which puts more pressure on the heart and kidneys,” said Dr. Jain.
How do energy drinks deteriorate your child’s kidneys?
- Causes dehydration
- Risk of Kidney Stones
- Impact on Kidney Function
- Increased Risk of Acute Kidney Injury
Long-term effects of drinking energy drinks
Dr. Jain explained that if your child continues to consume energy drinks for a long time, they may suffer from:
- Too much sugar leads to obesity and diabetes; both are leading risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Artificial sweeteners have the potential to interfere with kidney function and change the way waste and fluids are processed
- Phosphoric Acid present in large amounts in colas and energy drinks contributes to kidney stones, weak bones, and calcification of blood vessels, which in turn can lead to heart attacks and stroke
- Rising Blood Pressure is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease, along with diabetes
- Caffeine and stimulants present in energy drinks raise blood pressure and heart rate levels, putting additional stress on kidney function
A healthier, natural alternative that kids should be encouraged to drink
According to Dr. Jain, as a parent, you just inculcate the habit in your child to drink lots of water to hydrate their bodies and quench their thirst. You can model this behaviour by choosing water over other drinks and by serving water alongside their meals. However, a few other healthier alternatives include:
- Unsweetened coconut water
- Diluted 100 per cent fruit juice
- Low-fat milk or milk alternatives
- Herbal teas
- Green tea
- Homemade smoothies using fresh fruits
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