When going out for a night out, it's common to see drinks that mix alcoholic drinks with energy drinks on the menu. After all, alcohol can make you sleepy and those who want to last until later opt for something that also gives energy.
However, by consuming large amounts of alcohol and energy drinks at the same time, your body can be put at risk. Both alcohol and energy drinks are not very healthy drinks — especially without moderation — but could mixing them be even more dangerous to your health?
To clarify the risks of mixing alcoholic drinks and energy drinks The CNN spoke with doctors specializing in the subject.
What happens when we mix alcohol and energy drinks?
Alcohol, in itself, increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmia — a condition in which the heart beats lose their regular rhythm and occur in a disordered manner.
Energy drinks, as they are stimulant drinks made with caffeine or taurine, tend to raise blood pressure, which can also cause arrhythmia.
When consumed together, this risk becomes even greater. “Obviously, the greater the amount ingested, the greater the risk”, highlights Marcelo Franken , cardiologist at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. “Alcohol and energy drinks, initially, generate a feeling of euphoria that stimulates increased consumption, which generates more euphoria, leading to a dangerous vicious circle.”
Everyone runs this risk when drinking alcoholic drinks with energy drinks, some more, others less. Helio Castello from the Specialized Cardiology Center at Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, explains: “The risk is much higher for those with pre-existing diseases, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, neurological or psychiatric diseases, cardiac arrhythmias, convulsive syndromes and caffeine intolerance.”
Franken also points out that many people may be predisposed to arrhythmias, but are unaware of the condition, as it has never been diagnosed. “It all depends on individual predisposition, the amount ingested and the association with other substances”, adds Castello.
What are the signs that the combination was bad?
If you have consumed alcohol with energy drinks, it is important to pay attention to some signs that your body is not responding well to the mixture:
- palpitations;
- tachycardia (or feeling of a racing heart);
- chest pains;
- shortness of breathe;
- tremors;
- dizziness;
- behavior changes;
- anxiety;
- insomnia;
- irritability;
- convulsions;
- loss of consciousness.
How to avoid health risks?
Cardiologists state that any substances should be consumed alone, that is, without mixing them, and in moderation.
The secret to avoiding health risks during alcohol consumption is hydration, which can “improve the effects of these drugs and reduce their symptoms when ingested”, according to Castello.
Franken gave a valuable tip: “Always alternate alcohol consumption with a glass of water.”
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Source: CNN Brasil
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