Kearns – As the school year starts you may see many more students walking around with energy drinks such as Rockstar, Bang, Monster or 5 Hour energy shots.

It becomes more common to consume energy drinks during times in which a new sleeping pattern has started such as the beginning of a school year, a new job, or daylight savings time.

However, while these drinks may increase your performance in day to day life, they can cause serious risks in your health. According to the National Center of Complementary and Integrative Health, nearly one third of teens aged 12-17 excessively drink energy drinks. Within the years from 2007 to 2011 the amount of emergency visits to the hospital doubled.  with 51% of all visits regarding an adolescent.

In an interview with Buffie Trease who works for the Meadowbrook Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, She said that Some of the most common things relating to excessive consumption is the risk of premature heart attacks and increased blood pressure as well as increased heart rate.

Excessive consumption of energy drinks may cause serious health issues including: High blood pressure, increased heart rate, disruption of sleep patterns, and niacin (B3) Overdose.

The symptoms of these conditions may include but are not limited to: Insomnia, dehydration, dizziness, vomiting, itching and rapid heart rates.

During times in which sleeping patterns are changing, or you need more energy, the occasional use of energy drinks is not a risk to your health. However if you regularly need extra energy it is important to find healthy alternatives.

Alternative energy sources can include the consumption of daily vitamins, mct oils which can be found in coconut and palm oil. And smoothies containing high energy fruits like papaya, banana and avocado. In the interview with Buffie Trease the Cougar Claw asked her was her personal preferences were for energy source. She had mentioned that she did the Keto diet and the most effective substance was using Mct oil which has been proven to be beneficial to the brain