The Long Term Impact of Energy Drinks

[Saber27]

I am 60 years old and started drinking energy drinks about 5 years ago.  After 2.5 years I began gradually developing symptoms similar to Sjogren’s.  In fact I had been tentatively diagnosed as such.  However, blood tests have proven that to be wrong.  

I currently suffer from the following symptoms:

· Dry/Burning Skin
· Dry/Burning Mouth and Throat
· Dry Eyes
· Fatigue
· Confusion and Memory Problems
· Stomach pain and Nausea

Because of my age I feel like the Canary in the Coal Mine but I fear for those still drinking energy drinks.  So, I want to relate my story.  

Initially I was fine.  I can remember drinking an energy drink and having no problems.  Then I would drink one and my skin would burn after…not before and not from anything else.  I can remember when I drank an energy drink and the burning did not go away but stayed and eventually got worse.  I can remember when the dryness started in my mouth after drinking an energy drink but it would eventually go away.  I remember when the dryness stopped going away and the aching in my gums started right after drinking an energy drink.  Then the ache would go away.  I can remember when the aching got so bad after drinking an energy drink that I finally had to stop and when I went to the dentist he had to give me a root canal.  My gums had become infected because of the dryness

I was there when the wobbling started and I could barely stand up because, and I’m assuming here, my inner ear was so dry but when I quit drinking energy drinks my balance returned.  But, like my skin and mouth and throat there was still dryness and I still had a problem with standing.

The ache in the gums, the dryness and burning in my mouth, throat and skin are all still with me and if I drank another energy drink the dryness would probably result in another gum infection and I would need another root canal.

You see there was a direct impact on my salivary and mucus glands from drinking Monster.  I know because I was there.  I watched it happen.  Those glands have been destroyed in my body and have also impacted my stomach where in lies the pain.  My body does not produce enough mucus to offset the digestive acids in my stomach and I currently endure pain and nausea every day.  On a scale of 1-10 it’s been an 8 and I’ve been taking either Omeprazole or Nexium for over a year.

Now the aging process takes hold and of course things will only get worse.  But I’m only one guy.  What happens to all the other people who drink energy drinks and have the same problems?




This discussion is related to Does anyone know the long term effects of drinking ENERGY DRINKS?.

[Londres70]

Totally agree.  

I read your entry in the Family forum.  Please go and have your foot assessed by a physician ASAP.  

[Katobow]

There is a chemical in these drinks called taurine.  My son's football coach tells all the guys that they are not to drink that junk.  He believes that this chemical is poisonous and should not be consumed by anyone.  My 18 year old son is very adamant about not drinking those drinks even after he had enjoyed them and their taste for a time.  At your age I would consider a good B complex vitamin.  I take B - 100 high energy complex.  It takes a few days but once continued I find that I do not get the run down feeling.  Be sure to also get some potassium in your system with a B vitamin.  Maybe eat a banana a day or drink some OJ too.

[Londres70]

I don't think no one REALLY knows the long term effects of these drinks?  I know one thing, they need to find out though.  I think stronger regulations are in order.  I am sure the long term effects cannot be good.  At one time I drank them but I have not drank one in about 6 months.  It is a shame these companies are making money marketing something that the long term effects are not really known.  My two cents :)