What are the common myths and facts about constipation? Discover the truth behind misconceptions and learn effective strategies to manage this digestive issue.

Myths and Facts About Constipation

Constipation is a common digestive issue that affects many individuals, leading to discomfort, frustration, and confusion. Separating myths from facts is crucial to understanding and addressing this condition effectively. Let’s delve into the myths and facts surrounding constipation, shedding light on the realities of this complex condition.

Myth: Everyone Should Have a Daily Bowel Movement

Fact: The frequency of bowel movements can vary widely from person to person. While it’s common to have a daily bowel movement, some individuals may have fewer or more frequent bowel movements without necessarily being considered constipated. As long as you feel comfortable and your bowel habits are consistent, there is no need to worry about the exact number of bowel movements per week.

Myth: Constipation Causes the Body to Absorb Poisonous Substances

Fact: There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that constipation leads to the absorption of toxic substances from the colon. Constipation itself is not a disease, and it does not cause the body to produce or retain harmful toxins. Colon cleansing, laxatives, or enemas are not necessary to prevent diseases like arthritis, asthma, or colon cancer.

Myth: Fiber is Always the Solution for Constipation

Fact: While increasing fiber intake can be beneficial for some individuals, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution for constipation. Some people may need to gradually introduce more fiber-rich foods, while others may require additional measures to address the underlying causes of their constipation, such as medical conditions or side effects from certain medications.

Fact: Chewing Gum Can Cause Constipation

Fact: In rare cases, particularly in young children, swallowing large amounts of chewing gum or other indigestible items can lead to the formation of a mass that can block the digestive tract, resulting in constipation. However, for most people, chewing gum and its subsequent passage through the body does not typically cause constipation.

Fact: Travel Can Disrupt Bowel Habits

Fact: Changes in routine, diet, and physical activity associated with travel can indeed disrupt bowel habits and lead to constipation. To prevent this, it’s essential to stay hydrated, maintain an active lifestyle, and incorporate fiber-rich foods into your diet while traveling.

Fact: Stress and Depression Can Contribute to Constipation

Fact: Psychological factors, such as stress and depression, can have a significant impact on digestive function, including the development of constipation. Incorporating stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or relaxation exercises, may help alleviate constipation and improve overall digestive health.

Myth: Ignoring the Urge to Have a Bowel Movement Won’t Cause Constipation

Fact: Ignoring the body’s natural signals to have a bowel movement can indeed contribute to the development or worsening of constipation. It’s important to respond to the urge to have a bowel movement, as delaying it can lead to physical discomfort and impaired bowel function.

Fact: Certain Medications Can Cause Constipation

Fact: Some medications, such as those used for pain management, depression, high blood pressure, and Parkinson’s disease, can have constipation as a side effect. It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about any changes in your bowel habits, as they may be able to adjust your medication or provide alternative solutions to address the constipation.

Myth: All Fiber is the Same

Fact: There are two main types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber, found in foods like beans, peas, and some fruits, dissolves in water and helps soften stools. Insoluble fiber, found in whole-grain breads and cereals, adds bulk to the stool and helps it move through the intestines more quickly. Incorporating a variety of fiber-rich foods can be more effective in managing constipation than relying on a single type of fiber.

Fact: Prunes Can Help Relieve Constipation

Fact: Prunes, also known as dried plums, are a natural laxative and a rich source of fiber. The combination of fiber and the natural laxative compound sorbitol in prunes can help alleviate constipation, especially in children who may not enjoy the taste of prunes on their own.

Fact: Staying Hydrated Can Ease Constipation

Fact: Adequate hydration is crucial for maintaining regular bowel movements. Drinking enough water, as well as consuming water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, can help soften stools and facilitate their passage through the digestive system. Limiting caffeine and alcohol, which can be dehydrating, may also help prevent or alleviate constipation.

Fact: Exercise Can Help Relieve Constipation

Fact: Regular physical activity can stimulate the muscles in the digestive system and promote regular bowel movements. It’s recommended to wait at least an hour after a large meal before engaging in exercise, as the body needs time to digest the food. Incorporating a variety of physical activities, from light walks to more strenuous workouts, can help alleviate constipation and improve overall digestive health.

Myth: Caffeine Can Cause Constipation

Fact: While caffeine can have a stimulating effect on the digestive system, leading to a bowel movement, the dehydrating properties of excessive caffeine intake can also contribute to constipation. Therefore, it’s generally recommended to limit or avoid caffeine if you’re experiencing constipation, as the dehydrating effects may outweigh the potential stimulatory benefits.

Myth: Enemas and Colon Irrigation Can Cure Constipation

Fact: Enemas and colon irrigation, also known as colonic irrigation or high colonics, are not effective long-term solutions for constipation. While they may provide temporary relief by removing waste from the colon, they can also lead to additional problems, such as electrolyte imbalances or damage to the colon. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before considering these types of interventions for constipation.

Fact: Laxatives and Supplements Have Variable Onset Times

Fact: The time it takes for laxatives and fiber supplements to take effect can vary depending on the type of product. Suppositories and enemas may work within an hour, while bulk-forming products may take several days to produce results. Stimulant laxatives may work within a few hours. It’s crucial to use these products as directed and consult with a healthcare provider, as prolonged or improper use can lead to additional digestive issues.

Myths and Facts About Constipation

Medically Reviewed by Dany Paul Baby, MD on June 28, 2022

Myth. Everyone is different. Some people go three times a day; others, three times a week. It’s common to have a bowel movement once a day. But it’s OK to go a few days without one as long as you feel fine. If you have fewer than three  per week, you’re constipated. It’s severe if you have fewer than one a week.

Myth. Some people believe that constipation causes the body to absorb poisonous substances in stools, leading to diseases such as arthritis, asthma, and colon cancer. There’s no evidence that the stools produce toxins or that colon cleansing, laxatives, or enemas can prevent cancer or other diseases. And constipation itself isn’t a disease.

Myth. It’s true that most people fall short, so it’s probably a good idea to eat more veggies, fruits, whole grains, and other plant foods — and drink more water. Add fiber gradually, so your body gets used to it. If you’re still constipated after that, there could be other reasons, like a medical condition or a side effect from some medicines.

Fact. It’s true, but only in rare cases, and mostly in little kids who don’t know better. Sometimes downing large amounts of gum or many pieces in a short time can form a mass that blocks the digestive tract, especially if you swallow it with other indigestible things like seeds. The blockage can cause constipation. But for most people, gum moves through, and out of, your body just like other foods do.

Fact. Travel changes your daily routine and diet. While you’re away, drink plenty of water — bottled, if you can’t drink the tap water at your destination. Stay active, too. Walk while you wait for your flight, and stretch your legs on a road trip. Limit alcohol, and eat fruits and vegetables — cooked if you need to avoid salads or raw items in the area you visit.

Fact. Depression may trigger constipation or make it worse. Reducing stress through meditation, yoga, biofeedback, and relaxation techniques helps. Acupressure or shiatsu massage could, too. Massaging your belly relaxes the muscles that support the intestines, which could help you become more regular.

Myth. Do you feel too busy at work to go? Ignoring the urge may make you physically uncomfortable, and it can cause or worsen constipation. Some people find it helps to set aside time after breakfast or another meal for a bowel movement, when these signals are strongest. But no matter when nature calls, answer.

Fact. Some drugs for pain, depression, high blood pressure, and Parkinson’s disease are linked to constipation. Tell your doctor what’s going on. You may be able to take something else. Calcium and iron supplements, especially if you also take something else that affects your stool, can also cause problems.

Myth. There are two kinds. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool and helps it pass through your intestines faster. Good sources are whole-grain breads, pasta, and cereal. Soluble fiber dissolves in water. It’s in beans, peas, and some other plant foods.

Fact. This small, dried fruit has earned a big reputation as “nature’s remedy” for constipation. Prunes (also called dried plums) are rich in insoluble fiber, as well as the natural laxative sorbitol. Children who don’t like them might eat prune juice ice pops or sip prune juice mixed with another juice to hide the taste.

Fact. Getting enough water keeps your stools soft and eases constipation. You can get it from drinks or water-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables.  Limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol.

Fact. Too much downtime makes constipation more likely. After you eat a big meal, wait at least an hour before you exercise so your body has  time to digest your food. Then get going! Take a 10-to-15-minute walk several times a day. Harder workouts are also fine to do. Your whole body will benefit.

Myth. It’s true that the caffeine can stimulate the muscles in your digestive system to contract, causing a bowel movement. But because caffeine (epecially escessive caffeine) is dehydrating, it’s not recommended. So if you’re constipated, avoid it or choose decaf.

Myth. Enemas and colon irrigation (high colonics) remove body waste. But they’re not an effective way to prevent or cure constipation. Enemas can actually cause constipation for older people who get them regularly. Colonic irrigation, which is usually done by colonic hygienists or therapists, can damage the colon and lead to other problems. Talk to your doctor first.

Myth. It depends on the type. A suppository or enema might work within an hour. A bulk-forming product may take several days; a stimulant one, a few hours. Don’t use them for too long, or they could cause other digestive problems. Talk to your doctor if you need to use laxatives for more than 2 weeks.

Fact. They prevent constipation by allowing stools to absorb more water from the colon. Softer stools are easier to pass. Like other laxatives, you should only use them for a short time unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.  

Myth. This powerful laxative is an old-school remedy. But ask your doctor first.  Like other laxatives, you shouldn’t use it for long, or it can make it harder for your body to absorb nutrients and some drugs. If you overdo it, that can damage your bowel muscles, nerves, and tissue — which can cause constipation. 

Myth. Older people are more likely to become constipated. But it’s not a normal part of aging, and it can also happen when you’re younger. It’s very common and usually doesn’t last long, and most cases aren’t serious. But tell your doctor if it doesn’t ease up when you eat more fiber, drink more water, and get more exercise.

Myth. Blood in a bowel movement is not always serious. But you should call your doctor right away if it happens. Bright red blood is usually from hemorrhoids or tears in the anal lining called fissures. Constipation and straining during bowel movements can cause it. Maroon or tarry black blood or clots often means bleeding is coming from higher in your digestive system. Get emergency medical help if this happens

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

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6)    Blend Images / ER Productions Ltd
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19)  Lars Borges / Photonica

SOURCES:

Attaluri, A.  Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, May 2011.

California Dried Plum Board: “FAQ. “

Cleveland Clinic: “Update on constipation: One treatment does not fit all,” “Constipation.”

FamilyDoctor.org: “Constipation,” “Laxatives: OTC Products for Constipation.”

Garvey, M. Psychosomatics, Spring 1990.

Gastroenterology: “AGA technical review on constipation.”

Harvard Health Publications: “What you need to know about calcium.”

Iacono, G. New England Journal of Medicine, October 15, 1998.

Johns Hopkins: “More Myths About Digestive Disorders,” “Colonics: How Risky Are They?” “Symptoms and Remedies.”

KidsHealth: “Expert Answers On…What Happens If I Swallow Gum,” What Happens to Swallowed Gum?”

Kumar, V.  Clinical Geriatrics, May 1, 2007.

Medline Plus: “Psyllium,” “Stool Softeners.”

Milov, D. Pediatrics, August 1, 1998.

Müller-Lissner, S. American Journal of Gastroenterology, January 2005.

National Center for Biotechnology Information: “Sorbitol – Compound Summary.”

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health: “Constipation,” “What I need to know about Constipation. “

National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health: “Concerned About Constipation?”

National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements: “Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin D.”

PubMed Health: “Lactose Intolerance,” “Stool Softeners.”

University of Iowa Health Care: “Preventing Constipation,” “Your Child and Constipation.”

UpToDate: “Etiology and evaluation of chronic constipation in Adults,” “Patient Information: Constipation in Adults,” “Patient information: Blood in the stool (rectal bleeding) in adults.”

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Is Coffee a Laxative?

Is Coffee a Laxative?

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Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Annette McDermott — Updated on May 24, 2017

Coffee is more than just a beverage; for many people, it’s their life’s blood. And while coffee is primarily known for “waking up” the brain, many people claim that their morning cup of java also energizes their bowels. So, what is it about coffee that makes some people run for the nearest toilet while others feel no impact? Read on to learn more.

In short, there aren’t recent scientific studies on how coffee influences bowel habits. But one 2015 study did point out that decaffeinated coffee had a significant effect on bowel movements for those with postoperative ileus, compared to caffeinated coffee and water. Postoperative ileus refers to digestive problems that occur after abdominal surgery. In this case, the patients studied had colon surgery.

There are some earlier studies from the 1990s that address the possible connection between coffee and digestion. According to a 1990 questionnaire study, drinking caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee increased rectosigmoid motility. This is the movement at the intersection of the large colon’s end and the upper rectum. The study found that this movement increased within four minutes in about 29 percent of participants, while drinking plain hot water did not have the same effect.

A 1998 study found that caffeinated coffee, decaf coffee, and a 1,000-calorie meal all stimulated the colon. However, caffeinated coffee stimulated the colon 23 percent more than decaf coffee and 60 percent more than plain water.

While coffee may have a laxative effect in some people, whether it’s the coffee or the caffeine is unclear. Coffee’s effect is not solely due to caffeine, since decaf coffee has shown the same or an even greater effect. In addition, most people don’t have to poop after drinking other caffeinated beverages, such as soda or energy drinks. Still, according to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), excessive consumption of any caffeinated drink may cause loose stools or diarrhea. And caffeine within coffee can act as a stimulant, which might induce bile production that increases bowel movements.

The IFFGD also indicates that some artificial sweeteners, and lactose, may have a laxative effect. Lactose is a type of sugar found in dairy products. If your body doesn’t make enough of the enzyme needed to digest lactose, you may experience symptoms such as diarrhea. Artificial sweeteners also can cause diarrhea. So, if you add significant amounts of cream and sugar to your coffee and find yourself on the toilet a short time later, it may be due to the lactose or other sugars, not the coffee itself.

The simple act of drinking coffee or any other beverage in the morning stimulates a defecation reflex known as the gastrocolic reflex. This reflex helps jump-start your bowels whenever you eat or drink. No scientific evidence exists showing that this is why you have a bowel movement after drinking coffee. However, for people with irritable bowel syndrome that have a hypersensitive gastrocolic reflex, research suggests that the potential laxative effect of coffee may stimulate bowel movements after drinking a cup of joe.

Some people believe drinking a warm or hot drink upon waking stimulates the digestive system and leads to a bowel movement. According to gastroenterologist Felice Schnoll-Sussman in a Runner’s World article, “It [the warm liquid] widens blood vessels in the digestive system and helps increase blood flow and GI activity.” Since everyone doesn’t need to hit the bathroom after drinking a warm beverage, there may also be other factors at play.

It may be argued that coffee can’t be called a laxative because it’s a diuretic. In other words, if coffee makes you urinate more and lose fluid, it’s more likely to cause dehydration and induce constipation than trigger a bowel movement. Not so, per a 2014 study. Testing only males, this study found that a moderate intake of coffee does not lead to dehydration and may actually help people meet their daily fluid intake requirement.

A coffee enema is a colon cleanse. It’s a remedy said to relieve constipation and reduce general toxicity in the body. The process involves pumping a combination of cooled, freshly brewed coffee and water into your colon via an enema bag and then releasing it. Any subsequent bowel movements are likely caused by the sheer volume of fluid stimulating rectal muscles and not the coffee.

There’s no evidence that coffee enemas detox the body. Although, like a regular enema, they may relieve constipation. Coffee enemas can be very risky and, as with other types of colon cleanses, may cause:

• electrolyte imbalance
• infection
• increased risk of dehydration
• bowel perforations

It is much safer to use a commercially prepared enema that you can buy at the drugstore.

Older research has shown that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee can have a laxative affect to some degree, while newer studies are geared more toward coffee’s specific roles in digestive health. It remains unclear why some people are affected while others are not. It may be due to the amount of coffee you drink, a preexisting bowel disorder, or other tummy stimulating compounds in your brew.

What’s crystal clear is that coffee isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. According to a 2015 Gallup poll, almost two-thirds of adults in the United States drink an average of 2.7 cups of coffee daily.

If you’re someone who struggles with diarrhea after drinking coffee, try to limit your intake or see if drinking half caffeinated coffee and half decaf reduces your symptoms. If not, see your doctor. You may need to avoid coffee altogether.

Last medically reviewed on March 2, 2017

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Brown, S. R., Cann, P. A., & Read, N. W. (1990, April). Effect of coffee on distal colon function. Gut, 31(4), 450-453
  ncbi.nlm. nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1378422/
• Carroll, J., & Alavi, K. (2009, February). Pathogenesis and management of postoperative ileus. Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery, 22(1), 47-50
  ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2780226/
• Common causes of chronic diarrhea. (2016, January 9)
  iffgd.org/lower-gi-disorders/diarrhea/common-causes.html
• Dulskas, A., Klimovskij, M. Vitkauskiene, M., & Samalavicius, E. N. (2015, November). Effect of coffee on the length of postoperative ileus after elective laparoscopic left-sided colectomy: A randomized, prospective single-center study [Abstract]. Diseases of the Colon & Rectum, 58(11), 1064-1069
  journals.lww.com/dcrjournal/Abstract/2015/11000/Effect_of_Coffee_on_the_Length_of_Postoperative.6.aspx
• Killer, S. C., Blannin, A. K., & Jeukendrup, A. E. (2014, January 9). No evidence of dehydration with moderate daily coffee intake: A counter-balanced cross-over study in a free-living population. PLOS One, 9(1)
  journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0084154
• Kulkarni, K. (2014). Colon cleansing: Medical breakthrough or myth? The Journal of Lancaster General Hospital, 9(2)
  jlgh.org/Past-Issues/Volume-9—Issue-2/Colon-Cleansing.aspx#1
• Macmillan, A. (2016, June 23). How to make yourself poop
  runnersworld.com/health/how-to-make-yourself-poop/slide/1
• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015, October 25). Diarrhea: Causes and symptoms
  mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diarrhea/symptoms-causes/dxc-20232937
• Picco, M. F. (2015, March 25). Is colon cleansing a good way to eliminate toxins from your body? Retrieved from
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• Rao, S. S., Welcher, K., Zimmerman, B., & Stumbo, P. (1998, February). Is coffee a colonic stimulant? European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 10(2), 113-118
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• Saad, L. (n.d.)
  gallup.com/poll/184388/americans-coffee-consumption-steady-few-cut-back.aspx
• Saha, L. (2014, June 14). Irritable bowel syndrome: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and evidence-based medicine. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 20(22), 6759-6773
  ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4051916/

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Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Annette McDermott — Updated on May 24, 2017

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Coffee for constipation – yes or no?

17 March 2022

coffee

According to unofficial data, drinking coffee helps with constipation. However, there are still questions whether this is really a good method to speed up digestion. Does coffee have more advantages or disadvantages in such cases?

Coffee: Between Health Benefits and Dangers

Health benefits of coffee are divided. Those who believe that coffee is not only harmless, but even good for our health, often point out that it is a drink that contains many beneficial antioxidants. As you know, these are substances necessary to neutralize free radicals. The latter are very harmful, especially if they begin to accumulate in the body in excessive quantities. Among other things, oxidative stress due to excessive free radicals increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and various types of cancer. Thus, antioxidants are an important part of the diet.

However, be aware that coffee is not the only source, nor is it the best, as antioxidants can also be found in many other foods and drinks.

Reasons for drinking coffee are often cited for its positive effects on the brain or cognition. These effects are only temporary—although caffeine makes us a little less tired and more focused for a while, a rather dramatic drop in energy soon follows. Thus, a new dose of caffeine is required, which gradually leads to significant dependence. So don’t rely too much on such effects of coffee, the same is true for drinking coffee to improve your fitness. Before training, it is better to use methods that do not carry such addictive danger – a good alternative to caffeine is, for example, beetroot juice.

How exactly does coffee affect digestion?

As mentioned in the introduction, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that coffee has a laxative effect. There is also a scientific explanation for this effect on digestion, namely: coffee should activate the gastrocolic reflex. This is a physiological response that stimulates movement or peristalsis in the lower part of our digestive tract. Thus, after drinking coffee, it is often necessary to empty the intestines – in some people this reaction of the body is especially pronounced.

Scientists aren’t quite sure why coffee causes this reaction, but there seems to be ample evidence of coffee’s laxative effect. However, some studies have shown that there are no significant differences between real coffee and decaffeinated coffee, so the effect of caffeine is not yet fully understood. One hypothesis is that the chlorogenic acid found in decaffeinated coffee is more important in speeding up digestion.

To overcome constipation, it is better to choose more reliable methods with less risk.

Although coffee helps a large proportion of people to speed up digestion, experts still do not recommend this remedy for constipation. One of the reasons for this is the already mentioned danger of caffeine addiction, which causes excessive problems such as tremors, anxiety, heavy sweating.

In addition, there is a risk of heartburn, leakage of gastric juice. It should be noted that constipation is sometimes a symptom of more serious problems with the gastrointestinal tract, which are further aggravated by drinking coffee. Although moderate amounts of coffee are generally not a problem for most people, it is better to take other approaches to overcome constipation. Above all, exercise a lot, drink enough water, and make sure you’re getting enough fiber.

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Health effects of energy drinks

Small amounts of energy drinks are believed to speed up the reaction, increase aerobic and anaerobic endurance, prevent drowsiness while driving, increase the intensity of perception, improve mood and well-being. Health problems associated with energy drinks are mainly associated with excess caffeine, especially for people whose daily dose of caffeine exceeds 200 mg.

Although taurine and glucuronolactone have not been shown to be dangerous when taken alone, data regarding their synergistic effects when combined with each other or with caffeine and guarana are incomplete. The main health disorders associated with the use of energy drinks are:

According to American scientists, energy drinks contain sufficient amounts of stimulants to cause anxiety, insomnia, dehydration, irritation of the digestive system, irritability, nervousness, redness of the skin, increased urination, palpitations. The use of energy drinks has also been associated with seizures, manic seizures, and bleeding. The content of guarana, taurine and ginseng in popular energy drinks is too low to have any therapeutic effect or vice versa – to lead to any negative phenomena. But the amounts of caffeine and sugar contained in energy drinks can have a harmful effect on the body.

Central nervous system effects

Adverse events reported in association with energy drink use include headache, anxiety, irritability, tension, dizziness, tremors, confusion, psychosis, convulsions, and altered mental states. Patients with bipolar disorder and other psychiatric diagnoses have experienced manic episodes, that is, mania.

It has also been noted that excessive consumption of energy drinks can cause hypervigilance (excessive attention and focus on all external and internal stimuli, which is usually a secondary manifestation of delusions or hallucinations) and psychomotor restlessness, followed by a deterioration in mental state, especially in people with poorly controlled or undiagnosed mental disorders.

Cardiovascular effects

Cardiovascular conditions that may be associated with energy drink abuse include palpitations, chest pain, rapid heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms, and hypertension. Energy drinks are high in caffeine, which can alter the elasticity of blood vessels and thus contribute to cardiovascular disease. The risk is increased if energy drinks are consumed with alcohol.

Digestive effects

Excessive intake of caffeine from energy drinks can lead to gastrointestinal hyperstimulation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Caffeine can also cause gastroesophageal reflux disease, heartburn, and esophagitis. In addition, excess sugar can disrupt the normal balance of intestinal microflora.

Dental health and excess weight

Decreased dental health and erosion are common among energy drink drinkers due to their high sugar content. Erosion of the teeth and their increased sensitivity is aggravated by the high acidity of energy drinks. Energy drink-related obesity is also a concern. Energy drinks are high in calories – one bottle or can contains up to 200 or more kilocalories. If energy drinks are consumed in amounts that exceed the daily energy requirement, this can lead to the appearance of excess body weight, and already in childhood.

Energy Drinks and Eating Disorders

People with eating disorders (especially anorexia) can regularly consume large amounts of caffeine to cope with depression caused by a lack of energy, suppress appetite, facilitate bowel movements and increase urine output. Considering that people with eating disorders are already so prone to cardiovascular disease that their body’s electrolyte balance is disturbed, large doses of caffeinated energy drinks can exacerbate these risks.

Energy drinks and physical activity

It is not uncommon to consume energy drinks before training, during training and during competitions. This can lead to very rapid dehydration, heart attack, heat stroke, or a heart attack. The combination of the diuresis-enhancing properties of caffeine, increased sweating, and fluid loss can all contribute to severe dehydration.

Energy drinks and sports drinks are often confused, but they are fundamentally very different. Sports drinks may contain carbohydrates, minerals, electrolytes (eg, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium), flavors, and sometimes vitamins, and other nutrients that are designed to replace water and electrolytes lost during exercise through sweat. Energy drinks do not contain electrolytes, but they do contain caffeine and other stimulants.

Physically active people are often unaware of the need for more fluids and nutrients due to sports, and they often think that energy drinks are the way to meet their increased energy needs. Drinking energy drinks instead of sports drinks results in high levels of caffeine in the body, which has the opposite effect of meeting the body’s fluid needs. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right drink that can be consumed before or after exercise, and also in other cases to replace fluid loss, while avoiding the intake of high doses of sugar and large amounts of energy.

In some cases sports drinks may be justified for athletes, but it is not necessary for people with normal physical activity to drink sports drinks instead of water.

Energy drinks and alcohol

There have not been enough studies on the concomitant use of alcohol and energy drinks, but those that have been conducted have identified three main possible risk factors.

1. Decreased sensitivity to signs of alcohol poisoning, which increases the likelihood of both poisoning itself and an incorrect assessment of the situation, which can lead to accidents (for example, on the road), bad decisions (for example, driving drunk), risky behavior ( e.g. sexual or violent).

2. Dehydration, which may cause:

• diarrhea, nausea or vomiting,
• fatigue and headache,
• increased heart rate,
• muscle cramps gi,
• severe hangover syndrome (which in turn prevents work and drive).

3. Vastuolulised signaalid närvisüsteemile, mis võivad kaasa tuua kardiovaskulaarseid probleeme (näiteks südamepekslemine või kõrgenenud vererõhk) ning häiritud une.