Tuesday Tips #64: Are Energy Drinks Making You Sick?

It's all over the news - there's so much caffeine in some energy drinks that they can actually be dangerous to your health.

According to research conducted by Roland Griffiths, PhD from Johns Hopkins University Hospital and published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, some energy drinks contain as much caffeine as 14 cans of Coca-Cola. Scientists and researchers are recommending that energy drinks contain a warning label because caffeine intoxication is a very real medical concern. Symptoms include anxiety, rapid heart rate, insomnia, nervousness and more.

So what can you do to increase your energy levels without downing the equivalent of 14 cans of Coke?

Ways to Get More Energy

1) Sleep. Americans are sleep-deprived. A National Sleep Foundation poll discovered that 67% of American adults do not get enough sleep. Experts say seven to eight hours a night provides sufficient rest and rejuvenation. Less than seven can leave you sluggish and more than eight could be a sign of depression.

2) Exercise. Yes, I know, I'm getting repetitive, but exercise truly is the fountain of youth. "A lot of times when people are fatigued, the last thing they want to do is exercise," said researcher Patrick J. O'Connor, PhD. "But if you're physically inactive and fatigued, being just a bit more active will help." Dr. O'Connor is the co-director of the University of Georgia exercise psychology laboratory in Athens, Ga.

3) Try an alternative. Life Fitness Rapid Energy Gum, available exclusively at CVS/Pharmacy and CVS.com, helps boost energy without caffeine. It's the B-12 in the gum that provides energy and delivery of the vitamin in chewing gum form allows it to be absorbed more quickly than swallowing pills, according to the manufacturer. As an added benefit, Life Fitness Rapid Energy Gum naturally alters the ph levels in your mouth, killing bacteria that cause tooth decay, plaque and bad breath. It's 100 percent natural, gluten-free, diabetic safe, kosher and vegan. It's sweetened with 100 percent Xylitol - a safe, natural non-chemical sugar substitute and contains three forms of water soluble calcium. That's all great, but I love the flavors - Cinnamon, Berry Fruit (my favorite) and Spearmint. I enjoy chewing gum anyway, so getting all those extra benefits is great.

4) Enjoy a coffee. Some people still stick to the "old" way of thinking - that drinking coffee is a "vice," but more and more studies show that coffee is actually good for you! Harvard researchers discovered that drinking one to three cups of caffeinated coffee a day can actually reduce the risk of developing diabetes. So, if your doctor doesn't tell you to avoid caffeine, you can feel good about having a cup of coffee to give you a little energy boost.

5) Volunteer. Studies show that people who volunteer on a regular basis are the healthiest and live the longest. To find volunteer opportunities in your area, check out VolunteerMatch.org, which allows you to match your interests with organizations in your area that could use your help.

Next time you need a quick burst of energy, instead of reaching for the can, try one of these pick-me-ups.