Who Needs ENERGY When You Can Do This…. Naturally!

By Renee Weeks

e have all been market has been flooded with a variety to (another stimulant, but of a there—the mid-after- of quick energy products. Product different variety from the coca plant) noon slump! Lunch types range from drinks to energy due to obvious reasons. In the United is over and we’re shots to energy mixes. These Kingdom, Lucozade Energy was intro- getting sleepy at products are known as beverages that duced in 1929 as a hospital drink for Wour jobs. Or, we are the fitness buffs promise to give the consumer an extra helping with patient recovery. In the or athletes trying to get that extra boost of energy. Brands of energy 1980s, it was promoted as an energy “boost” of energy during our game or drink products include , drink for energy replenishment. In workout routine. Or, we might be a , and 5-Hour , the dates to the college student or even a secondary Energy, just to name a few. How did early 1960s. In 1985, Jolt was school student pulling an “all-nighter” this craze begin? introduced in the , which cramming for an exam. Or, how about Energy drinks were a subset of the was marketed as promoting wakeful- the weekend warriors and service early industry. , for ness. And, so it began. members running on “empty?” What example, was originally marketed as an But, what are the ingredients do some of us reach for? You guessed energy booster. Coca-Cola’s name came that are usually found in the typical it, an energy drink! about from its two active ingredients, energy drink product of today? But, what are we really getting coca leaves and kola nuts, both sources Well, as you might expect, caffeine when we reach for that popular energy of caffeine. Coca-Cola’s formula, as you in a concentrated quantity is a core drink? may have heard, was first developed ingredient. The total amount of In recent years, energy drinks have using (a stimulant) from the caffeine in energy drinks, however, become a growing “trend” and the coca plant, which later was changed may not be accurately reflected on

10 NBIZ ■ October 2018 the label. Levels of caffeine may vary concentration of caffeine. Although most deemed secondary to their between 71-316 mg of caffeine per the body can develop a tolerance to caffeine and stimulant toxicity. 8 oz. serving, which exceeds the caffeine after regular consumption, Besides the “how” of energy FDA limit of 71 mg caffeine per 12 changes in blood pressure, heart drinks, maybe we should also delve fluid oz. of soda. In addition, energy rate, renal function, nervousness and into the “why” of energy drinks. drinks frequently add other ingredi- insomnia have been reported. In 2011, An interview with Sheryl Boyle, ents such as carbohydrates, sugars, there were 4,854 logged calls to the Licensed Professional Counselor, (an amino acid), niacin, the U.S. Poison Control Centers concern- MA, LPC, CART, of Heal to Thrive, B-complex vitamins, extract, ing adverse energy drink exposures, LLC, provided some insight into the (contains caffeine), gingko, kola nut and other herbs. The health effects of these additives have not been well documented. You may be thinking, “They work for me, why should I care about what’s in them?” Let’s take a quick look at exactly “how” they work. During a recent interview with Dr. Collin Cross, physical chemist with a specialization in structural biophysics, he explained how energy drinks pro- vide the energy to our bodies. Energy drink products provide “artificial” energy through stimulation of the central nervous system by synthetic, or non-essential compounds, to use the chemical jargon. In other words, the high concentration of caffeine and other stimulants in the energy drinks shift our central nervous system into “overdrive!” This artificial stimulation of our nervous system does appear to give us the boost we are seeking, however, at what price? First, what happens after the stimulant-based energy boost runs down? Some people report feelings of “crashing” or other rebound effects. But, that’s not the worst of it! Caffeine, when consumed in moderation, is considered safe. and tea are thought to be parts of our cultures and are quite natural sources of energy when used in moderation. For instance, research suggests that up to four cups of coffee a day is safe for most adults. On the other hand, long-term excessive caffeine consump- tion can cause health issues. When comparing energy drinks to other caffeinated beverages, energy drinks may contain similar caffeine content as brewed coffee, and sometimes this is stated on the packaging, however, note the serving size. Many energy drinks are sold in 16-oz. cans or larger and may result in a much higher

NBIZ ■ October 2018 11 possible reasons why some people that based on research conducted by Reported health issues attributed to consume energy drinks. Ms. Boyle’s the National Center for Contemporary energy drink usage include: practice includes a nutritional aspect and Integrative Health, drinkers ▲ Cardiac arrest in which she see’s clients who may aged 15 to 23 who mix alcohol with ▲ Cardia arrhythmia unknowingly have nutritional de- energy drinks are four times more ▲ High blood pressure ficiencies that are increasing their likely to binge drink at high intensity ▲ Increased anxiety physical and/or mental health issues (i.e. consume six or more drinks per ▲ Migraines and headaches by not having the needed nutrients binge episode) than drinkers who do ▲ Panic attacks for their body’s systems to naturally not mix alcohol with energy drinks. ▲ Sleep disorders regulate themselves. This can drain Furthermore, research indicates that ▲ Type II Diabetes energy levels, increase anxiety, foggy energy drink consumption can alter ▲ Addiction thinking, poor sleep habits, and cause maturation levels among children. ▲ Higher risk behaviors difficulty in our managing emotions. The research also found that drinkers ▲ Increased nervousness Why is there a “need” for an energy who mix alcohol with energy drinks ▲ Toxification of the body (vomit- drink? The standard answer might be, are more likely than drinkers who do ing, dehydration, teeth issues, “When I feel really tired, it gives me not mix alcohol with energy drinks to esophagus irritation) the energy boost that I need to keep report unwanted or unprotected sex, going.” According to Ms. Boyle, first driving drunk or riding with a driver Yet, energy drinks are big business and foremost, we must understand the who was intoxicated or sustaining al- in the United States and abroad. reasons “why” we are feeling so tired cohol-related injuries. Ms. Boyle also Having enough energy to make it and need an energy drink to boost our pointed out that people who combine through the day has peaked consumer energy in the first place. Are we doing caffeinated drinks with alcohol may interest in the energy drinks and energy shots market, which is steadily growing according to experts. The “Energy drink products provide “artificial” energy drink market saw sales of energy through stimulation of the central nearly $11 billion in multi-outlets for the 52 weeks ending May 20, 2018, nervous system by synthetic, or non-essential a 4.1 percent increase over the pri- compounds... the high concentration of caffeine or-year period, according to data from and other stimulants in the energy drinks shift Chicago-based Information Resources, Inc. (IRI). Energy shots, however, ap- our central nervous system into “overdrive!” peared to be declining and experienced a 4.1 percentage-point contraction and sales of just a bit over $1 billion for the too much? Is there not enough “bal- not be able to tell how intoxicated same period based on IRI data. ance” in our lives? Are we practicing they really are; they may feel less in- You may ask yourself, “There has good nutrition, or are we suffering toxicated than they would if they had got to be a better way?” Well, actually, from nutrient deficiencies we may not not consumed that energy drink, but, there is! But, again, proceed with even be aware of? Are we not sleeping their motor coordination and reaction caution! enough? If not, why aren’t we getting time may be just as impaired. There are “natural” alternatives enough sleep? Could some prior life But, what about those of us who sold in the marketplace in cans that experience be truly affecting us to the don’t mix alcohol with our energy contain such “natural” ingredients as extent that our mental and/or phys- drinks? Aren’t we safe from any yerba mate, guarana and acai juice, ical health is impacted, resulting in harmful effects? just to name a few. These products anxiety, thus not allowing us to relax The answer is a resounding, “no!” have become quite popular in the and sleep? What about mixing energy drinks United States. However, keep in mind Ms. Boyle emphasized the need with “over-the-counter” medications or that some “natural” ingredients are to find some answers. Relying on prescription medications? Ms. Boyle also sources of caffeine, but the word energy drinks to give us the energy cautioned that interactions between caffeine is not shown on the label. to “get through the day,’ or as some the contents of energy drinks and Next, let’s turn to “natural” younger energy drinkers do, to these medications, or other products supplements purported to increase achieve a “high,” is a serious problem that we are currently ingesting, could energy levels. There are perhaps that has some serious repercussions. potentially cause severe adverse hundreds of energy supplements on Mixing alcohol or other stimulants reactions. In fact, the list of adverse the market today. Promises can range with energy drinks can exacerbate reactions to energy drinks is long, and from giving a “burst” of energy to the harmful effects. She pointed out frankly, a bit scary. better concentration. Be aware that

12 NBIZ ■ October 2018 not all-natural energy supplements Some healthy ways to help us have But, how do you pick the right are created equal. Consequently, the more “chemical” energy naturally supplement that contains the right public can be misled regarding the include: ingredients? Besides being a chemist, choice of supplements, particularly, ▲ Control stress Dr. Cross is also an entrepreneur and on the Internet. Such “natural” ▲ Lighten the load (work/life has founded Genesis BioHealth out supplements may contain unnecessary balance) of not only his passion for health and “fillers,” which are not beneficial to ▲ Exercise optimal nutrition, but also, because the human body. ▲ Avoid smoking he needed to design a product he The Encyclopedia Britannica ▲ Eat a nutritious diet – cut out liked better than what he found on defines “chemical energy” as “Energy the fast food! the market. stored in the bonds of chemical com- ▲ Limit alcohol It all started one day in April 2014 pounds.” Mitochondria are the energy ▲ Drink when Dr. Cross happened across an producing power plants within our ▲ Get some sleep—figure out what article dealing with calcification and cells. According to Dr. Cross, real is the right amount for you! the newly discovered mechanisms and chemical energy allows the body to ▲ Increase magnesium in-take biochemistry of Vitamin K2. Dr. Cross stay more alert, focused and energetic, has an extensive background in bio- which is, of course, what everyone If you feel you need supplements for chemistry with many peer-reviewed wants! Could it be possible that the way energy, pick the right ones! Furthermore, published works and has sat on the to avoid energy drink usage is to find make sure the supplements you choose Jury Panel for the ACS journal, “Bio- some healthy ways to increase energy are independently tested by third-party chemistry.” Dr. Cross was intrigued within our own bodies? laboratories to ensure quality. by the article. Could he, like so many

NBIZ ■ October 2018 13 others he knew, be suffering from a dosage ratios a customer can use. These causes for our lack of energy as Ms. Vitamin K2-MK4 deficiency? supplements are intended to provide Boyle recommends? Will we take the There has long been a rivalry a support system for a well-regulated time and effort to cook nutritious between users of the K2-MK4 variety metabolism by boosting chemical energy meals using healthy ingredients? Will and the K2-MK7 variety, which is com- to provide essential bodily ingredients to we use our increased awareness of the monly sold in stores. After conducting more fully activate hormones, enzymes potential harmful side effects of energy in-depth research, the ramifications of and neurotransmitters. And there is drinks to our advantage and avoid a deficiency of this primary nutrient— more! People still get a great night’s them ourselves, protect our children K2-MK4—began to sink in. sleep with no rebound effects, or crash- from them and find a healthier way? Dr. Cross used his knowledge ing, often found with stimulant energy Will we truly “invest” in ourselves, or of biochemistry and, consequently, drinks. More importantly, since Regene- will we invest, instead, in the bil- developed a line of supplements sis products deliver real chemical energy, lion-dollar business of energy drinks? entitled Regenesis and Regenesis+. A rather than stimulation, the available It’s all up to you. What will you proprietary blend of Magnesium and energy allows the body to invest in itself, choose? N Magnesium+ products are used as fill- even after people work hard all day. This ers for the Regnesis and Regenesis+ is because enough energy is left over to Renee Weeks is a faculty member of products respectively, which contain invest in cellular repair. National University located in La Jolla, Vitamin K2-MK4. In addition, the The bottom line is this—we have CA as well as City University of Seattle company has developed Regenesis DA choices about what we put in our and American Business and Technical and Regenesis+ DA, which offer the bodies. Will we choose energy drinks University of St. Joseph, MO having complete mixture of vitamins K2, A, for a stimulant-induced quick energy earned her MBA from the University D3 and magnesium. The “+” products fix, or a natural, high-quality product of Wisconsin. Professor Weeks is also a also contain in a nearly 1:1 designed to promote chemical energy business professional with experience in ratio with magnesium. and truly invest in our bodies for the both the private and public sectors. Her By mixing and matching products, long-term? Will we make the effort areas of expertise include strategic plan- there are many combinations of nutrient to discover the possible underlying ning, fiscal management, and leadership.

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