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Many individuals all over the world drink energy drinks to keep them going during the day. The effects of these energy drinks may vary from person to person. Some people may feel energized, while others may experience side effects.
You may have noticed that after consuming these drinks, some people complain of constipation. Is it possible that this is due to an energy drink?
Basically, energy drinks don’t cause constipation. However, their high caffeine levels might have laxative effects on some people, and those with sensitive stomachs may need to use the restroom more frequently.
Read on for a more in-depth look at the potential effects of energy drinks on your bowels, from their ingredients to whether or not they’re laxatives, as well as a list of remedies for an upset stomach.
What Do Energy Drinks Contain?
Energy drinks include various ingredients in their formula, but the main components are caffeine, sugar, vitamins, and minerals.
Caffeine
Caffeine is one of the most essential substances in energy drinks and is responsible for increasing alertness, physical performance, and cognition.
Energy drinks, like coffee and tea, vary in caffeine amount depending on the brand to meet varied energy needs.
However, the amount of caffeine you get from energy drinks will be determined by your caffeine metabolism and how sensitive you are to caffeine.
Caffeine, on the other hand, isn’t something you can play about with. For healthy adults, this research recommends a daily caffeine consumption limit of 400mg. Any more than that, and you risk experiencing negative consequences such as:
- Restlessness and shakiness
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Rapid heart rhythm
Furthermore, consuming caffeine on a regular basis may develop into caffeine addiction, which can have major health consequences in the long run.
In any case, keep your caffeine intake to a personal comfort level, and keep an eye on your energy drink usage.
However, caffeine has an unpredictable role when it comes to such conditions; it can make a person have more bowel stools or in excess, diarrhea. Caffeine in coffee, colas, black tea, and chocolate can worsen constipation if a person is dehydrated.
Sugar
Sugar is another prevalent ingredient in energy drinks, as it contributes to the sweet and wonderful flavor that so many people enjoy.
The amount of sugar in different energy drink brands varies, but many of these drinks are considered to be fairly sweet.
Sugar-free energy drinks are becoming more readily available in supermarkets and grocery stores, just as regular energy drinks are. Sugar-free choices, which use zero-calorie sweeteners, are also pleasant and sweet.
Even so, knowing where to set your daily sugar intake limit is beneficial. This research advises a daily sugar restriction of 25 grams for women and 36 grams for men. Excessive sugar consumption is likely to cause major health issues in the future.
A high-sugar diet can lead to a variety of health problems, including:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Diabetes
- Weight gain
- High blood pressure
- Aging skin
While it’s fine to indulge in some sugary treats every now and then, it’s recommended to limit your sugar intake to stay on the healthy side.
People who eat a lot of sugary foods eat fewer good nutrients like fiber, which can lead to constipation and other gastrointestinal problems.
Vitamins and Minerals
Energy drinks also contain B complex vitamins and minerals, which are beneficial to one’s health and well-being.
Sodium, magnesium, and calcium are common minerals found in energy drinks, and they operate as electrolytes to keep the body’s functions running smoothly after you sweat.
B vitamins play a role in a variety of bodily activities, from fighting infections to promoting the production of new red blood cells.
While some energy drinks don’t contain all of the B vitamins, here’s a quick rundown of the B-group vitamins you’ll find in your everyday pick-me-up.
| Types of Ingredients | Purpose |
| Vitamin B3 | Aids in the release of energy and the maintenance of healthy skin. |
| Vitamin B6 | Protein and carbs are used to store energy, and red blood cells are formed. |
| Vitamin B12 | Energy is released from meals, red blood cells are formed, and the neurological system is kept healthy. |
Some energy drinks have high levels of B vitamins that surpass the daily limit, but not to the point of causing major side effects.
Magnesium and vitamin C are two components that can cause loose stools or diarrhea. Supplements such as calcium and iron, for example, might cause constipation.
Can Energy Drinks Make You Constipated?
Energy drinks do not make you constipated, but they can mess up your stomach if consumed in excess.
It’s the components in the energy drinks, not the energy drinks themselves, that might induce stomach problems, especially if you don’t restrict your intake.
Caffeine in energy drinks, as previously discussed, may stimulate the production of acid in the stomach, causing stomach and intestinal discomfort as well as heartburn.
While this is not a common adverse effect, some people may develop gastritis, which manifests as stomach pain and nausea.
Furthermore, if you ingest more caffeine than your body can handle, the caffeine in energy drinks might overwhelm your digestive system. Consuming a lot of energy drinks in one day might cause insomnia, heart palpitations, and insomnia.
Of course, not all energy drinks cause these side effects, as it all relies on your caffeine metabolism and overall sensitivity to caffeine.
Energy drinks contain a number of other substances that can upset your stomach, in addition to caffeine. Ingredients in energy drinks such as guarana and l-carnitine may trigger vomiting and stomach pain in those who are more susceptible.
As a result, if you know you’re sensitive to the components in energy drinks, avoid them and choose something better for your stomach instead.
If you want to avoid stomach discomfort, limit your caffeine intake to a reasonable level, watch your energy drink consumption, and try not to double up on caffeinated beverages.
Are Energy Drinks Laxatives?
Although energy drinks do not have a laxative effect, they can induce some people to use the restroom more frequently.
Caffeinated beverages like energy drinks and coffee don’t normally cause people to go to the bathroom to relieve themselves, but if you find yourself needing to go to the bathroom after a can of Red Bull, you might be one of the people who are more sensitive to these drinks.
However, because caffeine increases bile production, which affects bowel movements, excessive use of caffeinated beverages may induce side effects such as diarrhea and loose stools.
Energy drinks may contain artificial sweeteners that have a laxative impact. Artificial sweeteners may cause diarrhea in some persons who have a more sensitive stomach.
Whatever the situation may be, as long as you consume energy drinks and other caffeinated beverages, you should be fine. Of course, if you experience diarrhea after drinking energy drinks, you may have to stop drinking them altogether.
Can Caffeine in Energy Drinks Result in an Upset Stomach?
Caffeine can cause stomach distress if you consume too much of it or if you are caffeine sensitive.
Caffeine impacts your digestive system in more ways than you may understand, even if you don’t get an upset stomach after drinking it.
Caffeinated beverages can impact bowel movement, causing diarrhea if your stomach is sensitive or you have a bowel ailment like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
Furthermore, too much caffeine can induce an increase in stomach acid production, resulting in an unsettled stomach and possibly heartburn symptoms.
Can You Drink Energy Drinks Every Day?
You can have energy drinks every day but in moderation.
Excessive consumption of energy drinks can result in anxiety, dental decay, insomnia, and cardiac problems.
It is not recommended that you consume more than two energy drinks every day. If at all possible, avoid energy drinks unless absolutely required. You should still limit yourself up to two energy drinks per day.
Do Energy Drinks Make Your Stool Loose?
Energy drinks like Celsius don’t have a laxative effect on most people, but if you have a sensitive stomach, the substances in them may cause you to go to the toilet more frequently after drinking them.
Celsius energy beverages are sugar-free and contain 200-300mg of caffeine, as well as a variety of vitamins, minerals, and natural components such as green tea and ginger extract.
While Celsius has a high caffeine concentration, it should not affect your stomach if you have a fast caffeine metabolism. If you’re sensitive to caffeine in general, your bowels may not be able to tolerate so much caffeine, and you’ll need to go to the bathroom soon after drinking it.
Other Drinks That Can Settle an Upset Stomach
I have added a few other drinks that can settle an upset stomach.
Water
Drinking clear beverages until you feel better is normally recommended when you have an upset stomach. Water is not only free of additives, but it also contains electrolytes that help your body rehydrate.
Water also has a low chance of producing stomach aches and is typically beneficial to your health.
So, if you’re suffering from a severe stomach ache, stick to water until you feel ready to try other light beverages.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a mild and delicious beverage that also has relaxing properties.
It can help to relax the muscles in your digestive system and cure stomach problems like gas, indigestion, and diarrhea.
A Few Notable Mentions
Best Energy Drink: REIZE (10 Out of 10)
REIZE is a powdered energy drink that appears in 4g sachets that are light and convenient. REIZE is sugar-free and contains only 11 calories per serving, with a moderate 50mg of caffeine.
REIZE also contains a clever blend of helpful components like taurine, ginseng, and B vitamins, which work together to give you the optimal energy boost without the sugar crashes.
The best thing is that REIZE will ship your drinks to your door for only $1 per drink, which is incredible value for money.
Conclusion
Constipation is not a common side effect of energy drinks. Excessive consumption of energy drinks, on the other hand, can possibly cause diarrhea. Caffeine is present in all energy drinks, but it isn’t the sole factor that causes gastrointestinal trouble.
They normally have a lot of vitamins and minerals in them, which can irritate your stomach if you don’t take them carefully. To compensate, I recommend that you drink energy drinks within your own personal boundaries.
REIZE is a powdered energy drink that is available in light and suitable 4g sachets and is unlikely to cause any bowel irritation due to including a low caffeine content. Not to forget that REIZE is also sugar-free and has only 11 calories per serving.
If you try REIZE, you might find it to be a smarter pick-me-up that completes your energy needs without upsetting your stomach.
