Energy drinks are carbonated beverages containing high amounts of caffeine, sugar and usually some additives such as vitamins, amino acids like taurine and herbal stimulants such as guarana.They are specifically targeted at young people in the age group of 18 to 30 years.They are meant to be used as stimulants.Whatever be the combination of ingredients in a particular brand, caffeine is invariably the central ingredient.Each drink contains about 80mg. of caffeine, about the same as in a cup of coffee or in two cups of tea.Some brands contain caffeine in much higher quantities.It is an expanding market in the US and the total sales of all the brands put together is almost $4billion.The most popular brand currently is the Red Bull Energy drink.Although energy drinks sound healthy and are safe for most people experts warn that there could be risks associated with their consumption for some people.
Some of the brands contain very large amounts of caffeine.Individual responses to caffeine vary and people who are sensitive to it may experience discomfort such as anxiety, palpitations and difficulty sleeping.People with a heart condition should avoid such drinks as caffeine is a stimulant and may cause palpitations.Then again energy drinks contain ingredients which sort of boost the effects of caffeine.The exact action of these substances has not been studied so far and possible side effects have not been fully documented.
Energy drinks are often mixed with alcohol to enhance the 'feel good' buzz.Researchers have found that energy drinks combined with alcohol reduced several alcohol related symptoms such as headaches,dryness of the mouth etc.This may induce people to drink more which may be bad for health.Moreover caffeine causes dehydration which may delay the metabolizing of alcohol by the body.
It must be remembered that energy drinks are not sports drinks.Caffeine in energy drinks promotes dehydration which must be avoided during periods of strenuous physical activity.Sports drinks on the other hand are supposed to do the exact opposite and keep the body hydrated.
Evidence is clearly emerging that energy drinks may be unsafe for some people.It is advisable not to give these drinks to children below ten years of age,pregnant women and people with a heart condition.Even young people should closely watch the effect they have on their mood and behavior.In case any change is noticed it may be advisable to consult a doctor.
Feeling Depressed?Just Take A Walk.
Is there something you can do to help control your clinical depression besides popping pills? The good news is that there is, for almost 20 million Americans who suffer from this illness every year. The problem of depression is more serious than people think because most of the sufferers either do not receive any treatment or only partial treatment.This is because they may be either unaware of their problem, or even if they are aware they may avoid admitting it to their Doctor because of the stigma attached to it.
Latest studies have found that regular moderate exercise is as effective in fighting depression as regular medical treatment. Studies conducted on individuals found that those who engaged in group exercise benefited to almost the same extent as as those who took medical treatment.Those who exercised alone or at home also showed improvement, but to a lesser extent.Those given a placebo showed a markedly lower degree of improvement.
So how much should you exercise?Research suggests that about half an hours' moderate exercise a day, six day's a week, can significantly improve symptoms of depression.Even shorter periods of activity of as little as 10 to 15 minutes a day can lead to improvement.
The reasons why exercise helps are both physical as well as psychological.Exercise boosts the level of mood elevating chemicals, releases tension in muscles, leads to better quality of sleep and reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
The psychological benefits of exercise are that it increases your self confidence.It even makes you feel better about your appearance and increases your self esteem.It also helps in distracting a person from unpleasant thoughts.Regular exercise in a group promotes social interaction and a feeling of security.It encourages a person to push himself harder and may also be safer for people with a medical condition like heart disease.
Starting an exercise routine is not as hard as it seems.The trick is to start with a moderate exercise program.Talk to your Doctor for guidance and support and also identify the form of physical activity you enjoy the most.Just walking your kid to the school bus stop may be enough.Above all don't consider it to be a burden but something that is pleasant and enjoyable.
The advantages of exercise over other forms of treatment are many.It is very cheap compared to medication or a visit to a psychiatrist.It doesn't cause sexual dysfunction or have other potentially fatal side effects when combined with other drugs.In fact it has positive effects on your cardiovascular health and your waistline!
So the next time you have the blues, just take a walk.There is a word of caution though.If your depression persists seek medical help at once. Exercise is not meant to replace the medical treatment of depression.
Latest studies have found that regular moderate exercise is as effective in fighting depression as regular medical treatment. Studies conducted on individuals found that those who engaged in group exercise benefited to almost the same extent as as those who took medical treatment.Those who exercised alone or at home also showed improvement, but to a lesser extent.Those given a placebo showed a markedly lower degree of improvement.
So how much should you exercise?Research suggests that about half an hours' moderate exercise a day, six day's a week, can significantly improve symptoms of depression.Even shorter periods of activity of as little as 10 to 15 minutes a day can lead to improvement.
The reasons why exercise helps are both physical as well as psychological.Exercise boosts the level of mood elevating chemicals, releases tension in muscles, leads to better quality of sleep and reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
The psychological benefits of exercise are that it increases your self confidence.It even makes you feel better about your appearance and increases your self esteem.It also helps in distracting a person from unpleasant thoughts.Regular exercise in a group promotes social interaction and a feeling of security.It encourages a person to push himself harder and may also be safer for people with a medical condition like heart disease.
Starting an exercise routine is not as hard as it seems.The trick is to start with a moderate exercise program.Talk to your Doctor for guidance and support and also identify the form of physical activity you enjoy the most.Just walking your kid to the school bus stop may be enough.Above all don't consider it to be a burden but something that is pleasant and enjoyable.
The advantages of exercise over other forms of treatment are many.It is very cheap compared to medication or a visit to a psychiatrist.It doesn't cause sexual dysfunction or have other potentially fatal side effects when combined with other drugs.In fact it has positive effects on your cardiovascular health and your waistline!
So the next time you have the blues, just take a walk.There is a word of caution though.If your depression persists seek medical help at once. Exercise is not meant to replace the medical treatment of depression.
Skin Care-How To Prevent Wrinkles
Wrinkles are a natural result of the skin's loss of elasticity as it ages.but some behaviors can speed up the process and cause wrinkles prematurely.They are more noticeable on the face, neck and hands.Aging is accompanied by the decreased ability of the body to produce collagen, a protein that is responsible for the integrity of the top layer of the skin and thus leads to a thinning of the skin.Wrinkles usually start where collagen loss is the most.Skin around the eyelids,jaw and neck is naturally thin and this is prone to aging first.
Although there are many treatments in the market none of them can turn the clock back too far and none of them are without risks.Many skin products that claim to reduce wrinkles and prevent aging skin generally consist of static chemicals that 'prop up' the skin temporarily or give it a more appealing appearance.
Nevertheless cosmetics if properly applied can be surprisingly effective in camouflaging the signs of aging skin.Cosmetic therapies include face lifts, laser resurfacing, non-ablative laser-resurfacing and implantation.Products are also available for damaged skin.Alpha hydroxy acids facilitate the shedding of dead skin cells.
Some simple precautions can help delay the aging of your skin.The sun is the biggest enemy of the skin.Excessive exposure to sunlight should be avoided.It is the Ultra Violet (UV) radiations which are the main culprit.Clouds and haze do not protect you and in some cases may actually increase UV intensity.This is because UV intensity depends on the angle of the sun and not on heat or brightness.If you go out in the sun remember to use sunscreens and sunblocks.Wearing sun protective clothing is very important.The use of hats and sunglasses also helps.Excessive exposure to artificial tanning devices should also be avoided.
An active and healthy lifestyle ensures health to all body parts, including our skin.It improves blood circulation,detoxifies the skin and keeps it young and glowing.
Remember to eat a healthy balanced diet which is rich in vitamins and drink plenty of fluids.This protects the collagen and prevents premature aging.
Smoking harms the skin immensely.Quit smoking if you want to look young longer.Getting that eight hours of beauty sleep is also a good idea.
Remember that the skin is a living and breathing tissue.It needs regular care and maintenance.With proper healthy activities and some care you can keep it fresh and young for a long time.
Although there are many treatments in the market none of them can turn the clock back too far and none of them are without risks.Many skin products that claim to reduce wrinkles and prevent aging skin generally consist of static chemicals that 'prop up' the skin temporarily or give it a more appealing appearance.
Nevertheless cosmetics if properly applied can be surprisingly effective in camouflaging the signs of aging skin.Cosmetic therapies include face lifts, laser resurfacing, non-ablative laser-resurfacing and implantation.Products are also available for damaged skin.Alpha hydroxy acids facilitate the shedding of dead skin cells.
Some simple precautions can help delay the aging of your skin.The sun is the biggest enemy of the skin.Excessive exposure to sunlight should be avoided.It is the Ultra Violet (UV) radiations which are the main culprit.Clouds and haze do not protect you and in some cases may actually increase UV intensity.This is because UV intensity depends on the angle of the sun and not on heat or brightness.If you go out in the sun remember to use sunscreens and sunblocks.Wearing sun protective clothing is very important.The use of hats and sunglasses also helps.Excessive exposure to artificial tanning devices should also be avoided.
An active and healthy lifestyle ensures health to all body parts, including our skin.It improves blood circulation,detoxifies the skin and keeps it young and glowing.
Remember to eat a healthy balanced diet which is rich in vitamins and drink plenty of fluids.This protects the collagen and prevents premature aging.
Smoking harms the skin immensely.Quit smoking if you want to look young longer.Getting that eight hours of beauty sleep is also a good idea.
Remember that the skin is a living and breathing tissue.It needs regular care and maintenance.With proper healthy activities and some care you can keep it fresh and young for a long time.
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