Why you should not mix caffeine and alcohol

A registered dietitian explains why the rise of beverages at Café Boozy is dangerous for your health.


Back in the late 2000s, Four Loko - Caffeinatingalcoholic drink-Was all rage, especially among students who wanted to get a buzz and bursting energy at the same time. Unfortunately, mix caffeine and alcohol was not the best combo: it was finally prohibited in some states and even caused theAdministration of food and medicine Change his laws on isolated drinks. But as you know, trends tend to repeat itself, and now the new companies tested their luck in targetingcoffee drinkers. And in case you could not already say, mix caffeine and alcohol is just not good for anyone.

"Alcoholic beverages containing caffeine who were popular in alcohol and caffeine combined in the 2000s, as well as other stimulants. Their alcohol content was typically higher than beer and drinks were highly marketed on the social media and other points of sale that are suitable for young people, often with images and messages linking drinks with extreme sports and additional risk behaviors, "says Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, owner ofAmy Gorin Nutrition in the New York area. "In 2010, the FDA imposed that seven isolated alcoholic beverages could no longer be on the market of their current forms because there was no evidence to show that the combination of caffeine and alcohol was generally recognized as safe. . "

Even with the four Loko dangers behind us, store shelves are still filled with potentially harmful drink options. Instead of being qualified as an energizing alcoholic drink for a crazy evening, new products, such as BoozyCoffee Drinks, including the Buzzie of Cafe AgaveCold brewer-Prush to feel much safer. But that does not mean they are.

"It looks like the alcoholic beverages of more recent caffeinations are more concentrated on coffee beverages versusenergy drinks"Gorin said." Because these drinks could miss additional stimulants in some of the popular energy drinks in the early 2000s, companies may hope that their products will be able to stay on the shelf. "

That the latest versions of the products once disdained on the market or not, it is a good idea to know why they are so controversial in the first place. And, more importantly, why drink something of this nature could cause serious injury to your body.

"The mix of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages can be very dangerous. When both are combined, caffeine can prevent you from feeling alert - that can cover some of the depressive effects of alcohol. This can lead to drink more than you would normally be "gorin explains. "And when we talk about mixing energizing drinks and alcohol, the risk is even greater. The combination can more significantly increase blood alcohol concentrations than when alcohol is consumed alone. Of Plus, the combination has been known to cause an increase in the increase in alcohol. Cardiac palpitations. "

RELATED: TheEasy guide to cut sugar is finally here.

Fortunately, you do not need dangerous alcoholic beverages and caused to get your solution. There are many healthy alternatives for the height of your energy in addition to caffeine, starting with what you eat.

"Foods high in protein, healthy fat andfiber Provide sustained energy. This means that the energy of the food will last several hours, versus through you quickly, "she says." Stay also hydrated. Up to 60% of your body is composed of water and you must restore this supply. Long day to stay at maximum energy. "

In addition to a healthy diet and drinking water, Gorin also recommends exercising your way to feel more awake and alert the whole day. "It can reopen your energy," she says. "In a study at Plos One, the tired people ran three times a week for six weeks and stated that they felt less tired compared to the people of the study that were not invited to do the exercise."

And when it comes to drinking alcohol also safely - and so healthy! - Is possible, here is a handful of spikes directly from Gorin to keep in mind.

1. Drink with moderation.

drinking with friends
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It is tempting to go to the sea on alcohol - especially on weekends or holidays - but there is still a limit to which you need to stick to your safety. "Women should aim not to have more than one drink a day and men should cap their consumption with two alcoholic beverages," says Gorin. "What counts like a drink? A glass of 5 ounce wine, a glass of 12 ounce beer, or a 1.5 ounce of liquor."

2. SIP WATER or SELTZER.

Club soda sparkling water
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There is no need to have a drink after drink. Also be sure to discard non-alcoholic options in the mixture. "If you plan to have more than one drink, order a glass of water or selertzer between the drinks to slow down and stay hydrated," she says.

3. Order a beer or water it.

Beer mugs table
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Yes, a beer is actually a good choice of menu, especially when it is placed at other options. Or if you prefer to go on the Brewski, just water your liquor. "Towards the alcohol, a beer will take longer drinking time, as well as a vodka with tonic," says Gorin.

4. Choose a flavored shot.

cinnamon orange flavored shot of alcohol in shot glass
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If you are going to take a shot, do it at least a tasty. "The fireball (cinnamon whiskey), for example, has an alcohol content of 33%. On the other hand, the right whiskey has a minimum of 40% alcohol," she explains. "Then choose a flavored alcohol, which can be lower in volume of alcohol."

5. Add a low calorie mixer.

alcoholic seltzer mixed drink in small glass
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Instead of mixing alcohol with soda, lighten things with something that does not fully charge calories. "Make your liquor further by combining with a low calorie mixer, such as a selTzer or a flavored kombucha," said Gorin.

6. Choose a quality alcohol.

Vodka
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If you plan to have a single drink, Gorin says to count him so that you actually feel satisfied with the suite. And that means focusing on the quality of your alcohol. "Go with a drink offering a lot of flavor for not a ton of calories," she advises. "It could be vodka or gin and the club's soda with lime, even a very good scotch aged on the rocks. The water of the ice will help open the flavors of the scotch."

7. Go for wine.

Red wine and carafe
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If you are going to drink, you could do something that offers health benefits. "The wine contains flavanols, which can help your brain function optimally," she says. "In a study in theNutrition log, the elderly consume foods rich in flavonoidChocolate, tea or wine has performed better on cognitive tests. "

So there you have it. When you fosse the crazy alcoholic beverages on caffeinés and get your healthier solution, you can always have fun. You simply do not end up endangering you because of that.


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