Danger in the mix

By Megan Weltner

Thursday, January 29, 2009

A study conducted by the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at East Carolina University showed that half of Red Bull drinkers consume more than one Red Bull a month and half of these students mix the energy drink with alcohol. Yet, because of its negative effects, the fad is a dangerous one.

“It’s back to the basics,” says Jenny McKee, health educator at Watkins Health Center. “An energy drink like Red Bull is a stimulant and alcohol is a depressant. You just don’t mix the two. The health risks involved are major.”

And by major, she means rapid heart rate, shortness of breath and disorientation. The more you drink, the more you slow down each of your organs and everything functions at slower rate. When these two are mixed, it is the perfect recipe for disaster.

“When the average student consumes five to six drinks they will begin to feel tired or sick. This is their body telling them it is time to stop consuming alcoholic beverages,” says Stephen Ilardi, associate professor of psychology. “When an energy drink such as Red Bull is put in the picture it allows the body to tolerate more alcohol without feeling the depressant effect.”

In other words, energy drinks hinder your body’s ability to give you the warning sign that it is time to stop drinking. The Department of Emergency Medicine at Wake Forest University reports that students who mix alcohol with these stimulants are at a greater risk for alcohol-related consequences, such as being taken advantage of sexually, driving drunk, being physically injured, or requiring medical treatment.

Some students claim that the morning after can be the worst part. “I feel like shit the morning after I drink a Red Bull and vodka. I’m not sure if it is because I’m up all night or because of the sugar in the drink. Whatever it is, it’s not fun,” says Matt Schmidt-Phillips, St. Louis senior.

Yet some students feel that they have no choice when it comes to keeping their energy up until the wee hours of the morning. With a demanding school schedule, a good night’s sleep can be hard to find.

Other recommended ways for students to get a shot of energy before they hit the bars would be to go for a run or play a mind game on the Internet. These activities stimulate your brain and get your heart rate going. But if you are so tired that you need an energy drink to stay awake, go to sleep.

When your body is begging for slumber, pounding a Red Bull and vodka may not be the best option. Stick to some physical exercise, a mind game or maybe even skip that one night at The Wheel and make a date with TiVo and your bed.

(04-27-11) The beginning two sentences of this story have been deleted at the request of a source.

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