Is There Such Thing as a "Clean Energy Drink?”

TL;DR: Clean energy drinks aim to provide a healthier energy boost with natural ingredients and less sugar. However, they can still contain caffeine and other stimulants. Traditional energy drinks can lead to side effects like heart issues, jitters, and sugar crashes. Healthier alternatives include green tea, coffee, and smoothies. To naturally boost energy, focus on hydration, a balanced diet, sleep, and regular exercise. Even with "clean" labels, moderation is key when consuming energy drinks.

Energy drinks are popular among people looking for a quick energy boost. They often come in colorful, attention-grabbing cans—and potentially lofty claims. Some also come with concerns about their actual health effects due to high caffeine and sugar content.

The idea of a "clean energy drink" has gained attention as a healthier alternative. But is it really? Are there such things as healthy energy drinks? Let's explore what this means and what may be the most healthy energy drink to consume to support cognition, focus, and energy.

What Does a Clean Energy Drink Mean?

A clean energy drink is a beverage that aims to provide an energy boost without the negative health impacts associated with traditional energy drinks. These drinks typically use natural ingredients, have a reduced sugar content, and are free of artificial additives. The goal is to offer a healthier option that still provides the energy and alertness sought from energy drinks.

What Are Common Ingredients In Energy Drinks?

The energy drinks you may be used to seeing in commercials and on supermarket shelves are marketed as being able to increase alertness and energy. They often include one or more of the following ingredients to do so:

• Caffeine is the main ingredient in most energy drinks. It helps increase alertness and reduce fatigue.
• Sugar provides a quick energy source—but can contribute to a sugar crash later.
• Taurine is an amino acid often added to energy drinks to enhance athletic performance and support mental function.( 1,2)^†
• B Vitamins, such as B12 and B6, help convert food into energy and support brain function.( 3)^†
• Guarana is a plant extract that contains caffeine and is often used to support energy and focus.( 4)
• Ginseng is an herbal supplement that supports energy and a healthy mood balance.( 5)^†
• L-carnitine is an amino acid that transports fatty acids into the mitochondria to contribute to energy production at the cellular level.( 6)^†
• Glucuronolactone is a naturally occurring compound that supports detoxification and stable energy levels.(7)
• Citric Acid is often used to add a tangy flavor and as a preservative in energy drinks.

These ingredients are combined in energy drinks to provide a quick energy boost. Still, due to potential side effects, moderation is essential when consuming them.

What Are The Side Effects of Energy Drinks?

Energy drinks can have several side effects, mainly due to their high caffeine content and other stimulants. These side effects can affect different body parts, varying from mild to severe.( 8,9)

Energy drinks can lead to several health issues:

• Cardiovascular Problems: Energy drinks are linked to increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to more severe heart issues.
• Neurological Effects: Consuming energy drinks can cause nervousness, agitation (often called “the jitters”), and sleep disturbances. They can pose serious problems for children and adolescents.
• Behavioral Issues: Energy drinks have been associated with risk-seeking behaviors and poor mental health. These drinks can also exacerbate mood and behavioral problems.
• Digestive Problems: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset after consuming energy drinks, which can include nausea and cramps.
• Addiction and Dependence: The high caffeine content can lead to caffeine addiction, making it difficult for some to stop consuming energy drinks.

These side effects underscore the importance of consuming energy drinks in moderation and being aware of their potential risks. Understanding these risks is crucial for making informed decisions about their consumption. As parents, it’s crucial to be vigilant and educate our kids about the potential harm of these drinks. They may be tempted to consume these drinks to keep their energy up for school and sports, but kids can be especially vulnerable to the side effects of energy drinks.( 10,11)

Can Energy Drinks Be Healthy?

Energy drinks may have some beneficial effects due to their caffeine content. Caffeine is known to support alertness and concentration, which can be helpful in situations requiring increased mental focus or physical exertion. However, while caffeine can provide these benefits, it is essential to consider the quantity consumed. Too much caffeine can lead to the adverse health effects you read about earlier. You should consume energy drinks cautiously and be mindful of their potential health risks.

It's important to note that an energy drink, even if labeled as “clean,” may contain unhealthy levels of caffeine, which can be problematic. This is particularly true if you have existing cardiovascular or neurological health issues or are sensitive to caffeine. Therefore, it’s crucial to read ingredient lists and consult your healthcare practitioner to explore healthier ways to support energy, alertness, and focus.

Is There a Healthy Alternative to Energy Drinks?

If you're looking for healthier alternatives to energy drinks, consider these options:

• Green Tea: Provides a natural source of caffeine and antioxidants, offering gentle energy support without the crash.( 12)
• Coffee: A classic choice for caffeine, coffee can be consumed black or with minimal additives for a healthier option.
• Smoothies: Made with fruits, vegetables, and protein sources like yogurt or nuts, smoothies can support sustained energy without the high sugar content.
• Water with Electrolytes: Staying hydrated is crucial for supporting healthy energy levels, and adding electrolytes can help replenish lost minerals.

These alternatives offer energy boosts without the high sugar and artificial ingredients in many energy drinks.

What Is the Cleanest Energy Drink?

Determining the *cleanest* energy drink can be challenging because it depends on your preferences and dietary needs. However, some brands use natural and organic ingredients to create cleaner options. These drinks typically contain lower levels of caffeine and sugar and avoid artificial additives.

While some energy drinks use natural caffeine sources and sweeteners, it's important to remember that they are still stimulants and should be consumed cautiously. If you need to figure out how your body will react, starting with a small amount and monitoring your response is best. This approach can help you enjoy the benefits of these drinks while minimizing potential risks. The cleanest and healthiest energy drink is the one that’s safest for you to consume.

What Are Natural Ways To Support Energy?

Here are healthy and safe ways to support energy, focus, and attention:

• Eat a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides essential nutrients that support brain function and energy levels.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water is crucial for maintaining energy and concentration. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased alertness.
• Engage In Regular Exercise: Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and can improve mood, energy levels, and cognitive function.
• Get Adequate Sleep: Getting enough restful sleep is vital for maintaining focus and energy throughout the day.
• Take Vitamin C: Supplementing with vitamin C can support attention and mental vitality, contributing to good performance on cognitive tasks.^†
• Consume B Vitamins: Vitamins like B1, B6, B12, and folate are essential for brain health and can support intellectual performance.( 13)^†
• Include Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Your Diet: These fatty acids, found in foods like fish and flaxseed, support brain health and can improve memory and focus.( 14)
• Support Mood Balance and a Healthy Stress Response: Practices like meditation, mindfulness, and deep breathing support emotional well-being and how well you react to conflict.
• Choose Low-Glycemic Foods: Eating foods with a low glycemic index can help maintain steady energy levels and improve concentration.
• Limit Caffeine and Sugar: Reducing caffeine and sugary food intake can prevent energy crashes and support sustained attention.
• Take Supplements to Support Energy and Cognition: Seeking Health® offers several supplements that safely and naturally support energy, brain health, emotional balance, and mental acuity to perform at your best.^†

Seeking Health® Performance and Energy Supplements

Treat your body better with Seeking Health®! Dr. Ben Lynch developed our performance and energy supplements to safely support your body’s natural energy production, focus, and attention. Remember, relying solely on caffeine or sugary beverages for a lift comes with nasty, jittery side effects. Why not choose healthy nutrients to support normal energy levels?

• Energy Nutrients is a targeted energy support formula. It provides bioavailable nutrient building blocks for energy production. It supports natural energy production, focus, memory, and physical training.^†
• Optimal Electrolyte includes a Hydration Blend with key ingredients that support hydration, healthy heart rhythm and contraction, and muscle contraction and relaxation.^†
• Optimal Focus provides stimulant-free support for normal information retention and recall, healthy memory and learning, and clarity.^†
• Brain Nutrients is designed to support a healthy, thriving brain and stable energy level. It also enhances the effectiveness of Optimal Focus, Serotonin Nutrients, and Dopamine Nutrients.^†

The Bottom Line

While the idea of a "clean energy drink" is appealing, it's essential to approach these beverages cautiously. Even drinks marketed as clean or healthy can contain caffeine and other stimulants that may not be suitable for everyone. It's essential to read labels carefully and understand the ingredients to find drinks that are good for you. You’ll also want to consume these drinks in moderation.

Natural alternatives like green tea, coffee, and smoothies can provide healthier options for those seeking energy boosts. Ultimately, maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep are the best ways to sustain energy levels throughout the day.