Energy drinks such as Red Bull have become popular in the world as a quick energy boost or as an alcohol mixer. But some experts claim these high energy cocktails come at a price to our health and even say they should be banned. We take a look at the arguments for and against energy drinks.

It’s certainly fair to say that energy drinks can and sometimes do serve a positive purpose in our lives when used appropriately. But they have become so mainstream that I’m afraid people drink them without knowing exactly what’s in them and whether those ingredients should be regulated in one’s diet. And I’m not just talking about the caffeine. Many of these drinks impart so much sugar that you’d be looking for another fix soon after the first one. What does that mean for a good night’s sleep? A lot.

Many people are used to watching their coffee consumption in the later parts of the day if they know it can impinge on their sleep at night. But what about energy drinks? These energy bombs do more than work against sleep; they can cause you to feel anxious, jittery, and wired and tired at the same time. If you’re addicted to them, now may be the time to take inventory and cut back.

Some suggestions for cutting back on energy drinks:
- Instead of waking up to an sugar-laden energy drink, try a cup of plain black tea or a simple cup of Joe.

- Instead of having another energy drink at lunch, try a glass of unsweetened iced tea or other tea of your choice.

- Kill the late-afternoon lull with a protein-rich snack that has a little carbs, such as slices of turkey on whole wheat crackers or a scoop of nut butter and celery sticks. If you need a little caffeine buzz, try green tea.

- Avoid all sources of caffeine after 4 p.m.

All natural energy abounds if you get a good night’s sleep. Try it sometime, and see how many fewer cans of soda and energy drinks you need. I bet you won’t only gain more restful sleep, but you’ll lose weight, too. And who doesn’t want that?