Wednesday, April 11, 2007 The energy drink study By Zosimo T. Literatus, R.M.T. Breakthroughs
“A well adjusted executive,” noted U.S. executive Arthur Motley, “is one whose intake of pep pills overbalances his consumption of tranquilizers just enough to leave him sufficient energy for the weekly visit to the psychiatrist.”
The pressure in a fast-moving time often leaves any person lesser time to think and less energy to meet the demands of the day.
Anything that can be placed in the mouth to increase energy level is so much welcome. And any new product that says so is worth the try. In fact, there have been rumors that energy drinks can reduce the depressive effects of alcoholic drinks on the human mind. Who started the rumor, no one really knows and speculation is not necessary.
But a recent study, led by SE Ferreira, indicated that there is no scientific evidence to support this hypothesis. Ferreira is professor of the Department of Psychobiology at the Federal University of Sao Paulo (Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil).
The present study evaluates the effects of the simultaneous intake of 37.5 percent alcohol (vodka) and an energy drink at a dose of 3.57 ml per kg body weight compared to those who ingest an alcoholic beverage or an energy drink alone. The volunteers completed three experimental sessions in random order, seven days apart.
The volunteers were evaluated based on their breath alcohol concentration, subjective sensations of intoxication, objective effects on their motor coordination, and visual reaction time.
Results published in the Alcohol Clinical Experimental Research (April 2006) show that the ingestion of alcohol with an energy drink did not reduce alcohol-related depression on objective motor coordination and visual reaction time. It also does not decrease the breath alcohol concentration. However, the energy drink reduced the perception of headache, weakness, dry mouth, and subjective impairment of motor coordination.
We often take the shorter route using quick fixes without knowing that all it takes is a better discipline of the mind.
Here’s an advice from John Muir, the man instrumental in the establishment of both the Yosemite and Sequoia national parks in California, on how to get energy without pep substances: “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you; and the storms, their energy while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” (For comments and suggestions, email to zim_breakthroughs@yahoo.com or text to 0927-979-3519)
