While some athletes enjoy a hit of caffeine before a game or a regular caffeine break, it isn’t always the wisest option to do so. Young athletes especially can put their bodies in jeopardy if they become addicted to caffeine as it isn’t generally the boost in energy they might seek.
Here are a few reasons to look to other sources for energy:
- Internal damage
Excessive intake of caffeine can contribute to irregular heartbeats. Health complications become a risk when teenagers binge on caffeine.
Young athletes especially should rely on natural sugars from fresh fruit sources. Many caffeinated drinks come packed with unhealthy levels of sugar, which can cause a crash later on.
- Mental side effects
Adults are advised to limit their caffeine intake to 400 mg per day, but even 100 mg can cause problems in teens and young athletes. Regular use of caffeinated drinks can rob the brain of rest and weaken concentration.
The side effects of overusing these drinks include nervousness, headaches, anxiety and even seizures.
- Severe dehydration
Caffeinated drinks also have the tendency to dehydrate and this can be detrimental if you’re a young athlete.
Make sure you’re constantly hydrated because while it may sound boring, there’s no substitute to good old water when it comes to keeping your body energetic and in check.