TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) -- Not getting enough sleep or maybe just needing a little extra boost for the day? You may reach for an energy drink to give you that needed kick.
However, that may be an unnecessary reach when it comes to your future health.
They're colorful, seem socially common, and give most consumers just what they need in our fast-pace world: energy.
"Well it's a hook they're trying to sell a product obviously," said Ken Rodgers, a health fitness specialist with the Northeast Mississippi Medical Center.
"You know instead of choosing the healthier lifestyle as in maybe trying to drink more water, getting enough sleep and overall having healthy eating habits you know they're doing something because we're all running out of time and need a quick fix," said Alice Anne Lee, a North Mississippi Medical Center dietitian.
Most energy drinks are actually considered a "dietary supplement," meaning they're unregulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
According to fitness and dietitian experts, energy isn't the only thing these drinks produce in the body. The intake of high sugar and caffeine add up through consistent use.
"You have to be real careful about those things," Rodgers added. "They may give you a little boost, but it may be the kind of boost you don't won't. They can raise the blood pressure, heart level the heart-rate."
"Typically what they're getting is increased sugar, increased sodium, and then a good bit of caffeine all at one time," Lee said. "Typically you're having it all in, in small doses. Especially the smaller doses of the energy drinks."
We know it's a busy world out there with a constant on-the-go attitude in a short amount of time, but if you're using those energy drinks constantly maybe look at a couple of alternative ways to snatch that boost.
"Exercise of course will just get you going," Rodgers said. "We have a lot of people who come in first thing in the morning to get ready before work and that gets you going."
"Sugar is the main thing that will give you energy. When you eat things that contain carbohydrates your body breaks that down into sugar and that's what gives you energy to be able to have your workout or do something as far exercise goes," Lee added.
"Right before your workout, try to eat a piece of fruit so not only are you getting the natural sugar from the fruit but you're also getting vitamins, minerals and antioxidants."
Canada has already declared energy drinks a food by their national standards, so they are able to regulate the ingredients more closely.
