Is caffeine really bad for you?

By: Destry Groth

You wake up after a restless night and you are dragging. You could tough it out, or you could find a way to wake up. Introducing: Caffeine. Caffeine comes in many forms including soda, coffee, energy drinks, and even chocolate. Whether you decide to crack open a can of caffeine goodness or brew a hot cup of coffee, you feel the rush of energy in your system. But is it good for you? As athletes, coaches want players to cut out all caffeine for the season because it is not healthy. Is caffeine the real problem?   

Caffeine has all kinds of different benefits. Caffeine is a natural stimulant that can increase an athlete’s awareness and reaction time while reducing feelings of fatigue. Young student-athletes believe that caffeine can help them stay focused and awake, fight being sluggish from a long day at school, and increase performance.  

Energy drinks are appealing because they offer quick energy, but these are not meant for children because they pose health risks. Most cans have small labels saying that these drinks are not meant for those under 18, and there is a reason for these warnings. The benefits are temporary, and most studies show that teens experience the negative effects of excessive amounts of caffeine and the added sugars. The negative health effects include increased stress, aggressive behaviors, and poor sleep quality.  

If used properly, caffeinated drinks can be beneficial. The most important part is timing, as one should consume caffeine one hour before a competition. However, one should first do this before practicing to see if it works for them. Always know what is going into your body and look at the ingredients because some products have added ingredients that could hurt one’s performance.  

Sugary caffeinated drinks might taste good and make you feel better for a while, but you will not feel that same way when the high wears off. Overall, energy drinks pose more problems than positive outcomes. Coaches have a reason for wanting to limit athletes’ caffeine consumption.