Monster Energy drinks have always been a staple in Derek’s diet, though I am not sure they still are. When I was in my 30s and young 40s Diet Fuel was my energy boost of choice. For some of us, its just a bunch of cups of coffee. Whatever way we get our UP kicks (or DOWN, for that matter) we have to know that there are always risks involved! Anything that has the ability to change our bodies (for the seemingly better) through chemistry has the potential to chemically change our bodies for the worse.
For me, it was the grinding of the teeth while sleeping that first made me question how the ephedra was negatively effecting me. Pathetically, I wasn’t even thinking about how my heart (born with a murmur) might be impacted, but thankfully it became a challenge to get ephedra and I realized how much I DIDN’T need it. I do think it effected my adrenal glands some, putting on a few pounds after I stopped taking it…and having a hell of a time ever losing those pounds, but thankfully nothing more serious ever happened. Now Monster Energy Drink is being sued by the family of a 14 year old who died after drinking two cans in a 24 hour period. Additionally it is being investigated in the deaths of 4 others. Though it was determined that the 14 year old had an underlying cardiac condition…so do many! And especially when we are young, we haven’t yet even learned that we have those conditions.
Moral of the story is, remember that ANYTHING that goes in YOUR body that can have positive effects (through chemistry) can probably also have some negative effects and sometimes they can be fatal. Though it is Monster brand involved in these investigations, clearly there are many, many other brands that have the same potential. Eat the right foods, stay hydrated, get your much needed sleep and save the chemicals for emergency situations, if at all. Derek…I hope you are reading this….
