Leaving alcohol aside, there are a lot of things offered to us to drink. Some of them are safe for most people and some may not be safe at all. Do you know the difference?
Aloe Juice: Under the right circumstances, most people can tolerate processed aloe juice. However, it depends on whether or not the harmful components have been removed. Unaltered aloe juice contains chemical compounds that can affect the heart and the digestive tract. If you already have problems with either, it might be wise to skip the juice. Aloe also affects blood sugar levels and may act as a blood thinner. This means diabetics and people on blood thinners need to be careful. Ask your doctor before using processed aloe juice and *don’t* juice it at home.
Coffee: It’s a common drink in the U.S. It seems like everyone is drinking it. How could it be harmful? Caffeine does several things. It alters brain chemistry, making it unwise for those with depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder to partake. It can also affect the heart, making it beat faster and harder. Those with heart problems need to speak to their cardiologist to find out how much is safe to drink.
Herbal Teas: Most herbal teas found in the grocery store are considered generally safe. There are a few exceptions. Licorice root, which is often used as a sweetener, is one. Diabetics and those with high blood pressure need to be careful as it can affect both conditions.
Energy Drinks: These beverages can be very harmful if improperly used. They are not a substitute for sleep, so using them to stay up all night and study is counterproductive. The manufacturers are under fire for the deaths of some teenagers. When mixed with alcohol they give the person drinking the impression they aren’t drunk when in reality they are. This can lead to two serious problems. The first is driving while intoxicated. Don’t just worry about the ticket, DWI accidents kill. They also can lead to alcohol poisoning…another deadly problem.
Choosing what to drink needs to be done with information. We all know that sugary soda beverages are bad for us. Most of us know alcohol isn’t good for us. That doesn’t mean that everything else on the market is safe.
If you have any medical condition or take any medications, talk to your doctor about what is safe and what isn’t when it comes to beverages. If you are under 18, check with your parents. You could save yourself from serious health issues.
