School is back in session, and with the demands of classes, sports, and the busy grind of life, many will look for that extra boost of energy.
But food and science expert Budge Collinson warns us all to stay away from those too-good-to-be-true energy drinks.
The term "energy" drink is an unfortunate misnomer, says food science expert Budge Collinson. They don't give your bodyenergy; they stimulate you with brief jolts of caffeine and unregulated herbal stimulants.
Read Part One of Budge's tips for skipping out on these dangerous drinks and read below to get the rest of his helath advice on how to stay energized:
Seek nutrition from a variety of sources. "As humans, we need more than 40 different vitamins and minerals to keep our bodies functioning optimally," Collinson explained. "Since there is no single food that contains them all, it is important for children and adults to eat a variety, including as many different vegetables and fruits as possible."
"Adding a daily multivitamin supplement with essentials such as CoQ10, arginine, theanine, resveratrol and magnesium can help ensure bodies young and old are running at top speed," Collinson advised.
Drink plenty of water - the natural energy drink. This isn't just a great beauty secret, water is the key to health! "Even mild dehydration can leave children and adults feeling listless, so encourage children to make a habit of drinking plenty of water," Collison said.
"Kids need more water than adults because they expend more energy, and they may not recognize when they're slightly thirsty. Parents, too, often don't recognize the signs of dehydration. A quick, light pinch of the skin on the child's hand or arm is an easy check. If the skin is slow to resume a smooth appearance, the child is likely at least mildly dehydrated."
Drink enough water? Staeering clear of energy drinks? Tell us with a note below!