Feeling Drained? Reach for iron supplements, not sports drinks

The surging popularity of energy and sports drinks is rapidly approaching health crisis levels. Young people especially love the jolt of energy that comes from these sugary stimulants, but the risk to their health is both alarming and well-documented. Without even considering the effects of caffeine, taurine, glucuronolactone and alkaloids, just the sugar content alone can be seriously damaging to your health. The 150-200 calories found in a can of soda may not sound like much on their own, but people that drink one soda per day typically gain 10-15 pounds per year. That weight can often be lost by doing nothing more than cutting out soda. How many of us find ourselves feeling like we need that coffee, soda or Red Bull to get through the afternoon? There is a better way.

If you find yourself feeling drained and tired regularly, it’s easy to fall into an unhealthy cycle of sugar rushes and crashes. Instead of using these quick fixes that have been linked to obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, consider your other options. One of the symptoms of iron deficiency is a consistent feeling of low energy. If you think low iron may be contributing to your lack of energy each day, consult a doctor and ask for your iron level to be checked and consider a diet rich in bioavailable iron compounds. Iron supplements may also help make up for any dietary deficiencies.