Beyond the Crash: Energy Sources to Avoid for Sustained Focus and Well-Being

If you are feeling vulnerable and looking for energy sources, you should be careful where you get your fuel from. While there are some solutions that can provide temporary energy, long-term use can have serious health effects. Here are ten sources you should be careful about relying on for continuous energy:

Soft drinks and pastries prepared using refined sugar
Foods high in refined sugars, such as candies, pastries and sugary drinks, can cause rapid spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, leading to feelings of fatigue and lethargy soon after consumption.

Ultra processed foods
According to TheBMJ, consumption of ultra-processed foods has increased worldwide. In many parts of the world, these foods currently make up 25-60% of a person's daily energy intake. Highly processed foods often contain added sugars, unhealthy fats and refined carbohydrates, which provide little nutritional value and can lead to an energy crash.

Energy drinks
The National Federation of State High School Associations suggests that youth athletes avoid using energy drinks for hydration. While there are many energy drinks that can provide a temporary boost of alertness and energy due to their high caffeine and sugar content, excessive consumption can lead to dehydration, irritability, and increased heart rate, followed by a crash.

Too much caffeine
While moderate caffeine consumption can increase alertness and concentration, relying too much on caffeine for energy can disrupt your sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and dependence on caffeine to stay awake.

alcohol
Alcohol may initially provide feelings of relaxation and euphoria, but it eventually depresses the central nervous system, leading to fatigue, impaired cognitive function, and disrupted sleep patterns.

Empty calorie snacks
Empty-calorie snacks like chips, cookies, and other processed snacks may provide a temporary energy boost but lack the nutrients needed for sustained energy and overall health.

skipping meals
Skipping meals, especially breakfast, deprives your body of essential nutrients and can cause low blood sugar levels, leaving you feeling tired and irritable.