Pick of Poison

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The phrase “pick your poison,” a common English idiom, refers to one choosing between two horrid options or the choice of an alcoholic beverage. The repercussions of sugary drinks and energy drinks should also be transposed into the hyperbolic definition as a “pick of poison.” Some of the most common ingredients in sugary/energy drinks have been known to cause heart and thyroid problems; weaken the immune system; cause dizziness, headaches, and drowsiness; damage the reproductive system, leading to infertility; and a myriad more. Stress, anxiety, and sleeping problems are some of the top complaints college age energy drink users complain about (Stasio et al.). Sugary/energy drinks are prominent in students, both high school and college age. Ninety percent of these users are blind to the “hazardous effects” of the drinks that they consume (Attila and Cakir), innocently poisoning their bodies. Students need to be better educated on the risks of their decisions to consume these toxic beverages in order to prevent health problems and to encourage more nutritious lifestyles.
High fructose corn syrup is known to proliferate levels of uric acid; it also can raise lactic acid levels (Buist), which leads to muscle cramps. The intake of corn syrup creates a higher risk for heart disease. It also produces “oxidative damage” to the body, depriving cells of oxygen, which in turn speeds up the aging process (Buist). Fructose is broken down by the liver, so the the liver has to pause its production of insulin in order to break down the sugar. This can lead to diabetes and weight gain. High fructose corn syrup also impedes the breakdown of copper, which also can lead to diabetes, heart attacks, and thyroid problems (Buist). Ingesting this sugar ...

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