Stimulants
Stimulants are widely used in our society as they increase alertness, attention and give a much needed boost of energy when we need it the most. Stimulants can be found in a variety of the things we consume. The most common stimulant that people consume is caffeine, which can be found in soda, coffee, tea and energy drinks. Over the counter medications contain stimulants; for example, pseudoephedrine can be found in many cold medications. Nicotine is a common stimulant found in tobacco products. Diet pills and ADHD medications contain stimulants. The recreational drugs cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine are also stimulants.
When we consume stimulants, our body reacts by releasing catecholamine, a type of hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Catecholamine is released when our body responds to stress, resulting in increased blood pressure, breathing rate and heart rate. As highlighted in the Journal of Medical Case Reports, there are many concerns about the link between the consumption of energy drinks, especially in healthy adolescents, and the development of atrial fibrillation.
