Reading Magnifico's journal

Another uneventful evening stroll to the gas station. What a haul: 1 can of Amp, 1 can of Sobe Adrenaline Rush, 2 cans of Monster Energy, 1 one liter bottle of Mountain Dew.

Take it away, caffeine!

I'm beginning to worry about how much I'm poisoning my body with this godawful stuff. I trust guarana, I trust ginseng, but what in the unholy hells is L-carnitine? Taurine? Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I wouldn't consume half of this stuff if somebody at a club offered it; why drink it just because Pepsi-cola says it's safe? I remember giving up caffeine, back in the fifth grade. I'd become so severely dependant that I'd get sick if I didn't have it after a few days.

The headaches were awful, and I got really lethargic. I'd ended up drinking a cup of hot tea once a day at the most, though, and I was proud of myself. Until I found Red Bull. Now it's like I'm needingly plugged into some godawful addiction. And it's not going to get better, because I'm taking four Advanced Placement classes and an Honors class this year, so I'm gonna need the caffeine boost. But it's gone, after this year. I'm kicking the habit.

As soon as I finish this can of Amp.

Thbbbbt

This post was edited by Magnifico on Aug 06, 2003.

Taurine is an amino acid. It is vital to the proper utilization of sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Taurine has a protective effect upon the human brain. The amino acid taurine is used to treat anxiety, hyperactivity, poor brain function, hypoglycemia, epilepsy, hypertension, and seizures. The levels of taurine found in children's brains is up to 4 times that in adult brains. Thus supplementation for adults or children with lower levels of taurine can boost brain function. People with Down's Syndrome or Muscular dystrophy may benefit from taurine supplements.

Apparently. So, basically, it's an energy boosting chemical similar to the guarana that you say you're happy to take. Although, as with ALL chemicals of this nature, too much will do you serious damage. And if it has a direct effect on the brain, then drinking a lot of it is asking for trouble. Vodka and Redbull, THE drink of the 21st Century. Don't know why, it's foul. I'm assuming that L-Cartenine will be another amino acid based chemical. So, in general these things are pretty safe in moderation as they're synthesised from naturally occuring chemicals.

So, basically, it's an energy boosting chemical similar to the guarana that you say you're happy to take.

The main difference is that I've seen guarana plants before, and I understand the way guarana-derived caffeine functions in the body. Taurine, L-carnitine, and the other curious chemicals they toss in are a mystery to me, and, as such, make me a bit more anxious.

Thbbbbt