6. Energy Drinks
That afternoon energy drink might feel like a quick fix, but the combination of high caffeine and high sugar puts real strain on a cardiovascular system that’s already working harder than it did in your 20s. Energy drinks have been linked to spikes in blood pressure and heart rate, and the sugar crash that follows often leaves you reaching for a second can. They can also disrupt sleep quality, which compounds the fatigue they’re supposed to fix in the first place. A cup of green tea offers steadier, gentler energy along with antioxidants your body can actually use.
