From the age of 16 until I was 34, drinking Red Bull was a daily habit. It was something I felt I needed to get through the day, whether for an energy boost, focus, or just out of routine. At the time, I didn’t think much of it—energy drinks were everywhere, and I never questioned the long-term impact. But looking back, it wasn’t just costing me money—it was costing me my health.
At first, I didn’t notice any major issues. I got used to the quick energy spike and relied on it without realizing what it was doing to my body. The problem was, the boost never lasted. I’d get the rush, then the inevitable crash, leaving me feeling sluggish and needing another can. Over time, this cycle took a toll on my energy levels, sleep, and overall well-being.
When I finally decided to quit, it wasn’t easy. I’d built up a dependency on the caffeine and sugar, and the first few weeks without it were rough—headaches, low energy, and feeling like something was missing from my routine. But as my body adjusted, I started noticing real changes. My energy became more stable throughout the day instead of spiking and crashing. My sleep improved, and I no longer had that wired-but-exhausted feeling at night.
Another huge benefit was how my gut felt. I hadn’t realized how much Red Bull had been messing with my digestion. Cutting it out made a noticeable difference—I felt less bloated, fewer stomach issues, and my appetite became more natural rather than being suppressed or thrown off by the stimulants. My anxiety also improved, something I hadn’t connected to the energy drinks before. Looking back, the constant caffeine overload was likely making it worse.
Red Bull and other energy drinks are still widely consumed, and I get why—it’s an easy fix for fatigue. But having been on the other side of it, I can say that the short-term boost isn’t worth the long-term impact. There are better ways to support energy levels without relying on something that ultimately drains you. If you’re stuck in the cycle of daily energy drinks, it might be worth questioning whether they’re helping or just making things worse. Quitting wasn’t easy, but it was one of the best things I did for my health.
Giving Up Red Bull: How It Affected My Energy and Health
