Latest news with #Doctify
The Irish Sun
27-04-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
What's REALLY in your favourite energy drink? The harmful ingredients to avoid, and the ones nutritionists say are OK
WHETHER we need a 3pm pick-me-up or we're gearing up for a tough workout, many of us reach for an energy drink. But before you crack open your next can, you should know they come with several serious health risks. 9 Energy drinks have been linked to everything from anxiety to heart issues Credit: Getty Scientists have linked the Research has also found them to make And a study by Newcastle University even suggested they put children and young people at increased risk of drug taking, violence and Despite these warnings, the UK energy and sports drink market is worth around £3.1billion, with under-18s guzzling more cans than those in any other European country. READ MORE ON ENERGY DRINKS But are all Raquel Britzke, a nutritionist at Doctify, tells Sun Health: 'They can have a place if used occasionally and thoughtfully, like before a long drive or a workout. 'But the issue with energy drinks is when they're used daily, or worse, multiple times a day. 'I see clients all the time who rely on them to get through the day, which usually signals something else - such as poor sleep, high stress and not enough nourishment from food.' Most read in Health If you're going to have an 'Drinking more than that and you risk poor sleep, anxiety, jitteriness, headaches or even heart palpitations,' Raquel adds. The dangers of energy drinks 'Long term, it can impact blood pressure, blood sugar and overall stress on the body.' While some energy drinks contain various 'healthy' ingredients, many do not. From high doses of caffeine to health-harming preservatives, these are the ones to look out for… CAFFEINE CAFFEINE is a natural stimulant, and probably why you reach for an energy drink in the first place. It increases the activity of the brain and central nervous system, helping you to stay alert. Around 400 milligrams (mg) in separate sittings is considered safe for most adults, according to the European Food Safety Authority. A large cup of coffee contains around 80mg, but Lucia Stansbie, nutritional therapist and founder of 9 The energy and sports drink market is worth around £3.1billion in the UK Credit: Getty 'Too much caffeine can trigger the nervous system, increasing agitation and anxiety,' she says. 'Consuming this during the day can also impact sleep quality, as well as having a dehydrating effect because caffeine is a diuretic.' Raquel says it's best to consume a maximum of 150mg of caffeine per drink. Do one better and look for caffeine from natural sources. 'Caffeine from sources such as green tea or yerba matcha is usually better tolerated, and often paired with other beneficial compounds such as L-theanine (in green tea), which has a calming effect and reduces the jittery impact,' she says. 'But it's still caffeine, so the dose matters more than the source.' 9 SUGAR AS well as the caffeine, some energy drinks pack in serious amounts of sugar. 'An average can contains 20g to 50g of sugar,' says Lucia. 'For context, a doughnut contains around 20g.' But what's the danger? 'Sugar can spike your blood sugar, which is then followed by a crash that leaves you feeling even more tired and craving more sugar or caffeine,' says Raquel. There is plenty of research demonstrating just how harmful sugar can be. 9 Some energy drinks contain up to 55g of sugar per can Credit: Getty A review in the journal Nutrients, for example, found that people who drank high amounts of sugar-sweetened drinks were more prone to weight gain. They also had a higher risk of obesity, A separate study by the University of Washington found women who consumed more than one sugary drink per day were The NHS recommends no more than 30g of added sugar a day for adults. Check the label of your energy drink, as sugar comes under various names, such as sucrose, high fructose corn syrup and glucose. 'If your energy drink has more than 10g to 15g of sugar per serving, it is to be considered a high sugar drink which is best not to consume regularly,' says Lucia. 9 ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS IT'S not uncommon to see artificial sweeteners added to energy drinks. Many of the zero sugar varieties get their super sweet taste from ingredients like aspartame, sucralose and acesulfame K. Although they are lower in calories, it doesn't mean they are healthy. In fact, artificial Research published in the journal Cureus concluded they can negatively impact your gut, brain and heart. Scientists at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden found aspartame may trigger insulin spikes and a build-up of fatty plaques in the arteries, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. A separate study, published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, linked erythritol (E968) to an increased risk of blood clots. And neotame was found to damage the lining of the intestine, which could lead to It doesn't matter if a drink features beneficial ingredients - if it is very high in sugar, I would get the same nutrients from food sources Lucia Stansbie Nutritional therapist Lucia says that for her, the most problematic artificial 'They are linked to disruption of the gut microbiome (the bacteria that live within your gut), headaches and metabolic dysfunction,' she adds. Better alternatives to look out for in your energy drinks, she says, are steve and monk fruit, both of which are natural. 'The sweetener erythritol sits in the middle,' Lucia says. 'It's not totally bad but it can cause gastric distress in excessive quantities. 'People suffering from diabetes and pre-diabetes should be particularly careful with sweeteners and the 'zero sugar' labels as they can still impact insulin metabolism.' She adds that those with specific neurological sensitivities such as ADHD or chronic 9 TAURINE YOU might see ' Well it is one of 20 amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. We naturally make taurine and also get it from foods such as meat. 'On its own, taurine is not usually an issue, and may even support heart and brain health,' says Raquel. 'But when combined with high caffeine and other stimulants, it's a lot for the nervous system to handle, especially in large quantities or for younger people.' Lucia adds: 'Quantities above 3,000mg can cause vomiting, nausea, headaches, stomach pain and nervous system overstimulation. 'Consider that a Red Bull contains 1,000mg of taurine and that its stimulant effects are enhanced by caffeine.' 9 COLOURS AND PRESERVATIVES EVER wondered why your energy drink is so brightly coloured? It might be down to artificial colourings, such as E102 (yellow), E129 (red) and E133 (blue). 'These are linked to hyperactivity, allergies and potentially neurotoxicity,' Lucia says. 'I would check for healthier alternatives like natural colourings from beet juice, spirulina or turmeric.' A 2004 analysis of 15 studies concluded that 'widely distributed' artificial food dyes can increase hyperactivity in kids. Further research by scientists at Virginia Commonwealth University found animals given high doses of E132 (blue 2) had significantly more And a study published in Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology found male rats given E127 (red 3) had an increased risk of thyroid tumours. These tests were done on animals, and further research is needed on the potential dangers for humans. However, products containing the following artificial colours must carry a warning on the packaging in the UK: Sunset yellow FCF (E110) Quinoline yellow (E104) Carmoisine (E122) Allura red (E129) Tartrazine (E102) Ponceau 4R (E124) This will say: 'May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.' As for preservatives, which are added to energy drinks to help them last longer, Raquel says sodium benzoate can cause issues for some people, 'especially when combined with certain vitamins like C'. Research published in the Scientific World Journal found that the higher the concentration of sodium benzoate, the more free radicals are created. These can damage your cells, increasing your risk of certain diseases such as heart disease and Alzheimer's, scientists say. Where possible, choose an energy drink with minimal preservatives. Citric acid or vitamin C are better options, Lucia says. 9 THE 'GOOD' INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR ALTHOUGH there are lots of ingredients to be wary of, there are also plenty that can offer health benefits. 'Adaptogens (natural substances that help the body adapt to stress) like ashwagandha can help mitigate the caffeine spike,' says Lucia. Raquel adds: 'Electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium, and sodium are great if you're sweating a lot or need hydration support, and B vitamins support energy production.' Vitamin C is also great as it supports the immune system and helps to maintain healthy skin and bones. But, regardless of any 'healthy' ingredients, Lucia warns: 'I will always be mindful of the sugar content. 'It doesn't matter if a drink features all the beneficial ingredients above - if it is very high in sugar, I would still discharge it and get the same nutrients from food sources.' Exactly what a single energy drink can do your body – minute by minute By Vanessa Chalmers, Assistant Head of Health YOU may be familiar with the surge in alertness after drinking an energy drink, but there are half a dozen things that Data from gift site It was created using information from sources including the UK's National Health Service (NHS), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and energy drink manufacturer Red Bull. It may make you re-think your habit, and re-assess whether the highs and lows of energy are worth it for a quick hit. First 10 minutes That's the time the caffeine begins to enter the bloodstream, causing your Previous research has looked at the impact of energy drinks on the blood pressure and hearts of young people. One small 15-45 minutes This is the time caffeine level peaks, making you feel alert and improving concentration. 30-50 minutes By now, all of the caffeine has been absorbed and your liver will often react by absorbing more sugar. 1 hour This is when you are likely to get the 'sugar crash' - when your blood sugar and caffeine level drops - and you may feel tired. 5-6 hours Roughly five to six hours after consumption your body will have reduced the caffeine content in your bloodstream by 50 per cent. 12 hours Around 12 hours after finishing an energy drink, the caffeine will be out of most people's bloodstreams, but it does vary due to age and activity. 12-24 hours If you have been drinking energy drinks regularly, between 12 and 24 hours is the time you'll start to feel withdrawal symptoms. You may suffer from headaches, irritability and constipation. 7-12 days Studies have shown this is the time it takes the body to become tolerant of your daily caffeine dosage. This means if you keep the level the same, you are unlikely to feel any effects at this point. 9 Look out for colours, sweeteners and preservatives in energy drinks Credit: Getty
The Sun
27-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
What's REALLY in your favourite energy drink? The harmful ingredients to avoid, and the ones nutritionists say are OK
WHETHER we need a 3pm pick-me-up or we're gearing up for a tough workout, many of us reach for an energy drink. But before you crack open your next can, you should know they come with several serious health risks. 9 Scientists have linked the caffeinated beverages to headaches, sleep problems and anxiety, as well as high blood pressure and kidney damage. Research has also found them to make heart issues and strokes more likely. And a study by Newcastle University even suggested they put children and young people at increased risk of drug taking, violence and suicidal thoughts. Despite these warnings, the UK energy and sports drink market is worth around £3.1billion, with under-18s guzzling more cans than those in any other European country. But are all energy drinks bad? And is it ever OK to consume them? Raquel Britzke, a nutritionist at Doctify, tells Sun Health: 'They can have a place if used occasionally and thoughtfully, like before a long drive or a workout. 'But the issue with energy drinks is when they're used daily, or worse, multiple times a day. 'I see clients all the time who rely on them to get through the day, which usually signals something else - such as poor sleep, high stress and not enough nourishment from food.' If you're going to have an energy drink, limit yourself to one small (250ml) can per day. 'Drinking more than that and you risk poor sleep, anxiety, jitteriness, headaches or even heart palpitations,' Raquel adds. The dangers of energy drinks 'Long term, it can impact blood pressure, blood sugar and overall stress on the body.' While some energy drinks contain various 'healthy' ingredients, many do not. From high doses of caffeine to health-harming preservatives, these are the ones to look out for… CAFFEINE CAFFEINE is a natural stimulant, and probably why you reach for an energy drink in the first place. It increases the activity of the brain and central nervous system, helping you to stay alert. Around 400 milligrams (mg) in separate sittings is considered safe for most adults, according to the European Food Safety Authority. A large cup of coffee contains around 80mg, but Lucia Stansbie, nutritional therapist and founder of Food Power Nutrition, warns that some energy drinks, particularly those imported from abroad, can carry up to 300mg. 9 'Too much caffeine can trigger the nervous system, increasing agitation and anxiety,' she says. 'Consuming this during the day can also impact sleep quality, as well as having a dehydrating effect because caffeine is a diuretic.' Raquel says it's best to consume a maximum of 150mg of caffeine per drink. Do one better and look for caffeine from natural sources. 'Caffeine from sources such as green tea or yerba matcha is usually better tolerated, and often paired with other beneficial compounds such as L-theanine (in green tea), which has a calming effect and reduces the jittery impact,' she says. 'But it's still caffeine, so the dose matters more than the source.' SUGAR AS well as the caffeine, some energy drinks pack in serious amounts of sugar. 'An average can contains 20g to 50g of sugar,' says Lucia. 'For context, a doughnut contains around 20g.' But what's the danger? 'Sugar can spike your blood sugar, which is then followed by a crash that leaves you feeling even more tired and craving more sugar or caffeine,' says Raquel. There is plenty of research demonstrating just how harmful sugar can be. A review in the journal Nutrients, for example, found that people who drank high amounts of sugar-sweetened drinks were more prone to weight gain. They also had a higher risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A separate study by the University of Washington found women who consumed more than one sugary drink per day were five times more likely to get mouth cancer than those who drink less than one a month. The NHS recommends no more than 30g of added sugar a day for adults. Check the label of your energy drink, as sugar comes under various names, such as sucrose, high fructose corn syrup and glucose. 'If your energy drink has more than 10g to 15g of sugar per serving, it is to be considered a high sugar drink which is best not to consume regularly,' says Lucia. ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS IT'S not uncommon to see artificial sweeteners added to energy drinks. Many of the zero sugar varieties get their super sweet taste from ingredients like aspartame, sucralose and acesulfame K. Although they are lower in calories, it doesn't mean they are healthy. In fact, artificial sweeteners have come under serious fire in recent years. Research published in the journal Cureus concluded they can negatively impact your gut, brain and heart. Scientists at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden found aspartame may trigger insulin spikes and a build-up of fatty plaques in the arteries, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. A separate study, published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, linked erythritol (E968) to an increased risk of blood clots. And neotame was found to damage the lining of the intestine, which could lead to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or even sepsis. It doesn't matter if a drink features beneficial ingredients - if it is very high in sugar, I would get the same nutrients from food sources Lucia StansbieNutritional therapist Lucia says that for her, the most problematic artificial sweeteners are aspartame and sucralose. 'They are linked to disruption of the gut microbiome (the bacteria that live within your gut), headaches and metabolic dysfunction,' she adds. Better alternatives to look out for in your energy drinks, she says, are steve and monk fruit, both of which are natural. 'The sweetener erythritol sits in the middle,' Lucia says. 'It's not totally bad but it can cause gastric distress in excessive quantities. 'People suffering from diabetes and pre-diabetes should be particularly careful with sweeteners and the 'zero sugar' labels as they can still impact insulin metabolism.' She adds that those with specific neurological sensitivities such as ADHD or chronic migraines should be particularly careful as sweeteners can exacerbate symptoms. TAURINE YOU might see ' taurine ' on the ingredients list of your energy drink and think, 'What's that?' Well it is one of 20 amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. We naturally make taurine and also get it from foods such as meat. 'On its own, taurine is not usually an issue, and may even support heart and brain health,' says Raquel. 'But when combined with high caffeine and other stimulants, it's a lot for the nervous system to handle, especially in large quantities or for younger people.' Lucia adds: 'Quantities above 3,000mg can cause vomiting, nausea, headaches, stomach pain and nervous system overstimulation. 'Consider that a Red Bull contains 1,000mg of taurine and that its stimulant effects are enhanced by caffeine.' 9 COLOURS AND PRESERVATIVES EVER wondered why your energy drink is so brightly coloured? It might be down to artificial colourings, such as E102 (yellow), E129 (red) and E133 (blue). 'These are linked to hyperactivity, allergies and potentially neurotoxicity,' Lucia says. 'I would check for healthier alternatives like natural colourings from beet juice, spirulina or turmeric.' A 2004 analysis of 15 studies concluded that 'widely distributed' artificial food dyes can increase hyperactivity in kids. Further research by scientists at Virginia Commonwealth University found animals given high doses of E132 (blue 2) had significantly more brain tumours than the control groups. And a study published in Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology found male rats given E127 (red 3) had an increased risk of thyroid tumours. These tests were done on animals, and further research is needed on the potential dangers for humans. However, products containing the following artificial colours must carry a warning on the packaging in the UK: Sunset yellow FCF (E110) Quinoline yellow (E104) Carmoisine (E122) Allura red (E129) Tartrazine (E102) Ponceau 4R (E124) This will say: 'May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.' As for preservatives, which are added to energy drinks to help them last longer, Raquel says sodium benzoate can cause issues for some people, 'especially when combined with certain vitamins like C'. Research published in the Scientific World Journal found that the higher the concentration of sodium benzoate, the more free radicals are created. These can damage your cells, increasing your risk of certain diseases such as heart disease and Alzheimer's, scientists say. Where possible, choose an energy drink with minimal preservatives. Citric acid or vitamin C are better options, Lucia says. THE 'GOOD' INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR ALTHOUGH there are lots of ingredients to be wary of, there are also plenty that can offer health benefits. 'Adaptogens (natural substances that help the body adapt to stress) like ashwagandha can help mitigate the caffeine spike,' says Lucia. Raquel adds: 'Electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium, and sodium are great if you're sweating a lot or need hydration support, and B vitamins support energy production.' Vitamin C is also great as it supports the immune system and helps to maintain healthy skin and bones. But, regardless of any 'healthy' ingredients, Lucia warns: 'I will always be mindful of the sugar content. 'It doesn't matter if a drink features all the beneficial ingredients above - if it is very high in sugar, I would still discharge it and get the same nutrients from food sources.' Exactly what a single energy drink can do your body – minute by minute By Vanessa Chalmers, Assistant Head of Health YOU may be familiar with the surge in alertness after drinking an energy drink, but there are half a dozen things that happen to the body over several hours thanks to the caffeine and sugar hit. Data from gift site Personalise reveals exactly what happens to the body, hour-by-hour, after you finish a can, and even 12 days later. It was created using information from sources including the UK's National Health Service (NHS), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and energy drink manufacturer Red Bull. It may make you re-think your habit, and re-assess whether the highs and lows of energy are worth it for a quick hit. First 10 minutes That's the time the caffeine begins to enter the bloodstream, causing your heart rate and blood pressure to rise. Previous research has looked at the impact of energy drinks on the blood pressure and hearts of young people. One small study found that people who drank one litre of energy drinks in an hour had abnormal electrical activity in their hearts and higher blood pressure four hours later. 15-45 minutes This is the time caffeine level peaks, making you feel alert and improving concentration. 30-50 minutes By now, all of the caffeine has been absorbed and your liver will often react by absorbing more sugar. 1 hour This is when you are likely to get the 'sugar crash' - when your blood sugar and caffeine level drops - and you may feel tired. 5-6 hours Roughly five to six hours after consumption your body will have reduced the caffeine content in your bloodstream by 50 per cent. 12 hours Around 12 hours after finishing an energy drink, the caffeine will be out of most people's bloodstreams, but it does vary due to age and activity. 12-24 hours If you have been drinking energy drinks regularly, between 12 and 24 hours is the time you'll start to feel withdrawal symptoms. You may suffer from headaches, irritability and constipation. 7-12 days Studies have shown this is the time it takes the body to become tolerant of your daily caffeine dosage. This means if you keep the level the same, you are unlikely to feel any effects at this point. 9
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
12 ways to shop more mindfully as Wales restricts junk food
Welsh supermarkets will soon be banned from displaying junk foods near tills and store entrances in a bid to tackle obesity. The Welsh Parliament has agreed to introduce new rules on how and where foods high in fat, salt and sugar can be promoted and displayed in larger shops and online. The rules will mean that unhealthy foods such as chocolates, breakfast pastries and pizzas will have to be removed from shop entrances and checkouts, while unlimited refills on sugary drinks will also be banned in restaurants. The move, which will come into force in March 2026, is intended to limit impulse purchases and help tackle the growing problem of obesity in Wales. Shops in England have already seen the introduction of restrictions on where shops can display junk food, with products that are high in fat, salt and sugar can no longer be placed in prominent locations such as shop entrances and tills. Where products are positioned in shops has an impact on how likely we are to buy them. Studies have suggested the visibility of products in a retail environment has a nudging effect on shoppers and can ultimately influence which products they choose to buy. Further research seems to show that when products are placed in convenient and eye-catching locations, such as shop entrances or aisle ends, sales of these products are positively impacted. "Supermarkets are carefully designed to nudge us towards impulse buys, often favouring processed and sugary options," explains Sandra Cohen, nutritional therapist at Doctify. Without realising it, Cohen says our mood, hunger levels, and even the layout of the store can lead us to fill our trolley with less nutritious choices. Shopping more mindfully invites us to slow down, question the ingredients, and see beyond the marketing. "True value isn't just about price—it's about nourishment, integrity, and long-term wellbeing," explains clinical psychotherapist, Jerilee Claydon. "When we shop with awareness, we reclaim the power to choose what really supports us, rather than what simply sells to us." Cohen says stress, fatigue, or low mood can unconsciously drive you toward comfort foods high in sugar and fat. "A few deep breaths - or even postponing the trip - can help reset your mindset," she suggests. Hunger makes us more susceptible to impulse decisions. "Often this will then lead us to reach for quick-fix, ultra-processed foods that satisfy cravings but offer little nourishment," Cohen explains. Decision fatigue is real. "A list helps reduce mental overload and keeps you focused on nutritious staples instead of whatever catches your eye in the moment," Cohen says. Supermarkets are designed to drive spending, which doesn't necessarily mean prioritising health. "Healthier foods are often placed out of easy reach, while processed snacks dominate checkout zones and end-of-aisle offers," Cohen explains. These often bundle processed items under the guise of convenience or value. "Ask yourself: Would I choose these items separately if they weren't part of a deal? If not, it's probably best left on the shelf," Cohen advises. Cohen says warm lighting, calming music, and bright packaging are all designed to keep you browsing - and spending. "Awareness is the first step to resisting these subconscious nudges," she explains. Terms like "low fat", "gluten-free", or "high protein" don't always mean nutritious. "These labels can create a false sense of security (the health halo effect), so always check the ingredients list - not just the front of the pack," Cohen advises Bulk deals and family-size packs might seem like good value, but they often lead to overeating. "Buying smaller quantities or portioning out snacks at home can help with portion control," Cohen says. Local grocers or farmers' markets are less likely to push ultra-processed foods compared to large supermarkets. "The environment itself can nudge you toward healthier choices without the same mental effort," Cohen says. Familiar brands often evoke nostalgia or trust, making it harder to try healthier alternatives. "Being open to new options - even just one product swap per trip - can lead to long-term change," Cohen recommends. Who grew it, how far it travelled, and the care involved. "This fosters appreciation, reduces waste, and strengthens your connection to what truly nourishes," explains Claydon. If you notice a pattern in your shopping habits, for example buying the same ultra-processed snacks out of habit, Claydon advises getting curious, not critical. "Every shop is a chance to realign," she adds. Instead stick to a list and search for items directly. "If something pops up at the end, ask yourself: 'Would I have added this if it hadn't been suggested?' If not, skip it," Cohen suggests. Just like in-store, your mood matters. "Shopping when tired or stressed makes impulse decisions more likely, even with a screen in front of you," Cohen says. She also suggests avoiding online food shopping while multitasking. "Shopping while distracted - whether you're watching TV, working, or scrolling - makes it harder to notice what you're adding to your basket and why," she explains. These tools can make online shops quicker, but they also encourage you to repeat old habits. "Curate a list of healthy staples and avoid re-adding less nutritious items just because they're familiar," Cohen suggests. Cohen says supermarkets often use these to push limited-time offers - usually focused on snacks, sweets, or convenience foods you weren't planning to buy. Set up a reusable basket filled with fresh produce, wholefoods, and nourishing snacks. "It saves time, reduces decision fatigue, and helps you avoid unnecessary browsing," Cohen says. Read more about food shopping: 12 ways to eat more cheaply and healthily as food prices rise (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read) Five supermarket tips to save money as inflation jumps to 10-month high (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read) I spend just £22 on my weekly food shop and make 12 healthy meals (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
WIRED
19-02-2025
- Health
- WIRED
Your Earbuds Are Gross. Here's How to Clean Them Properly
Feb 19, 2025 8:00 AM Filthy buds look bad, impact sound quality and even risk infection. WIRED asked the experts how to correctly banish that ear gunk. Photo-Illustration:If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more. Please also consider subscribing to WIRED Have you looked closely at your earbuds lately? I did, and I was horrified at how gross they were. My trusty Apple AirPods had become so mucky and caked in ear wax I was genuinely embarrassed, and almost reluctant to put something so nasty back in my ears. But are my yellowing Airpods actually a risk to my health? I asked general practitioner Dr. Jonathan Webster, from Doctify, who explained that while earwax is protective and part of the normal cleaning process of the ear, 'problems arise because long-term use of the earbuds prevents the wax from naturally migrating outwards—and so it builds up, trapping moisture, and making it prone to getting infected.' Earbuds can also push earwax deeper into the ear canal, leading to blockages and discomfort. There's a reason your ENT surgeon likes the saying, "Do not put anything smaller than your elbow in your ear." Dr. Webster also explained that 'there has definitely been a rise in problems associated with earbud use, including hearing loss, tinnitus and infections.' Hearing loss has little to do with my poor headphone cleanliness, but it is worth remembering that 'prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage the very delicate hair cells in the inner ear (cochlear), leading to permanent hearing loss. With the in-ear headphones there is a concentration of the sound directed into the ear, which may make it more likely to cause a problem.' It's also worth noting that the UK's National Health Service advises that headphone users should not listen to music at higher than 60 percent of the maximum volume, and not for more than an hour at a time. Can Dirty Earbuds Really Cause Infections? There's not been a huge amount of clinical research into headphone cleanliness, but according to an investigation by ABC 11 back in 2019, microbiologist Dr. Michael Taveirne, from North Carolina State University, swabbed several different headphones and sent the cultures in for testing. The results showed staphylococcus and pseudomonas, two types of bacteria that can cause infection under the right circumstances. Similarly, according to a Florida based ENT specialist headphones house around 2,700 times more bacteria than the average cutting board, or six times more bacteria than the kitchen pretty gross—but even then you're not guaranteed to get infected. Bacteria isn't inherently problematic, but if your earbuds don't fit properly and you're always fiddling with them, there's a higher risk of you scraping or damaging the ear canal, which will create the perfect conditions for bacteria to thrive. Add in sweat from sports, and hours of daily wear, and you could be in for a nasty surprise. How to Clean Your Earbuds So, your earbuds are disgusting—but fortunately it is surprisingly easy to restore their cleanliness safely with just a few household essentials. Disinfectant spray or wipes : Alcohol-free wipes and sprays won't harm rubber, plastic, silicone or acrylic, but will make quick work of your grubby buds, dissolving wax quickly. : Alcohol-free wipes and sprays won't harm rubber, plastic, silicone or acrylic, but will make quick work of your grubby buds, dissolving wax quickly. Earbud cleaning tool : There are countless options available, each designed to get into the smallest spaces. But before you invest, try using an old toothbrush or Q-tip first. : There are countless options available, each designed to get into the smallest spaces. But before you invest, try using an old toothbrush or Q-tip first. A microfibre cloth : If you have a lens cleaner with your sunglasses this will work fine, although specific tech cloths are available. The key is to use a fabric that won't scratch, as well as minimise static build-up. : If you have a lens cleaner with your sunglasses this will work fine, although specific tech cloths are available. The key is to use a fabric that won't scratch, as well as minimise static build-up. Soapy water : A mild soap without added moisturizers will remove any exterior residue. Check the IP water resistance rating of your buds before you do anything other than a careful wipe. : A mild soap without added moisturizers will remove any exterior residue. Check the IP water resistance rating of your buds before you do anything other than a careful wipe. Silica gel pack: Chuck one in your gym kit bag along with your headphones and it will help to absorb excess moisture. Some people recommend using isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), but do so with caution as it can damage certain materials. If you do, always dilute it with water and use a small amount on a soft, lint-free cloth. Apple has a comprehensive guide to AirPod maintenance that is equally relevant for other earbud brands. The main takeaway from their guide is that everything from soap to moisturizer, hair dye and acidic food can stain your earbuds, but a quick wipe with a disinfectant wipe should do the trick. Similarly, Kimberley Bradshaw, from Hearing Aid UK suggests 'wiping down your earbuds and case with a microfibre cloth after each use [especially after sport] to remove dirt and sweat. Alcohol-free disinfectant wipes are great for earbuds, but avoid getting moisture on the internal parts.' Use a cotton bud or old toothbrush: This ensures that you can get deep into every corner. With AirPods, for instance, the protective mesh over the ear tip gets blocked easily, but a quick brush should remove even the smallest particles. Having done this, I also noticed my headphones sounded better, too. Soak your ear tips: Once you've removed any wax or dust, let the silicone tips soak in soapy water for half an hour. Dry thoroughly before reattaching them to the headphones. Don't forget the cable: If you're a hipster or an audiophile you may still have wired headphones. You'd be surprised how often you touch the cable, so remember to give it a regular wipe to remove any bacteria buildup. Clean the charging case: There's no point cleaning your buds if you're just going to plonk them back in a wax-smeared charging cradle. A once-over inside with a clean cotton bud will remove any debris and keep the charging points clear. The outside can be wiped down with soapy water, although avoid contact with the charging socket. Remember to remove any dust from the socket with the toothbrush or (carefully) with a bent paperclip if it's really impacted. Headphone Cleaning Kits If you want to really go to town on your wax-off overhaul, here are our recommended all-in-one solutions to give your earbuds (and your ears) a treat. iFixit Precision Cleaning Kit : This includes 12 precision cleaning tips and contact cleaning liquid that's safe for electronics. A bargain at $10. : This includes 12 precision cleaning tips and contact cleaning liquid that's safe for electronics. A bargain at $10. Belkin AirPods Cleaning Kit : A simple, Apple-approved cleaning kit consisting of brush, cleaning liquid, deionized water, microfibre and cloth. : A simple, Apple-approved cleaning kit consisting of brush, cleaning liquid, deionized water, microfibre and cloth. Jlab headphone cleaning kit: Multipurpose one-piece tech cleaning kit with push-up pen nib for getting in the cracks, refillable cleaning spray bottle, soft sponge and brush—plus the outer case is covered in microfiber for polishing.
