Part two of the story.
So my very non-scientific mind looked at that and said, “It must help digest fats and pass them through…well, that’s always good.”
Then I saw a message board where a diabetic young woman was writing that since she started drinking 1 or 2 Sugar Free Red Bulls a day, her sugar levels were doing fantastic. In fact, she was running experiments on herself where she’d drink a Red Bull. Wait a half hour. She’d test her sugar and then eat something really high in sugar such as a handful of jelly beans. She knew from previous experience when her spike would occur and she swore that by drinking the Red Bull there was NO spike in the levels. I saw a few other similar posts from other diabetics swearing by this information. My low carbing mind started thinking,..."What if you knew you were going to be put into a cheating situation such as a birthday party and you drank a Red Bull before you got there? Would it make a difference?" My sister says yes. After I bounced this theory off her, she tested it. It was not a small cheat by any means and it would have produced a normal 5 pound gain for her that would take a week to take off. It only produced a 2 pound gain that came off within a day.
So my ever-turning low carb mind said, "Ok, what if you DON'T cheat, what effect will the Red Bull have?" And that is what I want to find out on my own body.
After going to the Red Bull site at
www.redbull.com I see there is 1000 mg in a serving. At this time I am also going to get some taurine in a vitamin supplement and see if taking the supplement makes the difference. I noticed in the Atkins Blood Sugar supplements, they have 300mg of taurine and recommend taking 3 capsules a day (back up to the magic number of 1000 mg). So all this tells me...there is something to the taurine!
I'll report more later as I see results.
08/01/03 I noticed something very unusual. (men, you may want to pay attention even though at first glance you'll be repulsed). Today I started my menstrual bleeding, that's not the unusual part. I did NOT bloat, cramp or have any clue it was coming and it took me totally off guard. I'm wondering if the taurine had anything to do with that. I'll keep a watch on next month, but this is the first time I can remember in 10 or more YEARS that one just crept on me without PMS or bloating or weight gain. If this is true, guys, you may want to slip your woman a Sugar Free Red Bull...everyday!! (or at least some taurine)
08/06/03 Looking at my web server referral reports and this page is referenced all over the low carb & diet chat rooms!! So many of you are saying that taurine is only necessary for cats...WRONG! Many of you are saying taurine is "useless" and it's the B vitamins doing all the alert feelings...WRONG! Many of you are convinced its the caffiene content...WRONG! IT'S THE TAURINE! I have not had a Red Bull in a couple weeks but take only the 3000 mg daily of taurine...I feel great on it, I have the extra energy without the jitters. Give it a try before you bash! I wish I could sign on and write a few lines on every board this is referenced EVERY DAY but I just don't have the time. Pleasantly surprised you're talking about it.
And here's the obligatory disclaimer on this article: This is opinion only. I am not a doctor. I do not endorse this product being used by diabetics or anyone else as a substitute for any medications prescribed or otherwise. If you have any questions regarding this product please ask the manufacturers directly at
www.redbull.com Because energy drinks usually carry caffiene be aware that this can dehydrate you. Be sure to drink plenty of water - everyday! Also, my own word of advice - don't live on energy drinks as a sole source of energy when you really need a full good night's rest.