14 like 4 dislike
in General Factchecking by Newbie (370 points)
Celsius and other caffeinated drinks can lead to brain fog and fatigue.
by Novice (700 points)
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While you do make a good point about the misleading title, and it is commendable that you sought out the referenced sources from the article--I think your fact check could be improved if you 1. link the sources you are claiming are reputable and 2. seek out another source or study that is not linked from the original source to check for verification, and then link those. While it seems like you understand the point of the article and its downfalls, to further verify the information you are reading I think a bit more research is necessary.
by (180 points)
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While there has been studies that caffeine can cause brain fog, the claim that specifically Celsius causes brain fog can be awfully misleading. I was unable to find any information on the internet connecting brain fog to celsius, but it is a known fact that caffeine can contribute to brain fog. So while this claim could lean towards the truth, it is overall false and misleading.
by Novice (620 points)
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I Agree that tolerance plays a big role! People metabolize caffeine differently, which makes it hard to predict brain fog effects for everyone. Some feel wired after a small amount, while others need much more. This variation in tolerance and metabolism shows why caffeine’s impact on focus and fatigue can’t be generalized without considering individual factors like age and daily habits.
by Newbie (230 points)
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The answer itself was great and descriptive, but the claim itself was very broad and misleading. The article seems to talk more about caffeine as opposed to celsius specifically as that is just an example of a caffeinated beverage.
ago by (180 points)
edited ago by
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You make a strong point about the misleading title. you acknowledged the reference to articles however lacked the actual source providing.  Providing direct links to the sources would strengthen the argument, as it allows others to easily verify the information. Additionally, seeking out an independent source or study not linked in the original article would add even more credibility.

59 Answers

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by Newbie (300 points)
The article explores the idea of caffeine-induced "cognitive lapses," which are associated with a condition that cannot be officially diagnosed, known as "brain fog." It claims that people with symptoms of brain fog experience chronic fatigue, which may be a result of caffeine overconsumption. As caffeine is a stimulant, it poses the risk of influencing sleep patterns. Every can of Celsius does contain a large dose of caffeine, so it makes sense that these symptoms may become present for those who frequently consume the beverage. This article only addresses caffeine in general in association to brain fog, not Celsius in specific. So there is no direct evidence present that the brand itself is causing these cognitive lapses. It can be inferred that Celsius causes symptoms of brain fog through the evidence provided, but because the claim is so vague and brain fog cannot be officially diagnosed, it can't be determined that this is 100% accurate.
0 like 0 dislike
by Novice (700 points)

This article claims that caffeinated drinks can lead to brain fog and fatigue due to its wakening effects that cause those caffinated to be sleep deprieved. This article is from Livestrong which seems to be a pretty trusted source. It provives reaserch and quotes from doctors and sleep experts. They claim that the caffine itself is not what is making you foggy, it's the fact that you're tired from the lack of sleep as an effect of the caffine. This seems to be true. I cross checked with the National Institute of Health, a trusted source, which follows along the same ideas that are stated in the article. Overall, I would say that the article itself seems pretty legit and caffeinated drinks do have effects that lead to sleep depervation causing brain fog and fatigue. What I think is misleading in this claim is the heading "Celsius causes brain fog". The article doesn't dive into celsius in paticular so it seems more like click bait.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8202818/

Exaggerated/ Misleading
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by Newbie (480 points)
The article claims that drinks like Celsius and other caffeinated beverages can lead to brain fog and fatigue, particularly after restless nights and sleep deprivation. While caffeine intake may contribute to these symptoms, it is not the sole or primary cause of brain fog and fatigue. As Dr. Dennis Lipton explains, "people with brain fog may not realize how bad they feel until they treat it and suddenly feel—and think—better." This suggests that while caffeine can be a factor, it’s just one element in a broader picture of sleep deprivation and overall health.

Caffeine, in itself, is not the leading cause of these symptoms but can certainly play a role in exacerbating them, especially when consumed late in the day. Lipton notes that treatment for these issues can be relatively simple, including improving sleep hygiene—such as going to bed earlier, consuming less caffeine, and reducing alcohol intake. Brain fog and fatigue are often the result of multiple factors, including chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), insomnia, or poor sleep habits. Caffeine is often used by those suffering from these conditions to combat daytime drowsiness, but this only masks the underlying problem rather than addressing it.

The article also cites research from Christopher Drake and colleagues, who point out that "caffeine taken 6 hours before bedtime has important disruptive effects on sleep." This underscores the importance of sleep hygiene and the need to avoid caffeine in the hours leading up to sleep. Many individuals who suffer from chronic fatigue may rely on caffeine too frequently or too late in the day, which disrupts their sleep cycles and perpetuates a vicious cycle of fatigue and poor sleep quality.

Ultimately, the headline of this article is designed to grab attention but is somewhat misleading. While caffeine consumption can influence sleep patterns and exacerbate symptoms like brain fog and fatigue, it is not the direct cause. Rather, these symptoms are often a consequence of broader issues like sleep deprivation, poor sleep quality, and lifestyle factors. The real issue lies in the lack of adequate rest, which can be improved with better sleep habits and lifestyle changes.

https://www.vailhealth.org/news/could-it-be-brain-fog
Exaggerated/ Misleading
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by Novice (590 points)

The claim that "Celsius causes brain fog" might exaggerated because it lacks specificity around caffeine’s full effects plus general brain fog causes from person to person. Brain fog, a state of mental fatigue or reduced clarity, can come from many different factors, like diet, dehydration, or other health conditions other than being solely attributed to one drink. According to Norwest Chiropractic, "Ultimately, caffeine does not address the root cause of your brain fog."

While caffeine, Celsius’s main active ingredient, can change alertness, the effects depend on the individual. In moderation, caffeine is known boosts mental clarity, but excessive intake can lead to dehydration or overstimulation, possibly resulting in brain fog for some people. Also, withdrawal from caffeine in more frequent users could temporarily cause brain fog like symptoms, like as headache or fatigue, but this is not specific to Celsius and can happen with any caffeinated beverage.

Also those with conditions such as ADHD can affect ones response to caffeine because of it's influence on dopamine production and can even lead to tiredness according to Effective Effort.

Sources: 

https://norwestchiro.co.nz/7-reasons-why-you-are-having-a-brain-fog

https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/nutrition/energy.htm#:~:text=These%20legal%20stimulants%20can%20increase,%2C%20heart%20rate%2C%20and%20breathing.&text=These%20drinks%20are%20often%20used,effect%20on%20the%20nervous%20system.

https://www.celsius.com/essential-facts/

https://effectiveeffortconsulting.com/why-does-coffee-make-me-sleepy-adhd-caffeine/#:~:text=Individuals%20with%20ADHD%20often%20struggle,even%20more%20challenging%20to%20manage.

Exaggerated/ Misleading
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by Newbie (380 points)

Celsius, which contains caffeine, when you drink more than the recommended amount can lead to brain fog, but this can happen with any product/drink that contains caffeine. The article specifically states that as well. There are multiple reasons why the article lists how caffeine affects you in the long term when you aren't moderating the amount you are taking.

ago by (180 points)
0 0
I completely agree that tolerance is a key factor. You made a good point that everyone processes caffeine differently, which is why its effects on brain fog can vary so much. This difference in how we metabolize caffeine highlights why its impact on focus and fatigue isn’t the same for everyone.
0 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (370 points)
The article title claims that Celsius can lead to brain fog but I feel this can be misleading since it is specifically geared towards the brand. It also claims that caffeine can disrupt the sleep schedule, which I believe to be true since lots of other studies have stated the same claim.
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by (180 points)
Reliable sources provide significant evidence for the article's claims. Given that changes in blood sugar levels affect cognitive function, blood sugar imbalances can in fact cause brain fog . It is advised to consult your doctor if you are obtaining enough sleep but are still having brain fog because this could indicate additional health problems. Established methods for enhancing cognitive clarity include changing one's lifestyle to include regular exercise, stress management, and hydration. Frequent exercise, particularly cardiovascular activity, has been shown to improve mood and mental function. It also has additional advantages for older persons and dementia risk individuals.

When taken in moderation, caffeine can enhance cognitive performance; but, if taken in excess (over 600 mg), it can cause adverse effects such as anxiety, sleeplessness, and jitters. Because of their increased sensitivity, children, teenagers, and pregnant women should take less caffeine. Blood sugar fluctuations brought on by adding sugars or syrups to coffee can worsen symptoms of exhaustion and cognitive difficulties.Even though caffeine can improve cognition when used in moderation, it's vital to take into consideration other elements like exercise, sleep, and hydration because they are also essential for reducing brain fog and increasing mental focus.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/blood-sugar-on-the-brain

https://www.vailhealth.org/news/could-it-be-brain-fog

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-quit-caffeine

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3805807/
Exaggerated/ Misleading
0 like 0 dislike
ago by (150 points)
While some websites I found describe energy drinks in general to have some negative effects on your health such as anxiety and a rapid heart rate, I was unable to find trustworthy sources pointing Celsius specifically to brain fog, making the comment misleading. Health websites like https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-energy-drinks-bad-for-you described energy drinks as having negative health impacts if you down one or multiple energy drinks or mix them with other substances, but do not mention affects on your focus on "brain fog." Additionally, this website from CNBC and written by a Harvard brain expert, said some things like a high intake in sugar can lead to a lack of focus or brain's attention, but no where in the article does it mention Celsius specifically. This makes the claim too misleading as there is not clear evidence that Celsius has these effects on our brains.
Exaggerated/ Misleading
0 like 0 dislike
ago by (180 points)
The article explores the effects of caffeine on brain fog and fatigue, linking to several sources for deeper insights. Dr. Dennis Lipton points out that many people with brain fog don’t realize how poorly they feel until they treat underlying issues like sleep deprivation. While caffeine isn’t the primary cause of brain fog, it can contribute to poor sleep, which worsens symptoms. Lipton suggests simple fixes like going to bed earlier, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, or addressing sleep apnea. https://www.vailhealth.org/news/could-it-be-brain-fog. Caffeine is often used by those with chronic fatigue or insomnia, but research by Christopher Drake et al. shows that consuming it even six hours before bed can significantly disrupt sleep. Many people rely on caffeine late in the day, perpetuating a cycle of poor sleep and fatigue. While the article’s headline grabs attention, it’s misleading. Caffeine doesn’t directly cause brain fog, it disrupts sleep, which in turn can lead to symptoms like fatigue and dehydration .https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3805807/.
Exaggerated/ Misleading

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