Energy drinks may provide an instant boost of superhuman energy levels, but that quick fix comes at a price. A new study found that just a few sips send stress hormones soaring by up to 74 percent in young adults. And if the effect is that dramatic on strong-hearted youngsters, it could be especially harmful to those with compromised blood pressure.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, gave one group a fake energy drink that had the same amount of sugar and calories as a brand-name energy drink, but without added stimulants such as ginseng, caffeine, taurine and milk thistle extract. The other group drank 16 ounces of the brand-name drink. This group saw a 74 percent increase in the hormone norepinephrine, commonly known as the “fight-or-flight” stress hormone. The control group only had a 30 percent increase.

Norepinephrine can be a very useful hormone when it’s needed. The body naturally produces it in times of extreme stress — like being chased by a bear. The hormone increases the heart’s ability to contract and boosts attentiveness in the brain. But studying for an exam is not the time for such extreme measures.

The beverage industry has countered the study, saying drinking coffee produces similar results. More research is needed, but the takeaway is that pregnant or nursing women and heart patients should avoid drinking energy drinks. Kids especially shouldn’t be touching the stuff — it’s been linked with hyperactivity and inattention, increasing symptoms by up to 66 percent.

If you need a natural energy boost, try yoga or singing your favorite song. You can also drink water to fight dehydration, sniff some cinnamon or peppermint, eat some complex carbs or get a dose of sunshine — all proven energy enhancers, minus the sugar crash.