Plenty of us starts our day with a cup of coffee (and we can't imagine our mornings without it) for that extra boost of energy to get us through. Some of us opt for an energy drink over that cup of coffee.
But, did you know that caffeine in your coffee or energy drink may be impacting your body?
Don’t worry. We’ve researched some natural ways you can boost your energy for your busy day without the added side effects of caffeine.
Keep reading to learn more!
How Does Caffeine Affect The Body?
According to research conducted by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, the UK alone consumes about 95 million cups of coffee a day.[10]
Caffeine isn’t just in your morning cup of coffee—it can be found in numerous other beverages, like energy drinks, tea, and soda. It can also be found in various medications and is added to pain relievers to provide faster relief.
According to the Mayo Clinic, most healthy adults can safely consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day and it is typically absorbed within roughly 45 minutes after consumption.[9] However, caffeine can take anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours to peak in the bloodstream.[8] Eventually, your body can even build up a tolerance for it.
While caffeine may temporarily give you a boost of energy to help you get through the day, it is a central nervous system stimulant and can affect your body in various ways[7]:
Rapid heartbeat
Overstimulating the brain, possibly causing confusion
Headaches
Prevents calcium absorption in the bones
Jitters
Increase in anxiety and/or sleep disorder symptoms
Additionally, if you’re taking medications, be cautious when drinking or taking anything that has caffeine in it. Caffeine can interact with medications. Talk to your doctor about potential interactions when starting new medications if you also intake caffeine.
If you’re looking for a way to boost your energy levels, but aren’t interested in the possible effects of caffeine, there are some natural ways to do so.
Natural Ways to Boost Energy Levels
Lifestyle Changes & Habits
You’ve heard it before—the very best way to boost your energy levels naturally is to examine your lifestyle. Where are some places in your life where you need to make a change?
Here are a few of our science-backed suggestions to help you get started[6]:
Feeling stressed often? Stress and anxiety take a lot of energy. Try reaching out to friends and family, or seeking therapy. You can even try some slow meditation or daily yoga to start your day. Keep reading to learn more about another stress-reducing method via supplementation.
How is your work-life balance? Are you overworking yourself, leading to sleepless nights? Are you listening to your body and mind, and giving yourself enough time to rest? We recommend figuring out your main priorities for each day, starting from most important to least, and working from there. When you have some free time, prioritize your rest and relaxation, or do something just for yourself that you really enjoy, like a favourite hobby or reading a good book.
Exercise is vital for your health. Plus, research shows daily exercise supports cell energy to burn and circulate oxygen effectively. Even just going on a brisk walk is a great way to begin—get out there and get moving! Find exercises that make you feel good and stick to them for optimum results.
Not getting enough water will almost always lead to fatigue, plus an onslaught of many other health issues. Remember to always stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fresh water and keeping a full water bottle nearby.
Supplementing with Ashwagandha
Balancing life demands and trying to stay as healthy as possible can be difficult for some people. If that’s the case for you, supplementation may give you the boost you need. Meet Ashwagandha.
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), also known commonly as winter cherry, is a kind of shrub that grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. It is one of the most important herbs in Indian Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest medicinal systems.[5]
Ashwagandha is also a popular balancing herb that historically has been used for various types of mind and body support, including digestion, occasional sleeplessness, stress, and energy.[2] As an adaptogen (a natural plant-derived compound), Aswagandha has been proven to help the body better manage stress.[4] Studies also show Ashwagandha can support energy levels without stimulating your heart the way caffeine does.[1]
How Does Ashwagandha Boosts Energy Levels?
Ashwagandha isn’t just helpful for your mood. Research has shown Ashwagandha is super effective in promoting higher levels of energy. How? Check it out:
Studies show Ashwagandha can increase energy levels by enhancing your body’s resilience to physical and mental stress.[2,3]
Research suggests ashwagandha can also alleviate fatigue associated with exercise.[1]
One study suggested that Ashwagandha may even help to improve endurance during exercise.[1]
Research has also shown Ashwagandha can promote stress relief to the adrenal glands, thus releasing normal levels of the stress hormone cortisol. By supporting the adrenal glands in this way, Ashwagandha supplements can promote deeper levels of relaxation for occasional sleeplessness.[1]
Our maximum strength Ashwagandha Complex contains 100% natural and highly absorbable KSM-66 Ashwagandha, essential B Vitamins, Rhodiola Rosea, L-Theanine, and Passion Flower to reduce fatigue, encourage sleep, boost energy levels and improve mood naturally.
Not to mention, our formulation is made with the most bioavailable and highest quality Ashwagandha available on the market, KSM-66, to ensure optimal absorption and great results.
Looking for more natural ways to stay healthy every day? Click here and discover our range of maximum potency supplements, made with clinically-proven simple ingredients and designed to deliver real health benefits!
Resources:
Shenoy, S., Chaskar, U., Sandhu, J. S., & Paadhi, M. M. (2012, October). Effects of eight-week supplementation of ashwagandha on cardiorespiratory endurance in elite Indian cyclists. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3545242/
Mishra, L. C., Singh, B. B., & Dagenais, S. (2000). Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review. Alternative medicine review: a journal of clinical therapeutic, 5(4), 334–346. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10956379/
Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian journal of psychological medicine, 34(3), 255–262. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.106022
Singh, N., Bhalla, M., de Jager, P., & Gilca, M. (2011). An overview on ashwagandha: a Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines: AJTCAM, 8(5 Suppl), 208–213. https://doi.org/10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.9
Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Military Nutrition Research. Caffeine for the Sustainment of Mental Task Performance: Formulations for Military Operations. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2001. 2, Pharmacology of Caffeine. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK223808/
