Many people experience side effects from using caffeine regularly. Caffeine can make some people irritable or jittery, or even cause digestive issues. Too much caffeine may contribute to health problems like insomnia and anxiety, among others. It’s no wonder some people want to take a break from it.
If you want to take a break from caffeine but don’t want to lose that energy boost, take a look at these seven alternatives. They may give you the energy you need without the side effects you dislike.
1 – L-Theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid that can be found in green teas. This organic compound may have a variety of beneficial properties.
L-theanine may help support neurotransmitters that aid metabolism. These neurotransmitters include serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Healthy levels of these neurotransmitters may help you maintain a positive mood and help support cognitive functions. A positive mood and a clear head may translate to increased mental energy. This can help with complex or difficult tasks and may help you resist demotivational influences like mental fatigue.
2 – Peppermint
Peppermint is a member of the Mentha genus of plant species. Peppermint and some other mint species may provide a temporary boost of energy thanks to many compounds, including menthol, rosmarinic acid, and hesperidin.
Menthol, a primary ingredient in many mint species, may have strong antioxidant properties, support cognitive functions, and may increase circulation. Rosmarinic acid is a phenolic compound with possible anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetes, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. Hesperidin is a bioflavonoid that may boost nutrient and oxygen levels.
The temporary energy boost from peppermint may come from extra oxygen in the blood, increased circulation, or maybe an entourage effect.
3 – Ginger
There are over 1600 species of ginger. They are members of the Zingiberaceae family of plants. This herb is used for many purposes around the world and is rich in many organic compounds, including gingerols.
Gingerols are a group of organic compounds that include 6-gingerol, 0-gingerol, and more. They may contribute to ginger’s antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties, as well as its other possible benefits. Gingerols may aid digestion and boost metabolism. These properties working in concert may make it easier for your body to generate, store, and use energy more efficiently.
4 – CBD
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a botanical supplement that comes from cannabis. It is manufactured in three different varieties.
CBD isolates are the purest form of CBD. Isolates are made in the lab and contain no terpenes or other natural compounds found in the plant. Full spectrum CBD contains CBD plus all the terpenes and other compounds taken from the plant, including up to 0.3% THC. Broad-spectrum CBD offers a middle ground between the two, with extra plant compounds but without the THC, which may be chemically removed.
CBD is a cannabinoid that works on the endocannabinoid system, which manages many processes in the human body, including processes that manufacture metabolic energy. CBD may help your body manage metabolic energy more efficiently, providing a temporary energy boost.
5 – Gotu Kola
Gotu kola, or Centella Asiatica, is used in traditional medicine in some cultures. It contains a unique combination of bioactive compounds. These compounds include triterpenes which may aid with cognitive functions and sopanines that may have anti-inflammatory properties. Gotu kola contains phytosterols that may help control cholesterol levels and polyphenols that may provide overall health support. Other compounds include asiatic acid, essential oils, and more.
The active ingredients in gotu kola may work as a group to boost cognitive functions, decrease inflammation, and increase circulation. This combination of properties may provide a temporary boost of energy.
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6 – Kratom
Kratom is a popular ethnobotanical used in Southeast Asia and other parts of the world. It is available in different varieties, or strains, which have different combinations of alkaloids, the active ingredient in kratom. The most common strains are red, white, and green.
Kratom trees, or Mitragyna Speciosa, grow in tropical regions. When you buy kratom online or see it in a shop, you will probably find products arranged by color and country of origin. Country of origin can matter since different regions have different types of soil and growing conditions. This may affect the combination of alkaloids in each strain of kratom, so regional variations may make a difference in duration, strength, and other properties.
Primary alkaloids in kratom include mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. These alkaloids may provide a short-term energy boost by increasing circulation, increasing oxygen levels in the blood, or by a combination of properties that have yet to be fully understood. These alkaloids may be found in the highest concentrations in white and green kratom products, regardless of country of origin.
7 – Rhodiola
Rhodiola rosea is a perennial plant that grows in colder climates. It is native to areas of Great Britain, Europe, and Siberia, and is under clinical research for possible anti-aging, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Rhodiola contains a complex mixture of organic compounds that include flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenes, and more. These compounds include tyrosol and salidroside, which may increase the level of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in your cells. Since ATP is a chemical storehouse for energy, you may feel a short-term energy boost with more ATP in your cells.
Use With Care
The botanicals mentioned in this article are powerful and should not be underestimated. If you choose to use them, do so with care, and follow all of the directions on the package of the product you are using.
Caffeine can have unwanted side effects while coffee and tea often contain unhealthy additives. It may not hurt to occasionally purge yourself of these substances. By using the supplements discussed in this article, you may be able to stop using caffeine without suffering a dip in your daily energy.
