Mega Bored
Adrenaline is a hormone that triggers our “fight or flight” response. This is the stuff that compels you to take action when faced with unexpected emotional or physical challenges. There were cases wherein people whose house burned down were able to lift the fridge or even cars on their own.
When enormous amounts of adrenaline course through your veins, more blood is pumped into your organs, you feel alert and your strength will increase significantly for a certain amount of time. Small quantities of adrenaline help keep you alert every day. When there is an imbalance in the adrenal system, it will result in chronic fatigue, drowsiness and sluggishness.
The good news is, certain types of food could help increase energy level, keep adrenaline up, and promote better mental alertness. But be warned though, too much of a good thing could be bad for your health. These all-natural stimulants may be safe, but they should never be used as substitute to proper nutrition, ample exercise, and sleep.
Korean Ginseng
Ginseng is renowned as an all-natural stimulant that improves cognitive functions and physical performance, lowers blood sugar level, and even treats a variety of mental disorders. Studies show that Korean ginseng, in particular, helps improve stamina, endurance, and longevity. American ginseng works as a stimulant too but the Asian variety is more potent.
Guarana
Guarana contains natural compounds that affect the body the same way caffeine does. Its active ingredient, guaranine, boosts cognitive function; improves memory, concentration, and alertness; and increases task performance. And unlike caffeine, you don’t get annoying side effects like tremors. What’s more, guarana’s stimulating effects last for 8 to 10 hours. This herb is usually taken by cancer patients undergoing chemo to prevent “chemo-brain.”
Chia Seeds
The superfood of the moment, chia seeds do more than just inject the body with antioxidants and essential vitamins! Chia seeds also work to trigger mental alertness, endurance, and stamina. This nutritious health food was once consumed by Aztecs who went to battle for 9 hours straight!
Cold-Pressed, Organic Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is typically used for cooking but it can also be taken as a supplement to increase energy. Coconut oil’s active compounds contain energizing elements but not all coconut oil contain these compounds. Organically produced, cold-pressed coconut oils are effective in increasing energy level and improving organ function. Overly processed coconut oil used for frying is considered unhealthy because it contains high levels of bad cholesterol.
Maca Powder
Maca powder, derived from Maca root, is another popular stimulant, especially in Latin America where it originated. It contains high level of natural energizing properties. Just add a spoonful of maca powder to your favorite smoothies and you get sustained energy all day long! You can also add maca powder to cocoa or coffee as a substitute for coffee creamer.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper doesn’t just help you lose weight; it could also stimulate blood flow to the brain. The result? You feel more alert and energized. You can take cayenne pepper the old fashioned way (adding it to the food you eat) or even take a cayenne pill to keep you going all day!
