Get More Energy Without The Health Hazards of Coffee and Energy Drinks
- By Kimberly Snyder
Everyone needs a little pick-me-up from time to time. Caffeine use has soared in the United States. Whether it is coffee, caffeinated soda, or energy drinks, people turn to caffeine in growing numbers to give them a boost. In fact, a 2005 issue of New Scientist reported that about 90 percent of North Americans say they use some form of caffeine every day. Even more surprising, a University of Nebraska Medical Center survey reported that 75 percent of the children they surveyed reported daily caffeine use (!). Are we raising kids to be caffeine addicts from the start?
Caffeine is physically and psychologically addictive. The Johns Hopkins Medical Center reports withdrawal symptoms that include headaches, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, depression and irritability, and difficulty concentrating, which can occur in people consuming as little as a single cup of coffee every day.
Along with withdrawal symptoms, caffeine causes other physical issues as well including dehydration, jitteriness, and stomach problems. Caffeinated beverages may also exacerbate certain health conditions including anemia, irritable bowel syndrome, kidney stones, osteoporosis, ulcers, and pre-menstrual syndrome among many others.
Caffeine can contribute to adrenal exhaustion, which can lead to undereye circles and puffiness. Caffeine must be processed through your liver, which adds a burden to the liver on top of all its detoxifying and fat-burning duties. It should never be consumed casually- it has a lot of unbalancing affects on the body.
It’s clear to me that America needs to cut back on caffeine, but I know how difficult it can be to do so. Along with physical withdrawal, people have come to rely on its energy- boosting benefits and many truly believe they can’t get through the day without some form of artificial energy, which is what caffeine is. It is basically a drug.
For those of you who feel that way, I’ve got great news! You can boost your energy through natural means that nurture and support your body.
1. Cut out the caffeine:
It may seem counter-intuitive, but the first step to increasing your natural energy levels is removing the artificial boost you get from caffeine. If you’re among the 90 percent of North Americans that drink caffeine daily, there’s a good chance you will experience some withdrawal symptoms when you do. The more caffeine you consume, the more severe those symptoms may be. Headaches can last up to 48 hours, and the other symptoms may take a week to subside. While that sounds unpleasant, if you take a long-term view of your health, then that uncomfortable week can serve as a means to an end. A week of discomfort can lead to a lifetime of better health, and that sounds totally worth it to me. If you’d like to minimize withdrawal symptoms, taper off slowly cutting back your caffeine intake by half and then half again over the course of several days. How you choose to do it is up to you. While some people like to rip the bandage off quickly by quitting cold turkey, others like to take their time. Whichever you choose, I promise it will be well worth the effort!
You’ll see in time that your coffee drinking was just a habit- and you are stronger than your habits.
2. Get more sleep
It’s true! You may be lacking in energy because you’re not sleeping enough. Although there is no magic number, most adults need around seven to nine hours of sleep per night and they’re not getting it. Okay, I admit: I don’t remember the last time I got nine hours of sleep during the week, but I try to shoot for 7 myself. The National Sleep Foundation reports about 63 percent of adults don’t get enough sleep, and the average adult gets less than seven hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep is associated with reduced energy; poor cognitive function; increased risk of serious health complications like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, depression; and increased rate of aging. If you are among the sleep deprived, caffeine actually worsens this effect.
Ready to improve your sleep for more natural energy? Set a sleep schedule and stick to it. Consistency can reinforce your sleeping and waking schedule, so sleep the same on weekends you do on weeknights. Create a bedtime ritual for yourself.
I find it really helpful to get off my computer at least an hour or two before going to bed. Whatever you do, don’t fall asleep to the TV. You don’t want to absorb negative subconscious energies.
3. Start your day with a Glowing Green Smoothie
The GGS is a natural energy booster. It is packed with vitamins and minerals, and it doesn’t weigh down your digestive system by sapping your energy to digest heavy foods. The GGS is the best way I know to get your day off to the right energetic start!
I have many clients who have cut coffee out or WAY back just from consuming the GGS regularly in the mornings.
4. Eat high-energy foods
While many people turn to sugar for an energy kick, it can actually zap your energy. Instead eat foods that contain beneficial nutrients and complex carbohydrates, which burn slowly to provide great energy without weighing you down. Try super grains like quinoa and millet, have a few nuts, and eat plenty of colorful vegetables.
5. Exercise
I know how hard it can be to motivate yourself to exercise, especially when you’re tired. Still, engaging in physical activity can boost energy levels more than stimulants like caffeine. Take a brisk, 30-minute walk early in the day to wake up your body and boost your energy all day long.
Sometimes I just take mini yoga breaks from my computer and being with my clients all day, and just do a few poses for 10 minutes at a time on my living room floor. It really helps! My favorite pose lately by the way is Virabhadrasana II, or Warrior 2. I love how strong and centered it makes me feel.
6. De-stress
Stress is an energy drain. When you are chronically stressed, your body releases hormones and chemicals that affect nearly all of your systems. While initially stress may appear to give you a burst of energy via the fight or flight response, as it progresses, stress saps you of energy and produces a host of physical outcomes including reduced immunity, weight gain, poor blood sugar control, and digestive problems. All of these can further drain your energy, putting you in a downward spiral of stress and physical illness.
That’s why stress control is so important for energy. It’s a stressful world, but you can develop strategies that help you cope. Giving your body the nutritional support it needs is extremely important. So is taking time out for yourself for at least a little while every day no matter how busy you are. Other stress busters include yoga, deep breathing, listening to music, exercise, meditation, and visualization. Find a strategy that works for you and give yourself the gift of taking time daily to decompress.
A lot of people talk about such things wistfully but never stick to a program. If you have any interest at all in meditation but have no clue where to start, I highly recommend the book Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramhansa Yogananda, who is my guru and whose meditation techniques I practice. You can also check out some info here.
7. Try some coconut oil
I love coconut oil! Not only does it beautify you from the inside out, but it contains medium chain fatty acids that supply long-lasting, immediate energy. Coconut oil also supports thyroid function, which can provide a significant energy boost. When I cook with oils, coconut oil is the only one I use.
There’s no need to rely on caffeine to give you energy. By using the above methods, you’ll be able to supercharge your energy without a cup of coffee or energy drink, and your health will benefit in the process.
10 Herbs and Spices to Energize Your Sex Drive
- By Kimberly Snyder
Have things not been as hot as you’d like in the bedroom lately? Perhaps you find yourself saying “not tonight honey more often than you’d like. Stress, exhaustion, hormonal fluctuations and less than optimal health can all leave you feeling less than your sexiest and just a little blah, which can adversely affect your sex life.
Since a healthy sex life is a stress buster, joy inducer, and is really good way to connect in your relationship, sex isn’t something you want to let go by the wayside. The yogis will say not to overdo sex too much, but finding a good balance is the key. So if you’ve been turning your partner down a little more in the bedroom that you’d like, perhaps it’s time to turn to some natural spices to turn the heat up.
1. Saffron
These little yellow threads add flavor and color to the traditional rice dish paella. While saffron is expensive, a tiny bit goes a long way. Large amounts can result in overdose (so don’t take it as a supplement), but just a thread or two can increase sex drive, according to a 2011 University of Guelph study presented in the journal Food and Research International. Saffron also has antioxidant qualities and supplies selenium, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. Try making some saffron brown rice.
2. Fenugreek
The seeds of this plant are commonly found in curries, and other Indian cuisine. The spice itself has a warm, intriguing flavor. A Centre for Integrative Clinical and Molecular Medicine study conducted in 2011 showed that taking fenugreek increased the sex drive in low-libido men. Fenugreek may also help lower blood sugar levels in diabetics, and lactating women have used the spice for decades to increase milk production. Fenugreek seeds are also one of the easiest seeds to sprout, and one of my personal faves.
2. Fennel
This licorice-flavored herb looks a little like celery with lacy fronds at the top. You can chop fennel stalks and add them to foods much like you would celery, or use the fronds to flavor foods. You can also grind the seeds as a spice. The ancient Egyptians used fennel to boost women’s libido, and it turns out there is a good reason it worked. Fennel contains chemicals that may increase sex drive. Fennel is also used to aid digestion, assist with lactation, and to loosen phlegm in bronchial passages. Okay, I admit I personally think licorice is just nasty, but if you like it it will be great for you to use for your benefit!
4. Cloves
This warming, slightly sweet spice increases blood flow and body temperature. Cloves also increase energy and ingesting them leaves you sweetly scented. All of these serve to create a powerful sexual attractant. Cloves are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, manganese, and vitamin K, and they contain eugenol, which serves as an antiseptic and mild anesthetic.
5. Garlic
It always makes me chuckle when I include garlic on a list of sex-enhancing foods. After all, people on dates often avoid garlic because they don’t want to kill the mood with smelly breath when the evening turns to romance. Still, regardless of how it makes your breath smell, the high levels of allicin in garlic improves blood flow to your sexual organs, and that’s a turn on. So what’s more important??? There’s always parsley for your breath. Garlic is also great for your heart, and it has anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties.
6. Ginger
How much do I love ginger? This warming herb comes from the root of the ginger plant, and it imparts a spicy, slightly sweet flavor and scent. Like garlic, ginger increases blood flow, especially to the sexual organs. It also warms you up, and it smells a lot better than garlic. Many cultures have used ginger as an aphrodisiac, and Dr. Mehmet Oz confirmed it on a recent show, when he listed ginger as one of his top 4 libido boosters. Ginger is also high in potassium, magnesium, and copper. It is a great anti-nausea substance, and has anti-inflammatory effects.
7. Cardamom
The ancient healing art of Ayurveda recommends cardamom for low libido. This spice contains high levels of cineole, which increases blood flow to the male and female sexual regions. That may increase desire. Cardamom also balances doshas (Ayurvedic body energies), and has detoxifying properties. I use cardamom in my home-made chai teas.
8. Nutmeg
Another sweetly scented spice, nutmeg has long been used in Indian culture as a very popular libido booster. In Africa, many people refer to nutmeg as “Viagra for women.” Researchers at the Aligarh Muslim University in Aligarh, India tested nutmeg as an aphrodisiac using animal studies and found that it did, indeed, increase sexual behaviors. It is great sprinkled on top of sweet potatoes.
9. Cayenne
It only make sense that hot peppers will cause a little sizzle in the bedroom. Cayenne and similar hot peppers not only heat up the body, but they also speed metabolism and increase blood flow to sensitive areas. Eating cayenne also gives you an attractive, flushed appearance, which may help heat things up for your partner, as well. Cayenne may also be beneficial to heart health, and could help you lose weight by firing up your metabolism.
10. Basil
This sweet herb has a pleasant taste and stimulating scent that is known to increase sex drive. In fact, Italians call Basil “Kiss me Nicholas,” and ancient Greeks served basil to horses to before they bred them. Many attribute basil’s sweet scent with its sex-boosting properties, so take a heady whiff and see if it doesn’t get you in the mood!
Shay Morgan - Erotic Shop Sex and Relationship Coach / Counselor
I have been a writer and advocate for a healthy living and believe everyone can have a wonderful, fulfilling sex life. After years of sex product reviews, Erotica writing, and learning what it means to be in a healthy sexual relationship (alone and with a partner). I started dedicating myself to teach and guide others to a happy and fulfilling lifestyle.
Through the years, I have found true happiness with myself, health and sexual desires. Finding that a better love and sex life starts from within and radiates out.
I can teach you what it is like to live the natural way and guide you through the stepping-stones to a better love life with yourself and with your partner. The most wonderful feeling is to not just knowing you feel good on the outside, but on the inside as well. The base of your satisfaction starts with you. Let me guide you to a better and happier you. With me, you do not have to be shy or embarrassed about your questions or sexuality. I will not judge you. There are too many people looking in the wrong direction for honest help. Time to stop this trend. I am here. I will help guide you to your path of fulfillment!
Post on your Facebook wall:
The Erotic Shop is my favorite sex and relationship therapeutic organization:
http://www.erotic-shop.com/
Stress and our Sexual Health
- By: Shay Morgan - Erotic Shop Sex and Relationship Coach / Counselor
At some point in our adult lives, we come across a moment of weakness where stress and problems affect our bodies. Nutritional issues and defects start to show, negative sleeping habits may come into affect, even poor eating habits may start to develop. I have learned, that's not all that happens. It also seeps into your relationships. Your friendships. Your family life. The worst? Your sex life. Yes, if you have issues with stress, whether at home or at work (however it may be), it can affect SEX. Your, libido.
What the heck is a libido?
Your libido, also known as a person's sex drive or desire for sexual activity, becomes affected when your mind becomes aroused. If you become stressed on everyday life, or during a major event, you become less aware of your desire for sex. Which decreases your libido. As a female, most of us take out stress on our emotions. Which causes us to lose our sexual desire. Males on the other hand, most use sex as a outlet for stress relief. Allowing them to be calmer and feel better about any situation they may be encountering during that time in their life.
How do we identify when stress has affected our libido?
Most of the time we are in a relationship and we can't seem to "make it work" in the bedroom. Maybe we just don't have the energy we used to have to enjoy our normal, everyday sexual fun. Our turn on's, don't do it the way they did. We feel annoyed at sex or sexual activity and maybe orgasms become harder to accomplish. As difficult as it is to admit to it, identifying it will help to put a end to it. To start the process of fixing.
What can we do fix it?
After identifying the issue, starting with what can help you to decrease the stress (or problems), can help. Whether its organization to balance life, seeing a therapist, a counselor, a guide, taking a vacation.. That is the first step. Even talking to your partner, family or friends. Depending on your type of stress, that is. Sometimes, people start groups, or meetings, to speak with others that have the same type of stress or issues to help overcome it.
Remember, we all have many different levels of stress. It's better to work on your stress one step at a time in order to overcome it. We also have to remember its not just stress that can affect the libido, so always make sure you speak with a physician. If you feel you are stress free and have these problems still, seek professional help. Always.
Are medications right for me?
Although we do feel hopeless during this, there alternative options for medications that people believe help with stress and depression. Except.. There is PROVEN fact that some (actually most) of these anti-depressant (anti-anxiety) drugs can cause side effects and long term damage of decreased sexual desire and other permanent health problems. So if you are on medications like these, or plan to be, talk with your physician. This way you can get your facts before starting or stopping these types of treatments. I personally feel better with a healthy diet and natural remedies. The less toxins in the body, the better!
What else can I do?
Try masturbating! Not joking. Bring your sex drive back. I found if I can't get myself to "that point", I can't get anything going! Let alone with a partner. Even try mutual masturbation with your partner if you really just can't stand to touch yourself (or just ready for some fun). Bringing YOUR flame back. Your libido. Set aside some time for yourself and allow yourself to take away the stress. Remember, if you aren't happy, your body isn't happy which can lead to becoming unhealthy. You want to be the best YOU possible!
Need more help? Just ask any of us here at Erotic Shop. We are here to guide you through everything. You can be healthy and have a great sex life. But first, you must start within yourself. With confidence, a little bit of work, and a clear mind .. You can have the best sex life to date! Enjoy!
- You are here:
-
Home
- Articles
