5 Alternatives to Caffeine

Many of us can’t properly wake up in the morning without a boost of caffeine! While drinking caffeinated beverages such as coffee and tea might seem like the easiest way to perk up, there are actually many products and lifestyle changes that can enhance your energy and focus… without caffeine! So before you reach for your next cup of joe, check out these alternatives to caffeine. 

1. Drink Enough Water

While drinking enough water is always important, did you know that even a small amount of dehydration can have a serious impact on your concentration, causing brain fog or fatigue? If you’re feeling tired or under the weather, pour yourself a tall glass of water and see if it has an impact on your energy levels. Long periods of dehydration can even make you feel lightheaded and unable to focus altogether! If you had coffee and then feel more tired, it is likely because of dehydration… coffee acts as a diuretic, and can in fact lead to further dehydration.

2. Golden Milk

Based on mixing Turmeric and milk with various variations and recipes, this drink is full of anti-inflammatory ingredients. Drinking Golden Milk not only boosts your energy levels, but its anti-oxidant properties can even help protect against cancer, by preventing free radicals from escaping in your body. Further, it can help improve your focus as well as support your memory, prevent brain fog, and boost your overall immune system! Golden, indeed!

3. Red Bush Tea

Commonly known as Rooibos Tea, Red Bush Tea can be helpful in preventing low blood sugar, which can in turn prevent fatigue and improve focus. It can even help prevent iron deficiency issues, commonly seen in those regularly ingesting the tannins in coffee and tea, as it allows for proper absorption of iron. Red Bush Tea can also help prevent cancer by inhibiting tumor growth and killing cancer cells.

4. Dandy Blend

If you love drinking coffee for the taste but don’t enjoy the jittery sensation that comes with caffeine or don’t want to develop a dependency, Dandy Blend is an excellent alternative! One of its main ingredients, dandelion, actually has trace materials that through adrenal functions can provide extra energy, prevent stress, and even help digestion!

5. Take A Cold Shower

Brr! While taking a cold shower might not sound fun, especially on those freezing winter mornings, studies have shown that cold showers activate similar brain elements to very mild electroshock therapy. This stimulation can help you become more alert, awake and in some cases even help combat depression. Taking a cold shower can also help improve your metabolism; so while you will stay more alert, you can also be progressing towards those diet goals!

Now that you know more about natural alternatives to caffeine, we hope that you will hesitate as you reach for your regular morning beverage. If you are looking for a naturopath to support your life and health goals in the Pickering region, contact Dr. Cecilia Ho today. Call Dr. Cecilia Ho at 905-492-8688 to learn more about how naturopathic medicine can improve your health.