Need Energy

Need Energy
Don’t drink energy drinks
Go Natural Instead

​Energy drinks are very popular. The global energy drink market was worth $39 billion in 2013 and is forecast to reach $61 billion by 2021.  This is a real problem according to many health organizations. Energy drinks pose danger to public health," warns the World Health Organization. Children "should not consume" them, cautions the American Academy of Pediatrics.
                Over the last several years researchers have determined some of the health hazards associated with these drinks.

• Cardiac Arrest
• Headaches and Migraines
• Increased Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Drug interactions
• Addiction
• Risky Behavior
• Jitters and Nervousness
• Vomiting
• High Blood Pressure
• Niacin Overdose
• Stress Hormone Release

If you would like to read more about the health hazards of Energy Drinks, here are some recommended links.

1. http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/26/health/energy-drinks-health-concerns-explainer/index.html
2. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6144a3.htm
3. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0163834307001922
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4682602/
5. https://www.caffeineinformer.com/top-10-energy-drink-dangers
6. https://health.usnews.com/health-care/
7. https://www.laweekly.com/anais-fournier-alleged-monster-energy-drink-death-leads-to-socal-lawsuit/

There is some good news in all of this.  There are natural and health ways to achieve the energy you need without the hazards of energy drinks and energy shots.  Start by eating a healthy diet rich in vegetables.  This alone will go a long way.  In addition, nature has given us its own versions of boosting and maintaining energy. 
​
Bee Pollen
Did you know that bee pollen contains almost all of the nutrients required by the human body to thrive? That’s why the German Federal Board of Health has officially recognized it as a medicine.  Alex Woodly, then executive director of the prestigious Education Athletic Club in Philadelphia, said:

"Bee pollen works, and it works perfectly. Pollen allows super-stars to increase their strength and stamina up to 25 percent. This increase in strength and endurance may be the key to the secret regenerative power of bee pollen. Bee pollen causes a definite decrease in pulse rate. The whole beauty of bee pollen is that it's as natural as you can get. No chemicals. No steroids."

Buy Bee Pollen Now

Bee Pollen not only will give you an energy lift it does more.

• Reduces Inflammation
• Acts as an antioxidant
• Boosts the Immune System
• Helps relieve stress
• Promotes Healing

Adaptogenic Herbs are another way to help your body build energy.  Adaptogenic herbs increase the body’s ability to resist stress, increasing your resistance overall against physical, chemical and biological stressors. Modern herbalists say adaptogenic herbs are plants with properties that exert a normalizing influence on the body, neither habit-forming, over-stimulating nor inhibiting normal body function, but rather exerting a generalized tonifying effect. There are many herbs that are classified as adaptogens.  Here are a few.

Siberian
​Ginseng

​• Siberian Ginseng is used to support stress and low energy issues. It has been used in Russia by soldiers, athletes, miners, and deep-sea divers.

Borage

​• Borage the herb, not the oil, is used to strengthen and restore the adrenal cortex.

Wild Yam

• Wild Yam is a wonderful tonic for the glandular system. It contains diosgenin which is a precursor to progesterone. Although Wild Yam does not contain any hormones, it may support hormone health.

Licorice Root

• Licorice supports endocrine function as it contains glycosides which have a similar structure to endogenous stress hormones. Licorice also supports adrenal gland function and is thought to revitalize adrenal glands.

Astragalus

• Astragalus has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and is sometimes used directly for wound care. It might also have antiviral properties, and has been used to strengthen the immune system. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

Holy Basil

​• Holy basis is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial and one of the mildest adaptogens.  It has been used for 3000 years to treat circulatory, immune, and nervous systems. It has also been used in cancer treatments with success.  Holy basil also helps with memory and concentration.  Studies show that it helps the body maintain stabilize the stress hormone cortisol.

Milk Thistle

​Milk Thistle and a group of its constituents called silymarins. Many of these clinical studies have demonstrated that this herb supports healthy liver function and provides powerful antioxidant protection. Key constituents in Milk Thistle also help to maintain normal kidney function and promote optimal immune function.

​My favorite adaptogens are, Holy Basil, Milk Thistle and Astragalus.