Does Coffee Make Anxiety Worse?
Caffeine and Anxiety
Many of us wake up in the morning and the first thing we will do is head for the kettle and prepare a hot cup of coffee. They call us coffee drinkers, and there is nothing quite like a warm cup of coffee to sip over the morning news and the din of screaming kids. The question, however, is How do you feel after you consume caffeine?
As fulfilling as a hot cup of coffee is every morning, for those with feelings of anxiety, caffeine can make it even worse. Coffee, tea, chocolate and sugar have all been linked to anxiety and are all forms of caffeine that can increase heart rate, blood pressure and levels of stress hormones in a person’s body. During an anxiety attack, panic attack or even having anxious thoughts, blood flow to the brain decreases, and coffee consumption can further reduce this blood flow up to 27 percent.
It’s true – consuming caffeine can increase motivation, productivity and brainpower. However, caffeine blocks the activity of GABA – a neurotransmitter in our body that is known for making us tired and relaxed. Low levels of GABA are associated with anxiety and panic attacks.
Some people are sensitive to caffeine and don’t even know it! This sensitivity comes from not being able to metabolize caffeine. It’s easy to forget that caffeine is a drug, as it’s widely used and even celebrated in some parts of the world. However, it can cause insomnia, serotonin depletion, and can strip your brain of essential nutrients like magnesium (an essential vitamin that helps prevent anxiety) and B complex vitamins, eventually impacting mental well-being.
Caffeine Alternatives
Don't let coffee drinking interfere with your daily life.
Here are 5 alternatives to caffeine that can reduce anxiety and promote brain health while giving you an energy boost that doesn’t drain you of essential vitamins and nutrients.
Breathe Deeply
Instead of reaching for a midday caffeine-rich snack, try these breathing techniques for reducing anxiety. We’re not joking. Swap out shallow breaths for long, deep breaths – four-second inhales through the nose, and four second exhales through the nose. You’ll be sending oxygen straight to your body and brain – a natural and immediate energy booster.
Drink Ginseng
This fleshy superfood root often used to make tea, is known internationally for providing natural mental and physical energy, lowering stress levels, improving the metabolism and strengthening the immune system. Check out this awesome tea blend for reducing anxiety and stress - Anteastress by Lemon Lily.
Replace Coffee with Lemon Water
Hot lemon water in the morning is a great way to detox, while also boosting energy by providing loads of essential vitamins and minerals. Lemon water is a great substitute for coffee, as it rehydrates the body, waking up your system and making you feel hydrated and energized.
Eat Dark Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens like kale, swiss chard, spinach, and others are packed with nutrients like chlorophyll that provide natural boosts of energy. In fact, Kale has been heralded for its awesome health benefits for many years and has become a staple cooking ingredient for chefs all over the world.
Kombucha Tea
Kombucha is a type of yeast and fermenting it with tea leaves, sugar and other ingredients we make Kombucha tea! Although there is no scientific evidence to support the health claims advocates of Kombucha sometimes make, it tastes great and seems to help reduce stress and anxiety, so who are we to doubt its powers!
For an awesome instant Kombucha super drink check out Essenzefruits for an instant solution!
Coffee Alternatives: Are Protein Bars Good for you?
The question here really is, can either protein bars or energy bars serve as an alternative to coffee. First of all, we must understand what is the difference between an energy bar and a protein bar.
Energy Bar & Protein Bar: The Difference
Energy bars are loaded with carbs and sugar to give you a quick energy boost during strenuous physical exercise like hitting the gym or going for a long run. Energy bars shouldn’t be eaten as snacks per se, and typically shouldn’t be eaten unless you plan on burning all those extra calories off.
Protein bars, on the other hand, has a much higher protein content and can help energize you when you need it. Although protein bars can be a good choice when you’re on the run and don’t have time for full healthy meal, they can contain hidden ingredients such as lots of sugar, gluten, and GMO chemicals. So when choosing the right protein bar as a healthy snack and caffeine-free alternative, consider the following:
Low Sugar Protein Bar
Reducing the amount of sugar in the diet can help a person reduce the risk of a whole bunch of possible health conditions. Look to replace high sugar foods with healthy alternatives ensuring you can get all your essential vitamins without the extra calories. So when choosing a protein bar as an alternative to coffee always go for the low sugar option.
All Nagi bars are low sugar and you can check out our low sugar, vegan-friendly, gluten-free range Here or add one to your cart now!
Gluten-free protein bars
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. It is used to help foods like bread and pasta hold their shape. Some people are gluten-sensitive and cannot have it as part of their diet. This is known as celiac disease and going gluten-free can not only save the life of someone suffering from this disease but for others can have many health benefits. So when choosing a protein bar as a caffeine alternative, look to go gluten-free! All Nagi products are gluten-free without compromising the taste!
Low-Carb Protein Bars
A low-carb diet limits carbohydrates promotes foods that are high in protein and fat. There are a number of benefits of considering a low-carb approach to consumption. It can aid in losing weight, reducing the risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. There are many low-carb protein bars to choose from when looking for an alternative to coffee, so check out our range and let us know what you think!
Vegan Protein Bar
Of course when we are considering at what protein bar best fits our lifestyle we can turn to the vegan world. And why not, because, there are many benefits to be had from looking to eat more vegan when we can. A vegan diet is suggested to help us slim down and become more energized and in the process, help save the plant. Vegan food is delicious and vegan protein bars are no exception. All of our Nagi bars are Vegan and we dare you to try some today and tell us that they are not the best vegan snack bar you have ever tried!
In Conclusion
So there you have it! Some very useful alternatives to drinking coffee in the morning, for reducing anxiety and stress.
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And don't forget to check out our range of delicious healthy protein snacks for your snacking desires!
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