You hear a lot about energy drinks these days, but for someone with fibro the ingredients in the drinks could cause a flare up if they are sensitive to it. Today in my post I'll pass along 3 recipes for natural energy drinks and some information, but if you'd like to read the whole article, click here.Energy drinks can contain alot of sugar, caffeine, stimulants, red food dye, and taurine (among other things). I stay away from them: 1. because of the sugar or artifical sweeteners; 2. caffeine and stimulants (doesn't help with my insomnia); and red food dye. And since they can cause anxiety, I stay away from them because I tend to have free-range anxiety.
Energy drinks do not hydrate the body either so don't rely on them for hydration. Energy drinks mask fatigue and you can acutally feel worse in the long run by feeling more tired and having put stress on your adrenal system. Headaches, nausea, and severe irritability are a few symptoms of energy drinks that I can do without. So the drinks become addictive because to avoid the symptoms you need to drink more.
So what can you do to increase your energy?
1. Get enough protein - you can get good protein in egg whites, fish, turkey, chicken breasts, and non-fate cottage cheese. Protein shakes are a good choice just use high-quality whey protein. Also, be sure if you are purchasing protein shakes you are NOT purchasing ones for weight gain!!!
2. Sleep more - I know this is a tough one for us fibro suffers. Melatonin is a good choice. Start with 3 mg about 20 minutes before bedtime (you can increase the dose as high as 9 mg - but don't go higher without advice from your doctor). Six drops of oxytocin can ease anxiety and help you sleep longer.
3. Drink water! If you are even a little dehyrated your metabolism can slow down up to 3%.
For three great recipes (super energizer smoothie; pineapple-mint infused water; and lemon-lime water), click here.
Well, that's my tip for you today! I hope you enjoyed reading it.
