2 Simple Ingredients That Will Boost Your Morning Energy
30/04/2012
Vital for busy people with hectic schedules.
If you have a busy schedule due to work, family or other commitments, you may have trouble getting a full night of sleep. This can be detrimental to your performance at work and in athletic pursuits; as the "New York Times" explains, research indicates that two weeks of getting six hours of sleep nightly produces a cognitive state on par with alcohol intoxication. Thankfully, some ingredients can be effective for boosting your energy and performance. Consult a doctor prior to using any supplements.
Caffeine and its Benefits
Caffeine is a central nervous stimulant that is found in a wide variety of beverages, including sports nutrition supplements, coffee, soda and caffeine pills. Although caffeine is sold over the counter, it has numerous significant effects. Research from the October 2010 issue of the journal "Nutrition" suggests that caffeine can reduce fatigue, improve your physical performance, enhance memory, promote alertness and improve reaction time. Due to these benefits, caffeine can be an inexpensive, effective way to boost your morning energy.
Side Effects of Caffeine
While caffeine has numerous benefits, there are also potential side effects of which you should be aware. Because of its stimulating effects, caffeine may cause restlessness, nervousness and trouble sleeping. Additionally, caffeine may trigger nausea, irritability, dizziness and diarrhea. Caffeine can also trigger allergic reactions such as swelling and hives. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these effects.
Amino Acids and its Benefits
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and you can find amino acids added to many sport nutrition products, energy drinks and sold in powdered and capsule form. Different amino acids offer different benefits, so a supplement with all amino acids may be preferable for boosting morning energy. Some of the more effective amino acids are taurine -- a study from the June 2010 issue of "Amino Acids" found that taurine could boost levels of testosterone, a hormone that can make you feel more energized -- and isoleucine, leucine and valine, which can improve your endurance and your body's ability to burn fat for energy, according to a study from the March 2011 issue of "The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness."
Side Effects of Amino Acids
Amino acids are found in foods containing protein, and your body manufactures some amino acids on its own, so amino acids are generally safe. However, you should review all ingredients in amino acid supplements to ensure that there are no added ingredients that may trigger side effects. Drugs.com suggests that "many people have no, or minor, side effects" when using amino acid supplements. The potential for allergic reactions does exist, so contact a doctor if you experience swelling, rash, itching or hives.