Does caffeine permanently change the brain?

Most people wake up with a warm cup of coffee in the morning to get a boost of energy they really need. For others, coffee serves as a source of comfort and a normal part of their routine. However, some studies have found that consuming large amounts of caffeine can harm our bodies and minds. Learn how to prepare these 6 morning drinks that will give you the energy you need to get through your day without the need for caffeine.

Caffeine is classified as a drug and as an additive, according to the FDA

In the United States, 80 percent of adults consume caffeine every day - the average adult has an intake of 200 mg of caffeine per day, which is the amount of caffeine in two 150 ml or four cups of coffee refreshments.

A study of seventh, eighth, and ninth graders in Ohio found that students ingested an average of 53 mg of caffeine per day, but nearly one in five students ingested more than 100 mg of caffeine per day. "

The FDA states that a 150 ml (small) cup of coffee contains 60-150 mg of caffeine, depending on the darkness of the roast.

Small amounts of coffee have negligible side effects, but they can still increase cortisol and adrenaline, triggering the fight or flight response.

Many people report that they feel calmer and less restless when they have not consumed caffeine in any form. In our ever-on-the-go society, most of us turn to caffeine to help us get through the day, but perhaps we should wonder why we feel the need to maintain such a busy schedule in the first place.

Get more rest instead of more caffeine

Instead of needing more caffeine during the day, we could take more time to rest.

The FDA considers caffeine a "widely used drug"

Caffeine is classified as a drug and as an additive, according to the FDA. Although it is a drug, it does not appear to cause harm in most cases, which is why the government does not regulate it.

However, like other drugs, caffeine can cause withdrawal symptoms and lead to a substance use disorder, according to version 5 of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychological Association.

Consuming large amounts of caffeine to the point where the user feels physical and mental symptoms is classified as a substance use disorder.

Harmful effects on the body of caffeine

According to the American Association for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, the caffeine contained in coffee can affect sleep, alter mood and blood flow in the brain, your metabolism and genes, and neurotransmitters in the brain that affect the processing of memory and cognitive performance.

Their research found that "the maximum concentration of caffeine in plasma is reached between 15 and 120 minutes after oral ingestion in humans." Also, keep in mind that caffeine takes about six hours to completely leave your body, so if you have a cup in the afternoon, it can still be in your system when you go to sleep.

This could be contributing to the current insomnia epidemic, in combination with other factors such as stress and late-night use of technology.

While many people believe that caffeine helps them function better, studies have shown that it doesn't help in all cases.

The research cited above found that 'An increase in agitation improves performance of tasks where relatively few sources of information need to be monitored, particularly in conditions where the need for selective attention is pressured by time.

But, on the other hand, if multiple sources of information or working memory must be used, an increase in agitation and selectivity of attention does not have a beneficial effect on performance, which consequently can even cause it to decrease”

One of the metabolites of caffeine in the body is paraxanthin. Paraxanthin blocks the body's adenosine receptors, which increases epinephrine levels in the blood and diastolic blood pressure. In other words, when you drink coffee, your body responds as if there is a threat and activates the fight or flight response.

So now that we've looked at the potential dangers of coffee and how it can affect the mind and body, what are some alternatives? Let's take a look at the six energy and natural morning drinks that you can make that will give you that energy you are looking for.

Benefits of replacing coffee with natural energy drinks

If you've been trying to quit coffee, here are some important findings about the benefits you might notice after just seven days of quitting:

· Reduction of headaches after an initial period of abstinence

· Reduction of muscle tension and anxiety

· Better concentration

· Feeling more alert in the morning

· More regular and healthy bowel movements

· Return to regular sleep cycles

· Greater awareness of hunger and fewer cravings for junk food

· More balanced and healthy response to stress

5 morning energy drinks that will wake you up more than coffee

These 5 Healthy, Natural Energy Morning Drinks Can Boost Your Mood and Increase Your Energy Levels

1 - Banana Apple Smothie

Both bananas and apples provide a ton of vitamins and minerals, and the natural sugars in this morning drink will give you a great energy boost in the morning.

Bananas are high in potassium and B vitamins that will help improve brain health and increase stamina. Apples also contain a lot of potassium and also vitamin C.

Ingredients:

· 1-2 peeled apples

· Two bananas

· ¼ cup cold almond milk

· ½ cup crushed ice

Directions: Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth and serve energy drink cold.

2 - Kombucha tea

Kombucha is one of the morning energies drinks that can bring you excellent benefits. It is a type of fermented green tea, it contains probiotics, vitamin K-2, vitamin B-12 and fatty acids.

The last two ingredients are very beneficial for a healthy brain. Keep in mind that doing it yourself can be dangerous if you don't follow the recipe exactly to the letter or if you use ceramic products to make it.

Lead from these containers can leach into your kombucha, so avoid pottery at all costs. Also, be sure to clean all other containers you use before brewing your tea so that no harmful mold forms in the mixture.

Ingredients:

· 3.8 liters of water

· Four black tea bags

· ¾ cup organic sugar or organic artificial sweetener

· Scoby (symbiotic yeast and bacteria culture)

Instructions: First, place the scoby in a glass jar and set it aside. Heat the water over low heat and mix the tea. Add the organic sugar (or sugar substitute) and simmer for about 15 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool before pouring it into a glass container.

Place a rubber band over a paper towel or coffee filter and place it on top of the jar. This will allow the mixture to breathe and ferment. The culture will develop in a period of seven to ten days.

3 - Lemon water - one of the best healthy morning drinks

Lemon water aids in digestion and detoxification, adds a healthy glow to the skin, promotes weight loss, boosts energy and mood, improves immunity, and helps prevent kidney stones.

Lemons also provide 187% of your daily vitamin C and a good portion of potassium, magnesium, and copper.

Ingredients:

· Three lemons

· 1 tablespoon of honey

· A liter of water

· 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions: Mix well and enjoy!

4 - Coconut-matcha energy morning drink

Matcha is touted around the world because it contains a natural calming agent called l-theanine. When consumed, it provides energy and tranquility simultaneously.

While it also contains caffeine, matcha doesn't cause jitters and other unpleasant side effects like coffee. Coconut contains a fatty acid called medium chain triglycerides (MCT).

MCTs provide a rapid supply of energy while promoting brain health and lowering cholesterol.

Ingredients:

· 1 cup of coconut water

· Two teaspoons of matcha powder

· Orange slice to decorate (optional)

· A few ice cubes (optional)

Directions: Mix the matcha powder with coconut water and stir well. If you wish, garnish your drink with an orange slice and serve it with ice cubes.

5 - Mint tea

Along with some refreshing peppermint, the vitamin C-packed lemon juice will make for an energy drink.

Ingredients:

· 1 cup green, white, or peppermint tea (decaf)

· 1 cup of cold water

· A glass full of ice

· A whole lemon, freshly squeezed

· A few sprigs of fresh mint

Directions: First, combine all the ingredients in a shaker bottle. Then pour into a bottle of water and enjoy!