What is a healthy alternative to caffeine? Please help!?
I am worried about my boyfriend. I estimate that he drinks AT LEAST the equivalent of two energy drinks a day. I know this can't kill him, but combined with other factors it isn't good for him. Rather you believe it or not, caffeine addiction is classified as an official addiction, and you can go to a counselor for it.
He just quit smoking for his health and other reasons, but since he's quit he has started consuming A LOT of caffeine. They boy must've digested every type of energy drink out there by now! I think he does it because his mind gets "hazy" during the day and I've noticed he randomly loses energy. He gets a fair amount of exercise and doesn't take any medications.
Does anyone have suggestions for herbal alternatives? Like certain types of teas? If so, where can I find them? Or possibly a lifestyle change that would help? (Working at TacoBell + gaining 20 lbs + being a fast-food junky might be the cause of his non-existant energy!)
He is having a lack of energy because he quit smoking. It's one of the withdrawal symptoms. Tobacco is a stimulant, like caffeine so it gives you energy. When you stop taking it, you get tired.'
Your boyfriend is substituting caffeine for tobacco to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Your boyfriend needs to stop taking both caffeine and tobacco to go clean. It will suck for about a month and he will feel very tired, but the more caffeine/tobacco he takes, the more tired he will continue to be. If he stops now, in about a month, he will have normal energy.
Quit Smoking Symptoms and How to Overcome Them
Becoming a non smoker can be quite difficult and in most cases even impossible. Still, this does not mean that you have to quit before you have even attempted it. Generally, everything depends on you and your willpower and motivation. It is important to have this in mind when you go through the tough transition period. Another thing that is also essential is for you to be prepared to deal with all the quit smoking symptoms that are more than likely to occur. It is true that no two people are alike, but it is also true that the cigarettes are the same for everyone. So, do not disregard the general advise you are given and try to make the most of it as best as you can.
The majority of smokers trying to get rid of their bad habit find the cravings or the urges for lighting up a cigarette to be the most difficult to deal with quit smoking symptoms. You can expect their frequency to be greater in the beginning and to drop down gradually with time. Also, it has been calculated that these urges created by the addictive nature of nicotine last for approximately three to five minutes each. This is good news since there is a lot you can do for such a short period of time instead of sticking a cigarette in your mouth. You can try chewing gum or simply going out of the room to take a fresh gulp of air. It is a good idea to keep busy whenever you feel a craving to smoke. You can do a crossword or play a computer game if you are behind the computer. If you are at home you can make yourself a herbal tea or just go for a short walk to the grocery store and do some shopping. It is essential to remember why you have decided to quit smoking every time a craving comes - as said earlier there is nothing more powerful than the motivation.
The psychological quit smoking symptoms are also common - you can experience depression, anxiety, anger and boredom. These are not to be underestimated, but they can be cured naturally. During the first days after quitting the symptoms tend to be most severe so you can try do stop over the weekend in order not to have problems at work. You should find ways in which to be as relaxed as possible - for some this might be the listening to music to others doing an active sport. Spending more time with your loved ones will also help. Still, the great intake of food should not be the cure for these quit smoking symptoms. You will also find it beneficial to avoid drinking coffee and green tea and any other kinds of caffeine containing drinks to prevent anger and anxiety.
You will find it much easier to deal with the physical quit smoking symptoms such as tiredness, headaches, nausea and dizziness and sore throat. The simple over the counter vitamins and medications will do a great job. Also, try to rest as much as possible.
About the Author
Jack Sillow is an NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) expert who specializes in smoking cessation treatments for normal people. He runs the site http://QuitGuide.net where he has posted the most comprehensive list of quit smoking symptoms.
