With Cathy Schram
I’m Tired All The Time. Will Green Coffee Bean Extract Give Me Energy?
Q: I am tired all of the time. I have been under a tremendous amount of stress lately and I am worried that I am just worn out. I take a good multivitamin but that is not really making me feel better. What can I do?
A: If you are exhausted and overwhelmed, you may have adrenal fatigue. The adrenal glands sit on top of your kidneys. These glands secrete cortisol, a stress hormone. High levels of stress can keep your adrenals in a state of constant alert, causing them to become fatigued and can cause what is called “burn-out”. This can leave you extremely tired for no apparent reason. Depriving yourself of sleep, and/or using stimulants like caffeine, nicotine or sugar can also put you into adrenal fatigue. Other symptoms are brain fog, food cravings, unexplained weight changes and moodiness.
There are a few things you can do to reverse this problem. Eat a diet high in lean protein, fruits and vegetables and healthy fats. Vitamins C and B5 are important. Adaptogenic herbs help to support proper function and to produce cortisol in natural patterns. Some of the best are ashwagandha and rhodiola. Licorice root has also been proven to be very helpful.
Q: Will green coffee bean extract give me a lot of energy?
A: Green coffee beans are raw or unroasted coffee beans and are extremely low in caffeine. So, if it is the caffeine high you are looking for, you won’t find it with green coffee beans. This is what it will do for you. The extract contains polyphenols, including chlorogenic acid, which have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. These help the body neutralize free radicals. Studies have shown that by taking green coffee bean extract 30 minutes before meals you can lose an average of 2 pounds per week. The chlorogenic acid stimulates metabolism and instructs the body to convert fat reserves into energy. It also reduces the absorption of glucose, which prevents the liver from absorbing fat.
If is is extra energy that you are looking for, you might try ginseng, rhodiola, bee pollen, B-12, wheat grass, or a combination of any of these.
This herb information is for health education purposes only. It is not intended to replace the services of licensed health practitioners. Consult with a physician for any condition that requires professional care.
Do you have questions about herbs or vitamins? Send them to Cathy Schram, CNHP and Certified Herbalist. Write to: Herbs & More, 16021 Manchester Rd., Ellisville, MO 63011.
www.morethanherbsonline.com