Factors such as changes in our diet and the desire to push ourselves to the limit have made it almost impossible to go for a day without stimulants in our bodies. Some people for instance become very grumpy and sluggish if they do not take at least one cup of coffee in the morning. Stimulants such as caffeine, sugar, ephedrine, synephrine, green tea and chocolate are commonly used by people on a daily basis. Taking stimulants regularly is not recommended because they cause stress to the adrenal glands. This decreases natural energy production causing what we know as Adrenal Fatigue.
How External Stimulants Affect the body
The main aim of external stimulants today is to increase adrenaline and Nor-adrenaline produced in the adrenal glands. This may make one feel good and strong in the short term but one may not feel so good in the long term. The adrenal glands become exhausted which triggers slow natural energy production. This would require one to take more and more stimulants in order to get that kick that will make you bounce back. The body reacts differently to various stimulants and below are a few examples.
1. Effects of Consuming Excessive Caffeine
It blocks adenosine nerve receptors in the nerve cells and brain tissue which slows cellular activities. The body in turn produces adrenaline and nor-adrenaline which triggers effects like increased heart rate, blood flow and sugars being released in from the liver into blood.Epinephrine and Norepinephrine are produced to compensate, which results in a boost to the heart rate and blood flow.
2. Effects of Consuming Excessive Synephrine
This works on Alpha 2, Beta 2 and Beta 3 nerve receptors present in our brain tissues, which are responsible for the release of fat which is converted into energy through the process of thermogenesis, thus resulting in the boost of energy which acts as a stimulant.
3. Effects of Consuming Excessive Ephedrine
This stimulant targets the norepinephrine receptors located within nerve cells. The receptors normally release small doses of norepinephrine, but in the presence of the stimulant, the cell releases large amounts of the chemical. This results in an increase in heart rate as well as the consumer’s blood pressure, in addition to the lungs taking in greater amounts of oxygen. All of this results in an energy boost.
The key to consuming all these stimulants in a safe manner is to monitor our daily intake and the reaction our body develops to their consumption. There are also various types of supplements available on the market that can mitigate the effects of stimulants, including adaptogenic herbs and food groups which include nuts, seeds, bananas, grapes and chocolate. While stimulants can be consumed on a regular basis, keeping the amount consumed down to a reasonable level will be much better for your health in the long run. Do some Yoga, take breathing exercises and most importantly, get a good night’s rest.
