The Energy Drink Blog

Virtually everyone has suffered from a headache at one point or another. There are some that experience them frequently due to lifestyle factors such as high stress, poor diet, a decline in health, or lack of sleep. Whatever the cause, there may be a resolution for ending them once and for all. There are several types of headaches one can experience but generally categorized into four groups.

Tension headaches are generally brought on by stress and caused by tight muscles in the shoulders, neck, or jaw. They are usually the least offensive pain wise and generally go away in a short amount of time.

Migraine headaches are an unbearable type of pain that can make a person extremely sensitive to light and sound, or cause severe nausea. They can be debilitating and persist for more than a few hours. They are associated with high stress or hormonal changes and are more common in women than men.

Cluster headaches can mimic similar symptoms of a migraine but are considered to be more of a sudden piercing pain rather than a constant throbbing. Cluster headaches last as little as 15 minutes or up to 3 hours. They are extremely painful and generally persist in one area of the head. They are very much like clock work and often strike at the same time when they occur. Lack of sleep, poor diet, or too much alcohol can trigger these headaches.

Sinus headaches usually occur when the sinuses become congested and infected from an allergy attack or a cold. Common symptoms include pressure around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead. Generally the symptoms of a sinus headache can be treated by medication for the sinus infection itself.

Although some people are affected on a regular basis by headaches there are easy solutions to help prevent the onset of one. For instance, one of the easiest ways to limit the occurrence of a headache is to simply get adequate sleep. Studies show that while you sleep the body releases specific hormones that support immunity and well being. Lack of sleep puts you at risk for unwanted pain and a decline in overall health.

Diet is another factor that should be addressed because consuming too much alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, or sugar can trigger headaches. Staying properly hydrated is very important because the body is about 70 percent water and requires adequate fluid intake in order to keep all bodily functions working properly.  A headache can be the direct result of inadequate fluid consumption. Steer clear of certain preservatives or additives such as MSG which is a food additive commonly found in Chinese dishes. Artificial sweeteners such as splenda or aspartame should also be avoided as these are chemically altered sugars that are not digestible. The end result of consuming either is generally upset stomach or headaches as the body tries to process and eliminate them.

Chronic stress and anxiety can often trigger the onset of a headache. Engaging in calming activities such as meditating, hot baths, regular exercise, massages, or eliminating noisy activities can reduce regular episodes.

On rare occasions you should seek medical attention if you experience a headache that is out of the ordinary from trauma to the head, loss of consciousness, or if it comes on sudden and severe leaving you unable to function. For some people the use of over the counter pain relievers may sub side mild pain. The use of these pain relievers should be used on an occasional basis as they may cause stomach bleeding when ingested frequently.

Your metabolism is the key to burning fat and calories efficiently. As we age weight-loss can become difficult for a number of reasons but one of the most common reasons is due to a sluggish metabolism. Here are some changes you can make to help kick your fat burning furnace into high gear and keep it there.

Begin your day first thing in the morning with an intense workout of cardio.  It’s best to do this upon waking because you burn calories from stored body fat rather than calories consumed over the course of the day.  It’s also a great way to get energized for the day and keep your metabolism revved for hours.

Eat a healthy breakfast shortly after you workout but don’t eat a heavy meal. Choose sources of food that are high in fiber and protein as they will keep you satisfied longer and take longer to digest.

Eat small portions or snacks instead of sitting down to large meals. Eating frequently in smaller amounts is easier on the digestive system and prevents the stomach from being stretched. It also prevents binge eating later in the day.

Try to consume only complex carbohydrates such as slow cooked oatmeal, brown rice, or whole grain bread instead of refined starchy carbs. Complex carbs offer a high source of fiber and satisfy hunger longer because they take longer to digest. The key with consuming carbohydrates is to eat them earlier in the day when your metabolism is at its highest so they are easily converted to energy and burned off. This means that a couple servings during the day would be ok while omitting them at dinner would be a better option.

Proper elimination is very important when it comes to having a healthy metabolism. If you are not going to the bathroom daily you may want to think about doing a colon cleanse. By cleansing the body you are eliminating toxins and chemicals that can slow your metabolism down. This is also a great way to increase your energy naturally, and clear up your skin. It allows the liver to process waste more efficiently which can help boost metabolism and weight-loss.

Make sure you are drinking enough water everyday because it is required for just about every bodily function. Water is also important for proper elimination and helps with regularity by drawing fluid to the colon for waste removal.

Get adequate sleep each night and you will continue to burn calories at a rapid rate. Studies show that lack of sleep not only attributes to weight gain, but it also slows the metabolism down and inhibits the lack of growth hormone which is necessary for  rejuvenating the body and burning fat more effectively.

As we get older it becomes harder to lose weight for various reasons. Keep these healthy tips in mind and you can burn calories effectively at any age.

Scales can be really vague and a serious compulsion for some people. The need to constantly step on one can be a daily battle because we have such high expectations and base our self worth on a number. It can literally make some people spiral into depression and use food as a coping mechanism or turn exercise into a neurosis in hopes that a new number will magically appear and make everything ok.

Here’s what’s wrong with that foolish device. First, they are everywhere so that doesn’t help. We see them at the doctor’s office, on the bathroom floor, or pass one in the gym on the way to the elliptical machine. In any case, our society is obsessed with body image and we put too much emphasis on unhealthy thinking instead of teaching the fundamentals of good health. Here’s how it should be. A scale should be used on an occasion to get a general idea of how much you weigh or as a tool to track your progress for a weight-loss program. The need to jump on one every morning is simply out of compulsion and the habitual practice needs to be broken. So what does that number really represent? Here are some significant things to remember the next time you want to torment yourself.

The figure you see when you look between you feet signifies a few things. A portion of it is comprised of fat, muscle tissue, water and fluid, and bone mass. Imagine taking all 206 bones out of your body and laying them on a scale, you would be amazed at the portion of body weight they make up. Also take into consideration that the body is about 70 percent water and that you are constantly excreting and replenishing fluid so there will be a fluctuation in weight on a daily basis depending on hydration levels.  Muscle tissue is also very dense so the more muscle mass you have the higher the number you will see. This is not a bad thing however because muscle weighs more than fat and it also speeds up metabolism and helps burn calories more effectively. This should help to put things into perspective a little better.

If you are ready to begin a weight-loss program, step on the scale to track your initial starting point. Don’t make this a daily habit though as it may sabotage your efforts. Instead, pick one day a week like first thing Monday mornings to check your progress. For anyone maintaining their weight or just plain curious, don’t check obsessively, try weekly as well. There is no need to start a fixation on a gadget that is inconclusive in my opinion. When you wait longer in between weighing yourself you will notice better results and motivation will become second nature.

Having your fat percentage checked or your Body Mass Index (BMI) which is the ratio of fat versus lean body mass will tell you a lot more about your health than the total number on a scale. One thing I try to keep in mind is that if I like the way I feel in my clothes or that they are getting looser, then I know that my hard efforts are paying off and I’m on the right track. We all have good and bad days when it comes to losing or maintaining weight. The important thing is to make healthy lifestyle changes to achieve a sense of well-being instead of falling for trendy diets that don’t work. Taking care of your self should be a way of life and not a temporary solution. You won’t need to step on a scale everyday if your mind and body healthy are both healthy.

Many of us probably don’t get the recommended daily requirements when it comes to vegetables. For those that are opposed to eating them there is an easier way to consume the once boring broccoli, kale, or spinach and that technique is juicing. Juicing is quite popular in many areas of the country and has been around for years. In today’s society people are putting more emphasis on health and personal appearance. Juicing provides the body both internal and external benefits as well as an overall sense of well being.

Some of the obvious advantages of juicing are rapid absorption of nutrients such as raw enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. In fact, fresh juiced vegetables are digested and absorbed in as little as 30 minutes. This immediate assimilation can add a great deal of protection to the body and help out an unhealthy immune system. This is not the same case however when you purchase store bought juices as these may contain chemicals, preservatives and ungodly amounts of sugar.

Most fasting or cleansing programs suggest juicing as a way to detoxify the body. Green leafy vegetables are rich in a nutrient called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a natural occurring substance found in plants and algae, this is what gives the plant its natural green color. It is also chock-full of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants. Chlorophyll can safeguard the body from various cancers as well as provide protection to our cells from free radical damage. And, if that’s not enough when you drink one of these vitamin packed green drinks you will naturally boost your energy without experiencing crash like effects from caffeine. Juicing allows us to get more vegetables in our diet by condensing them into liquid and supplying the body with a substantial amount of nutrition.

So how easy is it to juice and how long should you do it for? Well if you purchase a high-quality juicer from a reputable retailer, juicing can be very easy for anyone. Not only will you get a lifetime of use out of it, you will also get a lifetime of proper nutrition. As for how long or how often, well you can do it periodically for cleansing purposes or for various health issues, or incorporate it as a daily part of your routine. Many health food stores are now offering juice bars for those that don’t have the time but still want the health benefits that it has to offer.  In fact, it’s just as easy to order fresh vegetable juice in some places as it is to order a cup of coffee.

The most common vegetables juiced are, spinach, kale, endive, cucumbers, parsley, bok choi, garlic, ginger, wheatgrass, watercress, broccoli, and various herbs. If these sounds a bit intense at first try adding in an apple or a pear to sweeten things up a little and you will be amazed at how delicious your once loathed vegetables taste. Another important thing to know is that you should always buy organically grown vegetables whenever possible. Organically grown vegetables and fruits are grown without the use of pesticides, chemicals, or genetically modified organisms and are much healthier for you and contain a higher nutrient content. If you can’t find organic produce in your grocery store make sure you sanitize your vegetables thoroughly to remove any residues before consuming.

Do you find that you run out of energy at the same time everyday? You get a respectable 8 hours of sleep each night and you feel fairly rejuvenated when you wake up. So why is afternoon fatigue a problem then?  Well, your body functions very much like a clock, in the sense that your brain can train itself to wake up at the same time each day and feel worn out at the same time as well. By implementing some changes in your day, you can prolong exhaustion until you are ready to hit the pillow at night.

One of the most significant ways to put off afternoon fatigue is to eat a healthy breakfast when you wake up. Studies show that the hormone leptin decreases while you sleep which in turn increases appetite. After sleeping for 8 hours the body’s natural response is to feel an increase in appetite when you get up. When you eat breakfast leptin increases which turns the hunger switch off and turns your energy switch on. By eating breakfast, you are fueling your body as well as your brain. Skipping this important meal can lead to overeating later in the day and increase afternoon fatigue very quickly.

Switching your workout program to the a.m. may provide better energy benefits than later in the day. One of the best times to partake in physical activity is first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Not only do you burn fat more effectively, but you keep your metabolism revved for hours when you finish. The energy that a good workout provides to the body is a natural way to increase vitality without the use of harsh stimulants. Early exercise also increases the hormones serotonin and dopamine, which enhance mood and motivation. These are 2 very important things to get through a long workday.

Natural sunlight is a great way to feel rejuvenated when your mind and body are run down. Working in a dark environment can trigger the body’s natural sleep response to begin earlier in the day. Take a break whenever you can and get out in natural daylight or get up from your work area and stretch for a few minutes. If you are given a lunch break each day, take it. Use this time to wake yourself up and get refreshed by moving around or getting outside and giving your brain a rest.

Lastly, try to get yourself into the habit of going to bed at the same time each night and your body will get itself into a natural rhythm. Lack of sleep is a sure way to feel completely wiped out the following day which may cause you to over do it on caffeine. If you are use to watching TV or doing any kind of stimulating activities in the bedroom, this may be a good time to curtail this tendency and designate the bedroom for sleep only. You may find it helpful to try a natural sleep aid if you have difficulty falling asleep. Supplementing melatonin can help support your body’s natural production of this sleep hormone and keep you sleeping soundly through the night.

Staying focused at work can be difficult especially when your mind wants to go in every possible direction from taking care of the family, to running errands, or deciding what to make for dinner.  So how do you stay on track and accomplish what you need to in the office and put everything else on hold until the end of the day? This can be hard to do since we are programmed to juggle ten different things at once because we are crunched for time.  The end result is the quality of our work is sacrificed and we become mediocre at many things instead of mastering a skill.  When at work, try to maximize your productivity by keeping your focus on work related issues only.  If you put this into practice you become focused on your job and it becomes the center of attention while you are on the clock.  By following some simple guidelines you will accomplish more and possibly even impress the boss a little more.

First thing you should do every morning when arriving to your job is plot out your day and make a list of everything you would like to accomplish in order of importance.  This is a great way to stay organized and to finish things in a timely manner.  You will also find that it’s a lot easier to manage your day when it is well thought-out.

Next, try to keep home out of work and vice versa.  By separating the two as much as possible you are focusing on what you are there to do which is accomplish as much as you can during your 8 hour day.  For those of you in an office setting, keep all personal calls out of work until you have a lunch break or until you return home.  This means that if you carry a cell phone, you should turn off the volume and check any messages during appropriate times.  Another tip that will keep you from getting distracted is refraining from checking your personal email account while you work.  This can tie up a lot of time due to the fact that if you are reading and responding to personal emails you are taking the focus off what should be the center of your attention, your job.

 If you are confined to a specific area at work such as a counter or desk, keep your space as neat and organized as possible.  It’s always good to have a notepad and a pen next to the phone so you are always prepared to take messages when the phone rings.  Keep all your messages for the day in a pile and review them when you have down time or at the end of the day so you know which ones take precedence over others.  The same should apply for work emails, answer them according to importance and make sure you check your inbox frequently throughout the day. 

If you find that you are more focused during the beginning part of the day, use this time on things that require more of your attention.  For instance, I like to write most of my articles during the morning and afternoon because I’m more alert and focused on the topics I want to talk about.  The later part of the day I spend on smaller tasks such as emails or phone calls. 

Some people enjoy listening to music while they work because it helps to keep them more alert.  This can be ok as long as it is on a low setting and does not disrupt other co- workers.  Another thing to keep in mind with music in the office is that certain types can be too harsh while others can put you to sleep.  Find something that is easy on the ears for everyone.

If you are given a break at work, take it.  Use this as personal time for yourself, you will feel refreshed and rejuvenated when you return for the second part of your day.   It also makes the day go by quicker when you leave and come back versus sitting at your desk and eating. 

Lastly, keep yourself hydrated properly with enough fluid.  Keep a bottle of water next to you and refill it whenever it’s empty.  Drinking water helps give you energy and keeps you focused.  I’ve noticed that many people like to drink energy drinks or coffee during the day because it helps with mental energy as well as concentration.  Be careful though because consuming large amounts of caffeine can dehydrate you and then make you tired after it wears off.  A new energy drink to the market called Skinny Gazelle would be an excellent choice over other energy drinks or coffee.  It gives the body a great boost without the use of harsh stimulants and helps maintain a steady energy and focus for an entire work day. 

Sometimes we overload ourselves to the point that we actually don’t accomplish what we set out to do.  Keep your focus on the things that pertain to your job while at work and keep your mind free of things that pertain to work while at home.  This helps to create better focus and a healthy balance between your job and your personal life.

What is your state of mind at this very moment?  Are you happy because you just got a promotion at work and everything seems to be going right in your life or do you stress out about everything under the sun and have “the glass is half empty”, kind of attitude?  It’s very apparent that if you surround yourself with negative thinking or behavior it begins to affect you life in an unhealthy way.  There are motivational speakers who dedicate their lives preaching positive thinking and positive living and how it can transform your life in ways you never thought possible.  Whoever thought stinkin thinkin could shorten your life? Well it can.   From a health standpoint of view if you are depressed, stressed, or down in the dumps your body secretes stress related hormones which are ok on an infrequent basis.  However, if the body releases these hormones regularly they can have long term health affects one of the most common being heart disease.  So how can you turn your sabotaging thought process into an optimistic one to achieve a sense of well being?  In a way you have to retrain your brain to have a positive point of view on things but with time and practice it will become second nature just as your pessimistic disposition once was.

First, start to pay attention to how you respond to others or what you are thinking internally.  If you actually listen to what you say you may be astonished at what comes out of your mouth.  What I often hear people ask for no apparent reason is “what’s wrong”? If you are one of those people that have to ask this every time you see some one, try rephrasing this to, “how are you” or “how was your day”?  By constantly asking what’s wrong you are assuming something is and that it’s impossible for someone to have a pleasant day.  Most of the time,  I find people say this because they have so much turmoil in their own life so they wonder how anyone else can have a positive attitude if they can’t.  The other mistake that constant downers make is pointing the finger at people who are genuinely happy or in a good mood.  Since when is it a crime to turn you thought process into a good one?  You will find that positive behavior is contagious and that you attract what you exude.  Over all you become healthier mentally.

Give yourself the opportunity to be carefree sometimes and have a good laugh or two it can help cheer others up as well.  Try to help others whenever you can, this takes the focus off yourself and your apathetic state of mind.  You will find that when you lend a helping hand it’s actually very rewarding inside.

Don’t always think the grass is greener on the other side and play the victim role.  Try looking at things from someone else’s perspective or someone less unfortunate as yourself.  I guarantee you will always find that things could be a lot worse.  Begin to count your blessings and be thankful for what you do have.  When you do, you begin to discover that you actually have a lot more than you think and doors almost miraculously begin to open.

Decide from the moment you wake up before your feet hit the floor that you are going to have a great day, commit to it and watch what happens.  This does not mean that you won’t come in contact with negative people or difficult situations it just means that you will do what you can to turn the situation or conversation around if things start heading south.  The more you do this each day you will see that for every pessimistic encounter you face there is always a positive way to counter.

Sleep is essential for many things such as energy, and reducing stress and anxiety.  Without it, our mental, emotional, and physical status suffers.  Take the course of action that’s right for you to ensure that you get a good nights rest by winding down an hour or two before you hit the pillow.   Listen to soft music, or use a natural sleep aide if you need to.

Life isn’t always a box of chocolates but it can certainly be a pleasant one if you truly desire it to be.  Increase your overall well being and your longevity by practicing a positive thought process every day.