In today’s world, we work long hours and try to achieve the maximum tasks in the minimum amount of time. This constant rush we live in drains our energy levels and makes us feel frequently tired and fatigued. There are many different substances and products that we can use to get energy. Most of us take a cup of coffee in the morning to help us face our daily tasks. Others take vitamin supplements to get through tiresome periods, like the beginning of the spring. But there are more natural alternatives that are available that can help us get that extra boost of energy that we sometimes need. Discover the best kratom alternatives for energy below.
What is Fatigue?
According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, fatigue is:
“weariness or exhaustion from labor, exertion, or stress”
It is clear that fatigue is a symptom caused by having to deal with too many things in our daily lives. Long working hours, having to take care of our children, not sleeping enough are typical situations that can cause fatigue. Also, sometimes we need to deal with stressful situations that can cause us extreme tiredness or exhaustion, such as an illness in the family.
Fatigue can be physical or psychological, and, many times they go together hand in hand. But, there are differences between the two of them.
- Psychological fatigue usually last longer than physical fatigue.
- Physical fatigue can be alleviated after a period of rest or a good night of sleep, whilst psychological fatigue doesn’t get affected by it.
- Psychological fatigue is related to stress.
- Physical fatigue is worst in the evening, whilst psychological fatigue is typically worst in the mornings.
Although different, long periods of physical fatigue could lead to psychological fatigue, and this could turn into chronic fatigue. This could even lead to a more serious condition known as chronic fatigue syndrome.
Medical Conditions That Cause Fatigue
Apart from just “feeling tired” there are a number of illnesses and conditions that can cause fatigue or even chronic fatigue. Some of the diseases that count fatigue among their symptoms are:
- Anemia
- Insomnia
- Cancer
- Thyroid disease
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
When suffering from any of these conditions, fatigue shouldn’t be treated on its own, as it is just a symptom of a more serious illness.
Kratom Alternatives for Energy
As mentioned before, most people take a cup (or many cups) of coffee in the mornings to get a boost of extra energy. Also, many times we take vitamin supplements to help us get through periods of tiredness. But, as of recently, various ancient natural alternatives have been discovered and many people are trying different things to get that extra energy.
Probably, kratom is one of the most popular herbs for energy. The best strains of kratom for energy are typically the white vein types. Also, green vein kratom strains can be very effective when trying to achieve energy. Maeng Da kratom and Green Malay are some of the most appreciated types of kratom for energy.
But there are alternatives to kratom that can also be effective when trying to get a bit of energy for our daily routines.
Kanna
In moderate doses, kanna, a plant native to South Africa, can provide an energy boost. At the same time, some users report that kanna improves focus and clarity of mind. Also, some report that kanna’s stimulating effects are similar to those of caffeine. Nevertheless, consider that at higher doses, kanna has the opposite effects, being these mostly sedative and relaxing.
Mitragyna Hirsuta
As you would expect by its name, mitragyna hirsuta is a close relative to kratom, some compare it to kratom’s white vein varieties. It grows naturally in some regions of Asia, like Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Like its cousin kratom, mitratyna hirsuta can be stimulant and energizing at lower doses, whilst more sedative and relaxing at higher ones. Its effects kick in within 15-20 minutes after intake and usually last for 3-4 hours.
Sakae Naa (Combretum Quadrangulare)
After the ban of mitragyna speciosa, Sakae Naa has been used by many people in Thailand as a substitute of kratom. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, it’s also favored in China where it has been traditionally used as a remedy for colds and sore throats. The effects of Sakae Naa are similar to those of kratom. Mainly, Sakae Naa’s effects are energizing and stimulating and can produce a mild euphoria. Some users compare the rush it produces to the rush produced by caffeine. Its effects typically last up to 4 hours.
Kratom Alternatives for Energy: Other Ways to Increase Energy
Now that you know the best kratom alternatives for energy, it’s time to know tips to improve it. When dealing with physical fatigue, there are some changes in your lifestyle that you can do to improve your energy levels.
- Eat healthy vitamin-rich foods: increase your intake of vitamin-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and avoid greasy foods.
- Drink enough water: Dehydration can produce fatigue.
- Don’t skip meals, especially
- Sleep enough: if you can, try to sleep 7-8 hours each night.
- Move more: do sports regularly or simply walk to places instead of drive.
- Don’t smoke and don’t drink alcohol.
And how about you? Do you know any other kratom alternatives for energy? Let us know in the comments below!