The substance we all know well and most often take for stimulation is caffeine. It is primarily found in coffee, but also tea and chocolate. However, some people react badly to caffeine. They develop heart palpitations and irritability. An alternative is theacrine, which has a similar structure to caffeine. It has a stimulating effect on the body, but does not have the side effects of a sudden rise in blood pressure or an accelerated heart rate.
What is theacrine and how does it work?
Theacrine is structurally similar to caffeine, but is not the same. It has an additional methyl group at the ninth carbon and one more ketone group. It is a plant alkaloid. It is most abundant in Camellia tea, but can also be found in some coffees.
Theacrine is therefore of plant origin and a natural substance, which also makes it similar to caffeine. However, increases in blood pressure and palpitations do not occur after its consumption. There is also no risk of possible irritability. What's more, theacrine lasts longer than caffeine and stops working gradually, so not as abruptly as caffeine. This means that caffeine 100 mg will show less effect than theacrine 100 mg.
The properties of theacrine are also largely similar to those attributed to caffeine. First of all, it fights fatigue, has a stimulating effect on the body and is a source of energy. In addition to this, however, it is characterised by its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. This is one of the major differences between theacrine and caffeine. In addition, this plant alkaloid lowers the concentration of the LDL cholesterol fraction.
When is theacrine worth using?
It certainly helps those in times of chronic fatigue, such as students in session or at work on an intense and important project. It also provides support for people who lack motivation to exert themselves both physically and mentally. Teacrine improves mood, so it may prove to be a good solution during the period of frequent despondency that is not uncommon during the autumn period.
Teacrine should be taken immediately before physical or mental exertion. The single dose should be 1-2 capsules.
Theacrine - side effects
A major advantage of teacrine is the safety of its use. Studies have proven that side effects of teacrine do not occur if the daily dose of 300 mg is not exceeded over a period of up to 8 weeks. This means that no adverse reactions from the body to this substance have been observed. In this case, therefore, it is decidedly different from caffeine, which in some people causes irritability, increased heart rate and sleep problems.
Not only theacrine a source of energy
More and more people are looking for an alternative to coffee, which, when consumed over a long period of time, can make the body immune and not work as effectively as before. Theacrine always affects the body in the same way. However, in order to stimulate it during the day, several other methods can also be used:
- A nutritious snack - it is not uncommon to feel tired as a result of low blood sugar levels. Many people in this situation reach for sweets. They stimulate the body, but the reaction is only temporary. A much better option is to eat something nutritious, such as avocado, peanut butter, a handful of nuts or sources of iron such as spinach and beans.
- Water - dehydration is another cause of weakness in the body. It is a good idea to drink water regularly - you should drink about 2 litres a day. So if you feel a loss of energy, you can drink a glass of water
- Oxygenate your body - this can of course be a longer walk or simply a few minutes on the balcony or by the window. The brain starts to function better and the refreshing air stimulates. The best effect is with crisp, cooler air
- Even a short workout - exercise promotes oxygenation of the body. During training, it secretes hormones such as adrenaline, dopamine and endorphins. The body receives an extra boost of energy, even though the body may be tired - this is only a temporary state of
- Cool down the body and body - this can be by taking a bath, going outside or simply drinking cold water. This improves the blood circulation and the blood reaches the brain faster and more effectively
Fatigue is influenced by many factors - lifestyle, diet, environment and work. It is difficult to eliminate them all. That's why it makes sense to opt for theacrine supplementation, and to change your reaction to a drop in energy a little - instead of giving up, it's better to fight fatigue.