Happiness… we are all looking for it these days. All too often you hear the words stressed, overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, sad, or some other variation of these verbs. According to the Association of Anxiety and Depression 40 million Americans 18 and older will suffer from anxiety this year. While almost half of them will also suffer from depression. These numbers are only growing each year.
I am one of those 40 million Americans that suffer from anxiety. I have for many years and have been on medication since 2010. It would be my guess that the anxiety goes all the way back to my childhood because I can remember so many trips to the doctor for stomach issues. As the years have passed and life has happened, the anxiety has gotten worse. I finally reached a point I was desperate to find something to help.
What in the world is Nootropics?
March 2018, I was introduced to a nootropics coffee. Nootropics is a substance that enhances cognition and memory, and facilitates learning. Some nootropics promote relaxation and tranquility by enhancing the production and utilization of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces central nervous system stimulation. Others modulate the way the brain processes dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that have powerful calming effects. While sometimes therapy or prescription medication is needed for relief from the anxiety, there are times a nootropics provides just what is needed. One of the best nootropics is L-Theanine. L-Theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found primarily in green tea leaves. It is an effective anxiety reducer that can also improve memory, attention, and mood.
This Coffee contains what?
Imagine my surprise when I found a coffee that was a nootropics blend. Say what? I could substitute something I already drank each day, and it may reduce my anxiety and improve my memory, mood, and attention. It was worth a try for sure.
Where do I sign up for a sample? The sample arrived, and I could hardly wait to drink it. Now never fear, I had done my due diligence in researching each ingredient because like a true introvert, I wanted to know how this was going to work. The first ingredient I saw was the L-Theanine. Check… that does attribute to anxiety reduction. The second ingredient I saw was green tea.. Hmm, the main benefit that caught my eye with green tea was.. May aid in weight loss! Hallelujah! Considering I had added a few pounds, that would be great to drop a few pounds. This was getting better by the ingredient. Add caffeine to the L-Theanine and you had simple magic from what I read!
Don’t believe me? Here is some evidence:
- “…suggests that L-theanine and caffeine in combination are beneficial for improving performance on cognitively demanding tasks.” (Journal of Nutritional Neuroscience, 2008)
- “…’Headache’ and ‘tired’ ratings were reduced and ‘alert’ ratings increased. There was also a significant positive caffeine x L-theanine interaction on delayed word recognition reaction time.” (Journal of Biological Psychology, 2008)
Looked like I may have a winner here! After the first cup, I felt a calmness and happiness that I had not felt in months. I knew this was something that I couldn’t start my day without.
Nine months later, not a day has gone by that my day hasn’t started with this cup of coffee. It has been life changing for me to say the least. Thirty-five pounds are gone, and no anxiety attack in those nine months.
Look for my coming posts to learn how this coffee works.