Natural Energy Supplements That Actually Work (Without Caffeine or Stimulants)

Why Go Caffeine-Free for an Energy Boost?

All around the world, Caffeine seems to be the go-to for a quick energy fix, but it's not for everyone or for all the time. Many people who take caffeine can experience unwanted side effects such as "the jitters", heightened anxiety, energy crashes (defeating the initial purpose in the first place), or even sleep disruptions. And once you go about disrupting your sleep cycle, or the quality of your sleep, you potentially kick off a vicious cycle of waking up feeling drained, then turning towards caffeine to get energy, and so on.

Whether your goal is to manage what is known as Adrenal Fatigue, or simply trying to cut back on caffeine and other stimulants, but still need a clean source for additional energy throughout the day, let's explore some alternative ingredients.

Top Natural Energy Supplements That Work Without Caffeine

In no particular order...

1. L-Carnitine: This amino acid transports fatty acid into your body's cells, where it is used as energy. L-Carnitine can be especially useful for supporting energy levels during exercise, increasing fat metabolism, as well as enhancing brain function through increased energy.
2. CoQ10: CoQ10 is an essential enzyme for cellular energy production in the mitochondria. As we age, natural levels of CoQ10 typical diminish, leaving us with lower available energy without supplementation. If you are over the age of 40, CoQ10 levels may be especially low.
3. B-Vitamin Complex: B Vitamins (B-12 in particular) help convert the foods we eat into usable energy, as well as help support our nervous system function. Supplementing your B-Vitamin levels may help reduce fatigue, and support favorable stress response.
4. Cordyceps Mushroom: Cordyceps are an adaptogenic fungus that help increase ATP production, which is the special molecule our cells use for energy and function. Cordyceps mushroom supplements may help improve endurance, stamina, and increase oxygen utilization in the cells.
5. L-Tyrosine: L-Tyrosine helps support dopamine production which may improve mental alertness, mood and motivation, without being over-stimulating.

What to Avoid in "Natural" Energy Supplements to Steer Clear of Caffeine

Just because something claims it's "natural", doesn't mean that it's automatically good for you. Afterall, if you're trying to avoid caffeine, it generally comes from natural sources too. So here are some ingredients and other potential red flags on what to look out for on the label:

• Hidden caffeine from natural sources such as Guarana, Yerba Mate, or Green Tea Extract
• "Proprietary Blends" that don't list out their individual ingredients. Not all proprietary blends are a bad thing, but if they can't disclose what's in it, you may need to assume the worst case scenario
• Artificial sweeteners and artificial colors. Artificial sweeteners doesn't mean "everything except sugar", there are plenty of natural sweeteners out there that are not sugar, such as erythritol, stevia, xylitol, and more. Some of the bad ones to look out for are things like Maltodextrin, Aspartame, Sucralose, Saccharin, Maltitol, Sorbitol, etc. Though some people still experience gastric upset with natural sweeteners like Xylitol and Erythritol, so if you experience issues just make note and steer clear in the future.
• Other unnecessary stimulants that spike and crash energy, this can be Yohimbine, DMAA, Bitter Orange (Synephrine), etc.

Best Times of the Day to take Your Caffeine-Free Energy Supplements

While it may be tempting to wake up and take a handful of dietary supplements first thing in the morning to get them done and out of the way, some of them may provide you a better benefit when taken at various times throughout the day. So let's break down some suggestions:

• Morning: This is when it's ideal to take your Vitamin-B Complex (a blend of various Vitamin B sources) as well as Rhodiola Rosea.
• Mid-Day: Reach for the CoQ10 and/or the Cordyceps Mushroom supplements.
• Pre-Workout: Some amino acids like L-Carnitine can help during workouts, as well as good electrolytes.
• Focus Support: N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine can be good for busting through that "brain fog" and giving you a sense of improved mental focus and clarity.
• Night Time: No, just don't, unless you work a 3rd Shift like "Graveyard" in which case adjust the recommended timings based on what you sleep schedule is like. Otherwise, seriously why are you trying to get amped up right before bed?

You Don't Need Caffeine to Feel Energized

Natural energy doesn't always have to come in the form of coffee, tea, or gas station energy drinks/ By choosing clean, effective ingredients that work WITH your body, instead of AGAINST it, you can power through your day with more stable, sustained energy and no crash. Ditch the jitters and boost your vitality!