Boosting Energy Levels During Menopause: Ginseng vs Coffee
Feeling drained? Weighed down? Is it sometimes difficult to get through the day? You may be suffering the symptoms of menopausal fatigue. But before you turn to another cup of coffee or can of soda, you might want to consider other options for boosting your energy levels.
Ginseng, the "all-healing" root, has been used for centuries to combat a variety of menopausal symptoms, including fatigue. As an all-day energy booster, it provides a healthy alternative to the jitteriness and crashes of caffeine use. Read on to learn more about how to replace coffee with ginseng and lifestyle changes to fight burnout during menopause.
How Does Ginseng Work?
Ginseng is thought to contain two properties that aid menopausal women: Estrogenic compounds that balance fluctuating hormonal levels called phytoestrogens, and natural steroid-like compounds called ginsenosides thought to boost energy and relieve fatigue. Read below for a description of these two essential components of ginseng.
. Estrogenic compounds - When you enter into menopause, the balance of female hormones like estrogen begins to fluctuate rapidly, before beginning a long, steady decline. This is the root cause of most menopausal symptoms, including fatigue. Ginseng is thought to contain an estrogenic compound called phytoestrogen. Though studies on the effectiveness of phytoestrogens have been inconclusive, many believe that the compounds help to balance estrogen levels in menopausal women, alleviating their symptoms.
. Ginsenosides - Popular among athletes, ginsenosides are thought to boost stamina and energy. These same properties have also been found to boost mental function and even prevent cancer in some cases.
Despite its benefits, ginseng also has its side effects. Women have reported heart palpitations, insomnia, nervousness, headaches and heart conditions from taking the herbal supplement. It is best to talk to your doctor if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications that may react poorly with ginseng.
What Other Options Are There?
Because it boosts your energy levels throughout the day, ginseng is preferable to coffee and other caffeine products that lead to peaks and valleys in energy levels. That said, ultimately the best way to boost energy and relieve fatigue during menopause is improving your diet and exercising more. These lifestyle changes, coupled with ginseng supplements, could help you beat fatigue and other menopausal symptoms.
Click the following link to learn more about how to use ginseng during menopause.
