Caffeine substitute?

[maryiwright]

HI

Ever since my radiotherapy last year I have problems with bladder sensitivity to caffeine. I know radiotherapy can irritate the bladder and I don't think all those days of needing to have a reasonably full bladder at the appropriate time helped. This is easy to handle by sticking to de-caff tea and de-caff coffee (it's been surprising how many restaurants etc now have de-caff tea but I now carry a few tea bags in my handbag). However, the lack of caffeine is making me lack energy which is a big problem in trying to lose weight, or at least not put on any more ( I have secondary Lymphoedema and also Lipoedema). Has anyone else had this? I am wondering if Ginseng would work to increase my energy. Has anyone tried Ginseng or got an alternative suggestion?

Mary

[Cooper27]

Ginseng is a slightly longer burning stimulant (the sort you'd take once a day, instead of as needed).

I think you need to look at what's making you tired though - have you been checked for nutrient deficiencies? And do you eat much sugar?

[maryiwright in reply to Cooper27]

Thank you for your comments. I'm sure I don't eat too much sugar and I think that in part my lack of energy may be due to having quite a bit of stress in my life at the moment. Also it can be tiring walking with osteoarthritis in right hip and knee.

[Cooper27 in reply to maryiwright]

That's good you don't eat a lot of sugar when you feel tired, is it a general exhaustion (from when you wake) or is it an energy slump thing? As in 2pm every day, you can't keep your eyes open? I can give a few tips depending on which one.

I think ginseng would help with the all day exhaustion, but an energy dip at the same time each day can mean your eating something you shouldn't be.

[maryiwright in reply to Cooper27]

Generally low energy, not that the arthritis encourages dashing around But often mentally tired from about 7pm. I eat something (often a chocolate biscuit) just before bed as I have to eat with my anti-inflamatry tablet, but I have found that if I don't eat then I feel a bit sick and dizzy when I wake up until I have breakfast, sometimes get the same feeeling sometimes just before lunch. I'm assuming this is something to do with low sugar levels. Thanks for taking an interest

[Cooper27 in reply to maryiwright]

With general fatigue, I would speak to your doctor, as between fatigue and light headed spells, it might point to nutrient deficiencies (iron, B12, vitamin D). They may also like to check your thyroid function.

In general, I'd make sure to eat a good variety of vegetables and also try to eat a decent protein with each meal, as that will prevent sugar crashes, and that might help with your light headed spells before lunch.

I'd think ginseng might help, but it wouldn't fix the problem, it would just be a crutch. You could maybe take some on days you have a lot going on though

[Penel]

It’s only been a year since your treatment, it can take some time for your body to get over something so drastic.

Stick to the most nutritious good quality food available to you. Try to avoid sugar and white carbs, if you can, as they won’t help with weight loss and you may get a sugar crash after eating them. Don’t go too low fat, as this can leave you hungry.

Perhaps try a probiotic to see if that helps?

[maryiwright in reply to Penel]

I was taking a probiotic for a few months after the treatment, I'll get some more. I have read that I should cut back on carbs rather than fat, need to see what more I can do on that.

[Penel in reply to maryiwright]

I find that cutting down on the starchy foods works for me, so only the occasional potato or a little rice etc.

If you cut out any highly refined foods that can be a good place to start. Modern research has found that if you eat dairy, it’s better for your health to go for full fat.

[maryiwright]

Thanks for the help Cooper27 and Penel. Its early yet but the Ginseng and Cranberry seem to be helping. Not sure about the Probiotic but I'll continue taking it, maybe not every day. I'm taking a number of supplements now as I take Flax Seed Oil and Ginger for Arthritis and Multi Vitamins and Minerals.

[maryiwright]

Hi, just an update on this. The ginseng sent my blood pressure way too high so had to stop that. Turned out that the bladder problem was largely caused by Naproxen that I was taking for the arthritis. And the tiredness must have been connected to the stress. I'm sticking with decaff most of the time but do have the odd cup of ordinary tea or coffee now. I'm also moving over to low carbs high(healthy) fat eating, still at the lower carbs and higher fat than before stage but losing weight as opposed to slowly gaining which is what was happening before I started to make changes in April. Had my bad hip replaced 3 weeks ago, so looking forward to life being much better very soon.