Alternatives to coffee as a stimulant

Why in the world would anyone need an alternative to coffee? Well, whether or not you’ve ever considered yourself in danger of caffeine toxicity (or perhaps a doctor has suggested it after a trip to the emergency room!), there are other ways to get the energy boost and alertness that you associate with coffee. Afterall, caffeine toxicity can be a rather serious condition—symptoms include tremors, insomnia, seizures, schizophrenia, and cardiovascular instability.

In a recent blog at bestunversities.com, 10 possible substitutes are discussed and offered to students who often need to pull “all nighters.” According to the blog, one reason that coffee may not be a student’s best choice is that it has been shown to hamper learning and memory (although these results are not without debate).

The suggested substitutes include gingko biloba, ginseng, vitamin B12, as well as some non-dietary suggestions such as swimming, meditation, and... ready for this?... getting more sleep!