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Related Reads
9 Surprising Health Benefits of Kombucha
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Kombucha and Pregnancy

March 17, 2022
There’s no denying that modern life can be stressful: the pace, the workload, and being constantly on the go. Sometimes, just thinking about what your day holds is enough to exhaust you. And this might be why so many people these days are choosing natural energy boosters and drinks to give them a little more in the tank.
But what exactly are those drinks made of? How well do they work, and which ones should you choose? Not all energy is created equal: for example sugar is technically a natural product that can boost your energy, but we all know that too much of it isn’t good for you. So what’s the deal with natural energy boosters and drinks, and what ingredients should you look for?
Let’s take a look at the various types of natural energy boosters and drinks out there, the pros and cons of each type, and which ones you should consider when you’re looking for an extra boost.

Why We Enjoy Natural Energy Boosters and Drinks
Energy drinks are more popular than ever. Unfortunately, most popular commercial energy drinks are not natural and not too healthy. Many are loaded with sugar, caffeine, and artificial ingredients. They may give you a short term energy boost, but you’re bound to crash soon after — And they’re not good for your long-term, overall health.
There have even been cases where people experienced heart problems from over-consumption of energy drinks. Those problems can range from palpitations to actual heart attacks. And top of it, the sharp spike of energy is followed by a steep crash, so you might find you feel more tired once the effects wear off.
As with anything, the occasional commercial energy drink probably won’t be terrible for you in moderation, but you won’t want to make a habit out of it.
Which Natural Energy Boosters and Drinks Are Actually Good for You?
So, you know you shouldn’t be reaching for commercial energy drinks when you need a boost. But what can you choose to drink when you need a little extra energy? Here are a few options to consider:
1. Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented product, like kefir or kimchi— or, since it’s a drink, like wine or beer. This natural product is made by fermenting tea and adding a variety of natural flavorings and ingredients. It’s got a lot of gut-healthy probiotic flora in it, but it also has a little caffeine because it’s made from tea.
Unlike commercial energy drinks, it’s not loaded with so much caffeine that it can have a negative effect, but enough that you will get a little extra energy boost from it.
Make sure you look for natural, raw kombucha that isn’t loaded with sugar, though. Not all brands are made the same way, and some are a less healthy choice than others.
Related: Is Kombucha Good for Hangovers?
2. Green Tea
You’ve probably heard that green tea is a healthy beverage. It’s got all kinds of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in it. It’s also got caffeine in it – although it’s a lot less than you would get in a commercial energy drink.
If you choose to have green tea, you could always sweeten it with honey, giving you a sugar boost along with the health benefits of honey.
3. Smoothies and Green Juices
Smoothies and green juices are another excellent choice for natural energy boosters and drinks, and if you make them yourself, you have your own choice of healthy ingredients to put into them.
You can use nearly any fruit or vegetable to make a smoothie, and you can add things like ginger or turmeric. You can also add green tea or something healthy like live-culture yogurt or kefir to get some probiotics.
Smoothies and juices have vitamins, minerals, natural sugars, and if you add some green tea, they can also contain some caffeine. This gives them several different energy-boosting ingredients, and they can be a meal substitute if you’re in a rush.
4. Yerba Mate
Yerba mate is a South American green tea. It’s relatively new in the world of energy drinks, but it’s popular for its energy and health properties. Many people find that they experience a smoother, more sustained energy with yerba mate, without the crash or jitters associated with commercial energy drinks or coffee.
South American tribes have made it for centuries, and it is known to give an energy boost, help with weight loss, and even help improve mild conditions like headaches.
5. Coconut Water
Coconut water has long been touted as a super beverage. It is believed to provide superior hydration, and with the mix of natural chemicals and compounds, it’s often thought to be a natural alternative to isotonic sports drinks.
While there is no definitive proof for some of these claims, coconut water is a good choice for hydration, and being hydrated does give you more energy.
6. Acai Berry Juices
Juices with acai berry have long been known to be good for boosting energy. The berries have natural sugar and other vitamins and minerals that are good for you, and they taste great too!
Be careful when you’re choosing your drinks, though. Many are very processed and have hardly any actual berry juice in them. Be sure to read the ingredients list and remember that the ingredients with the highest proportion are usually near the top of the list — You’ll want to see acai berry in the first few ingredients.
How to Choose Natural Energy Boosters and Drinks
Knowing what is better for you is the first step in making healthier choices, but it’s still tricky to figure out which brands and products you should choose. Nearly every energy drink product on the market makes the same claims, so how do you tell which ones are better?
There are several things to look at as you determine which products are a better choice, such as:
- How much sugar they have in them, and what kind of sweetener they use.Natural sugar, stevia, and honey are all better choices than some of the chemical sweeteners out there.
- How much caffeine they have in them – some caffeine can help to give you an energy boost, but too much can be dangerous.
- What the other ingredients in the beverage are – if you see a long list of chemicals you can’t pronounce, then it’s probably not the best choice for an everyday energy drink.
- What kind of packaging it’s supplied in – many manufacturers do use BPA free plastics these days, but there are still some that are using potentially dangerous plastic bottles for their beverages.
- The nutritional information – knowledge is power, so you should ALWAYS read the nutritional information!
- Look for products that are as raw and minimally processed as possible – excessive heating and processing can negate any health benefits you might get from good ingredients in your beverages.
As always, the fewer ingredients there are in your natural energy boosters and drinks, and the easier to read the ingredients list is, the more likely the product is to be good for you and a better, healthier choice.
Related: Superberry Super-Smoothie

Should You Make or Buy Your Energy Drinks?
Now that you know that many commercial energy drinks are not good for you, you might be wondering if you should buy them at all. After all, you can always choose water, coconut water, or homemade juices and smoothies.
The good news is that you don’t have to totally avoid every energy drink. There are some great natural energy boosters and drinks out there, and if you follow these tips, you should be able to spot them.
A healthy diet includes a variety of foods and drinks, and water should always be near the top of your drink choices. However, whether it’s a healthier store-bought energy drink beverage or the occasional morning coffee when you need an early morning boost, you can safely add other beverages to your diet as long as you’re mindful of what we’ve discussed here and how they make you feel after you drink them
When you can take the time to make your own beverages, whether that’s juices, smoothies, green tea-based beverages, or something else, you know exactly what health benefits you are gaining. There’s nothing better than a good, refreshing, energy-boosting drink.
But if you’re short on time or desire to hang out in your kitchen creating your own energy boosting concoctions (hello, busy schedule!), there are some great choices out there that are healthy, easy to store, and ready to drink.

Give Tea A Try
Brew Dr. Kombucha’s mission is to explore the magic of tea, from raw, organic kombucha to energizing yerba mate.
If you’re looking for a natural energy boost, look no further than Brew Dr. Uplift. These yerba mate beverages are not only nourishing but help boost energy, made with natural yerba mate and green tea. Each can contains 150mg of clean caffeine. That’s enough to give you a little boost when you need it without any adverse effects. They’re also organic and come in 4 delicious natural flavors: Sweet Mint, Blueberry Raspberry, Blood Orange Lemon, and Mango Passionfruit.
If you’re looking for an easy, tasty way to try yerba mate (or enjoy more of it if you’re already a fan!), Uplift is a great option!
Like all Brew Dr. products, Uplift made with real, organic ingredients, so you can enjoy the good stuff with no artificial nonsense.. Find a store and give it a try today!
FIND BREW DR. NEAR YOU
Find out where you can buy raw, organic kombucha from Brew Dr.
Tags
uplift, yerba mate
Related Reads
9 Surprising Health Benefits of Kombucha
Artificial Sweeteners and Natural Sweeteners: What You Need to Know
Kombucha and Pregnancy
FAQs
What is the most natural energy booster? ›
- Increase Your Magnesium Intake. ...
- Walk Around the Block. ...
- Take a Power Nap. ...
- Don't Skip Breakfast -- or Any Other Meal. ...
- Reduce Stress and Deal With Anger. ...
- Drink More Water and Less Alcohol. ...
- Eat More Whole Grains and Less Sugar. ...
- Have a Power Snack.
Yes, Kombucha is known to give you an energy boost. This is mainly due to the small amounts of naturally occurring caffeine and B-Vitamins produced in the fermentation process when Kombucha is brewed using the traditional methods.
What can boost my energy immediately? ›- Control stress.
- Lighten your load.
- Exercise.
- Avoid smoking.
- Restrict your sleep.
- Eat for energy.
- Use caffeine to your advantage.
- Limit alcohol.
- Work out midday. When that mid-afternoon energy slump rolls around, hit the gym instead of the sack. ...
- Eat chocolate. ...
- Power nap. ...
- Drink some coffee. ...
- Go outside. ...
- Eat regularly. ...
- Go for complex carbs. ...
- Opt for sugar-free drinks.
- Bananas. Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the United States. ( ...
- Dark chocolate. Yes, chocolate! ...
- Fatty fish. Fatty fish like anchovies, herring, mackerel, salmon, and sardines are a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. ...
- Green tea. ...
- Leafy greens. ...
- Nuts. ...
- Pumpkin seeds. ...
- Oats.
Water is the best choice for quenching your thirst. Coffee and tea, without added sweeteners, are healthy choices, too. Some beverages should be limited or consumed in moderation, including fruit juice, milk, and those made with low-calorie sweeteners, like diet drinks.
Which energy drink is best for weight loss? ›Redbull Total Zero
Red Bull's version of zero energy drink without any sugar and calories is a good choice if you want to lose weight. This is one of the most popular energy drinks, known for its zero sugar and zero carbs.
Rank | Energy Drink Brands | Headquarters |
---|---|---|
1 | Red Bull GmbH | Fuschl am See, Salzburg, Austria |
2 | Monster Beverage | Corona, California, USA |
3 | Rockstar | Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
4 | Eastroc Super Drink | Shenzhen, China |
Although rare, there have been reported cases of severe allergic reactions, acidosis and liver complications due to potentially contaminated kombucha consumption ( 21 ). Since kombucha is unpasteurized and contains small amounts of caffeine and alcohol, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it as well ( 22 ).
What happens if you drink kombucha everyday? ›The philosophy that too much of a good thing can be bad applies to kombucha. Though the occasional kombucha drinker needn't worry about this side effect, those drinking multiple bottles of kombucha every day may be at risk for a condition called lactic acidosis.
Is drinking kombucha everyday OK? ›
How Often Should You Drink Kombucha? Probiotic foods like kombucha can, and should, be consumed on a daily basis. "Gut health is not just about healthy digestion — in fact, the gut is now considered central in driving immunity, energy, metabolism, mood, and even how much your skin glows!” says Trout.
What fruit gives you energy in the morning? ›- 10 Fruits for an Extra Energy Boost in Your Morning Smoothie. Brain fog and a lack of energy is all too common in the morning. ...
- Banana. Bananas are high in natural, complex sugars and rich in fiber. ...
- Goji Berries. ...
- Avocados. ...
- Oranges. ...
- Watermelon. ...
- Dates. ...
- Black Sapote.
You may be too exhausted even to manage your daily affairs. In most cases, there's a reason for the fatigue. It might be allergic rhinitis, anemia, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease (COPD), a bacterial or viral infection, or some other health condition.
What vitamin is best for fatigue? ›- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) ...
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) ...
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin) ...
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) ...
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
- Water. Water is the most crucial energizing ingredient on this list. ...
- Coffee. Coffee is a recognizable energy booster. ...
- Green tea. ...
- Yerba maté
Fatigue can have a variety of causes. Some conditions that cause fatigue include thyroid disorders, iron deficiency anemia, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, and COVID-19. Some other causes of fatigue may involve your diet, sleep, and levels of stress.
Which fruit gives you the most energy? ›Bananas for Energy
Bananas are one of the best fruits that give you energy. They are relatively low in calories, but they are rich in antioxidants, healthy carbohydrates, potassium and vitamin B6, all of which help boost energy levels in the body.
- Proper Nutrition. A well-balanced diet is essential to consistent energy levels. ...
- Eating Breakfast. ...
- Green Tea. ...
- B Vitamin Supplements. ...
- Drinking Water. ...
- Magnesium. ...
- Daily Exercise. ...
- Consistent Sleep.
- Diet. Boost your ATP with fatty acids and protein from lean meats like chicken and turkey, fatty fish like salmon and tuna, and nuts. ...
- Drink enough water. ...
- Get plenty of sleep. ...
- Stick to an exercise routine.
...
Top Selling Energy Shots 2021 (USA)
Are there any energy drinks that actually work? ›
- Red Bull Energy Drink. BEST OVERALL. ...
- Amazon Brand Solimo Red Energy Drink. BEST BUDGET. ...
- Bang Mixx Hard Seltzer. BEST HARD SELTZER. ...
- Reign Total Body Fuel. BEST VALUE. ...
- Monster Energy Zero Ultra. BEST REVIEWED. ...
- Hydroxycut Energy Drink. BEST FOR WEIGHT LOSS. ...
- Mountain Dew Amp Energy. THE ORIGINAL. ...
- TRUE NORTH Pure Energy Seltzer.
- RUNA Energy Drinks.
- Zevia Energy.
- Bai Bubbles.
- EBOOST Super Fuel.
- Hiball Sparkling Energy Water.
- V8 +Energy.
- Matchabar Hustle.
- Guayaki Yerba Mate.
- Honey and cinnamon drink. Have a glass of honey and cinnamon drink first thing in the morning. ...
- Lemon Juice. ...
- Cinnamon Green Tea. ...
- Coconut water. ...
- Aloe juice. ...
- Pomegranate tea. ...
- Fruit smoothies. ...
- Green tea lassi.
- Flavored Sparkling Water. Getty Images. Water, but make it bubbly! ...
- Kombucha. Getty Images. ...
- Green Tea. Getty Images. ...
- Smoothies. Getty Images. ...
- Hibiscus Tea. Getty Images. ...
- Coconut Water. Getty Images. ...
- Low-fat and fat-free milk. Getty Images. ...
- Kefir. Getty Images.
What Drink Burns Fat Overnight? Drinking turmeric milk, chamomile tea, cinnamon tea, green tea, protein shake, green veg smoothies, and fiber-rich juice helps you burn significant fat overnight.
How can I drop 20 pounds fast? ›- Count calories. ...
- Drink more water. ...
- Increase your protein intake. ...
- Reduce your refined carb consumption. ...
- Start lifting weights. ...
- Eat more fiber. ...
- Follow a sleep schedule. ...
- Set reasonable goals and stay accountable.
- Beans. “Becoming a bean lover can help you lose weight and whittle your middle,” registered dietitian Cynthia Sass told Today. ...
- Swap your beef for salmon. ...
- Yogurt. ...
- Red bell peppers. ...
- Broccoli. ...
- Edamame. ...
- Diluted vinegar.
Monster Beverage
One of its signature brands, Monster Energy, generated sales amounting to about $3.24 billion in 2021 and was ranked as the second leading US energy drink brand, following only Red Bull. Based on US dollar sales, the Monster Energy brand had a market share of 23.2 percent in 2021.
Kombucha has been reported to cause some side effects, including stomach problems, yeast infections, allergic reactions, yellow skin (jaundice), nausea, vomiting, and death.
Does kombucha raise blood pressure? ›Kombucha Health Benefits
It's also said to boost your immune system, help you lose weight, ward off high blood pressure and heart disease, and prevent cancer.
Can kombucha cause joint pain? ›
Kombucha is rich in glucosamine. Glucosamine helps increase the body's production of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid can prevent arthritic pain, protect the cartilage, tissues, and muscles, and reduce inflammation.
Can kombucha affect your liver? ›Liver toxicity
Research posted to SD Med attributes some cases of toxicity of the liver and inflammation to kombucha consumption. These may lead to complications such as jaundice or lactic acidosis. Those with conditions affecting the liver may want to avoid kombucha or ensure it comes from a controlled environment.
Though the caffeine content is less after fermentation, there is still caffeine present in the finished brew – about 10 to 25 mg of caffeine per cup (for reference, a cup of coffee contains about 40 mg). If you are sensitive to caffeine, it's best not to consume kombucha in the hours before bed.
Is kombucha good for your liver? ›Kombucha, especially when made with green tea, appears to have antioxidant effects in your liver. Rat studies consistently find that drinking kombucha regularly reduces liver toxicity caused by toxic chemicals, in some cases by at least 70% ( 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ).
Is kombucha good for weight loss? ›Kombucha is a great choice for rehydrating and recharging your body after exercise. Some studies have suggested that green tea, a key ingredient of kombucha, can also help to boost your metabolism and aid fat burning, which makes kombucha a great workout partner.
What happens when you drink kombucha for the first time? ›The first few times you drink kombucha, stick to 3 or 4 fluid ounces (89 or 118 mL) or less 2 to 3 times per day. Kombucha changes your microbiome, or gut bacteria. Drinking a large amount without easing yourself into it can cause an upset stomach.
Is kombucha good for diabetics? ›Kombucha may be one potential drink you can work into your diet to help manage your diabetes. A study conducted in 2018 found that kombucha has the ability to significantly reduce blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c levels, as well as increase insulin production.
What is the healthiest common energy drink? ›- RUNA Energy Drinks.
- Zevia Energy.
- Bai Bubbles.
- EBOOST Super Fuel.
- Hiball Sparkling Energy Water.
- V8 +Energy.
- Matchabar Hustle.
- Guayaki Yerba Mate.
Red Bull is one of the most popular energy drinks in the world and its sugar-free alternative. Red Bull Zero is definitely a safe pick that suits your needs. It gives you a sensible 80mg of caffeine and essential nutrients. It's a perfect choice for your diet and workout.
What is the top 10 energy drinks? ›- Red Bull.
- Monster Energy.
- Rockstar Energy.
- Full Throttle Energy Drink.
- Amp Energy Drink.
- NOS Energy Drink.
- Sam's Club Monster Energy Drink.
- Xyience Xenergy Drink.
What is the healthiest thing to drink in the world? ›
Best Choice: Water
Water is essential for your body. It prevents dehydration, constipation, and kidney stones. Plus, with no calories, it's the best beverage for your waistline. If you add 1 to 3 cups of water a day to your diet, you could end up taking in less fat, salt, sugar, and up to 200 fewer calories per day.
At the top of the healthiest energy drinks list is MatchaBar Hustle Unsweetened, a plant-based energy drink that contains 120 mg of natural jitters-free caffeine and no sugar. MatchaBar is a safe energy drink also loaded with antioxidants and amino acids, and all ingredients are certified vegan and gluten-free.
What happens if you drink energy drinks everyday? ›Excessive or regular consumption of energy drinks can lead to heart arrhythmias, headaches, high blood pressure, and anxiety, Popeck says. In the US, more than 20,000 emergency room visits in 2011 were associated with energy drink use.
What's the healthiest form of caffeine? ›Tea: Tea is like a one-stop-shop when it comes to why you should drink it up: you not only get a healthy, manageable dose of caffeine (in most teas) but you also get vitamins, trace minerals and tons of antioxidants, Andy said. Since tea is made of natural ingredients, it's a healthy option and easy to make your own!
What are 3 dangers of energy drinks? ›- Dehydration (not enough water in your body).
- Heart complications (such as irregular heartbeat and heart failure).
- Anxiety (feeling nervous and jittery).
- Insomnia (unable to sleep).
The first energy drink appeared in the U.S. in 1949 and was marketed as “Dr. Enuf”. In Europe, they were launched for the first time in 1987; then the market expanded throughout the world, becoming very popular after the launch of Red Bull in 1997.