I've had CFS for probably 8+ years and like most I've tried any number of things over the years to get some/any reduction in symptoms. For the last several months I've also been doing the Freddd protocol and have become far more familiar with (but still always learning) which component of the dead lock quartet pulls which symptom lever. This has also made me more aware that some of the areas with the biggest deficiencies can almost instantly benefit from the smallest replenishment.
This brings me to Red Bull, despite the social stigma that has for whatever reason become attached to it, there is something in it that provides a unique response. Within 10-20 min I start noticing a clearing of the mental cob webs and an up tick in optimism an ambition. Depending of the weight of my symptoms that day this can last 2-3hr or all the way till the end of the day. Some days a single can can cause an almost 180 degree change in my dower mood.
That got me wondering ....what exactly is in it that could be eliciting such a response. Most people would point straight to the caffeine (80mg/ 8.4 fl oz) or sugar (27g), but it doesn't seem to be as simple as that. I don't get a similar effect from soda, which has higher amounts of both sugar and caffeine, or sports drinks. Over the years I've also tried doses of caffeine pills up to 400mg to virtually no effect.
I have a yeast intolerance so coffee and tea aren't options, although my mother who has very similar issues gets the same response from Red Bull, but virtually no response from soda or coffee. She is someone most would consider a "health nut", but I asked her given the option when she's having particularly bad CFS issues between soda, coffee and Red Bull ... her response was "Red Bull every time"
So what could possibly be in that can that is causing such an effect that I am missing with Freddd's protocol?
Red Bull ingredients -
This brings me to Red Bull, despite the social stigma that has for whatever reason become attached to it, there is something in it that provides a unique response. Within 10-20 min I start noticing a clearing of the mental cob webs and an up tick in optimism an ambition. Depending of the weight of my symptoms that day this can last 2-3hr or all the way till the end of the day. Some days a single can can cause an almost 180 degree change in my dower mood.
That got me wondering ....what exactly is in it that could be eliciting such a response. Most people would point straight to the caffeine (80mg/ 8.4 fl oz) or sugar (27g), but it doesn't seem to be as simple as that. I don't get a similar effect from soda, which has higher amounts of both sugar and caffeine, or sports drinks. Over the years I've also tried doses of caffeine pills up to 400mg to virtually no effect.
I have a yeast intolerance so coffee and tea aren't options, although my mother who has very similar issues gets the same response from Red Bull, but virtually no response from soda or coffee. She is someone most would consider a "health nut", but I asked her given the option when she's having particularly bad CFS issues between soda, coffee and Red Bull ... her response was "Red Bull every time"
So what could possibly be in that can that is causing such an effect that I am missing with Freddd's protocol?
Red Bull ingredients -
- Carbonated Water
- Sucrose
- Glucose
- Citric Acid
- Taurine
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Magnesium Carbonate
- Caffeine
- Niacinamide
- Calcium Pantothenate
- Pyridoxine HCL
- Vitamin B12
- Natural Flavors
- Artificial Flavors
- Colors