Natural Energy Boosters

Stay up until the wee hours with a crying baby? Late night out with friends? Work late and then try to fit in a trip to the gym? At some point in life, everyone could use a little energy boost. Whether the lack of energy is due to stress, a busy schedule, changes in the seasons, a poor diet or trouble sleeping, increasing energy levels contributes to clearer thinking, a more positive attitude and an improvement in physical functioning.

Two seemingly obvious lifestyle changes that will increase energy levels are getting the appropriate amount of sleep at night and consuming a healthy diet. Sleep is crucial because it gives worn out cells a chance to repair and replenish. By feeding your body healthy foods such as salads, fresh vegetables and nuts, the cells do not have to expend so much energy searching for the vitamins and minerals it needs. Eating candy bars, potato chips and other junk foods only makes the body work harder expending much needed energy while searching for something of value in the food you have given it.

Which Vitamins and Supplements are Best?

Antioxidants, primarily vitamins A, C and E, are key in the fight against energy loss as they fight against free radicals and reduce stress on the immune system. A B Complex containing folic acid, thiamine, riboflavin and other B vitamins is also beneficial because it contributes to the ability to handle stress and B-12 is widely regarded as an energy boosting vitamin. Magnesium is another vitamin associated with an increase in energy.

There are a number of supplements which also provide an effective energy boost. The two most popular are Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and Carnitine. CoQ10, found in every cell, is crucial to the continuous production of energy and works as an antioxidant to protect the body from harmful free radicals. Carnitine, an amino acid, is produced naturally in the brain, heart, and kidneys and production declines with age. The role of carnitine is to transport fatty acids into the mitochondria to be converted into energy. Siberian Ginseng and schizandra are additional herbal supplements that help combat fatigue and stress.