By Dr. Edward F. Group | Guest Writer
Since energy is a cellular function that depends on the vitamins and minerals you consume each day, consistent low energy levels often indicate an imbalance in nutrients.
When cells receive the energy they need, you, in turn, feel energized. When cells struggle to produce energy, they leave you drained. That’s why exercise, regular colon and liver cleansing, and eating an organic, natural diet energizes the body and keeps the mind sharp. Some other energy-stimulating activities include massage and drinking enough water to hydrate and flush the system. Hormone balance also plays a role in energy creation, with fatigue being one of the primary symptoms that something is off.
10 Supplements That May Increase Energy
While your morning latte or black coffee does offer some health benefits, these beverages do absolutely nothing for improving energy in the long run. Yes, caffeine stimulates, but it also stresses the adrenal glands and endocrine system. Energy drinks rely heavily on sugar and other short-term stimulants, like caffeine. Like sugar in candy, cereal, and other nutritionally-deficient snacks, chronic caffeine consumption results in energy crashes and dependence.
Don’t fret, there are better options! Natural, sustained energy relies on three key factors: sleep, exercise, and eating natural, organic food. For a bigger boost, you may want to try any one of these 10 supplements to help the body clear out the toxin overload.
Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and initiate the release of the many biochemicals associated with energy creation. The thyroid uses iodine to form triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), two hormones which regulate others. The best dietary sources of iodine come from the ocean. Sea vegetables (dulse seaweed, arame, kombu, and wakame) and dark leafy greens are great sources of plant-based iodine, or you can take supplements.
The best and most bioavailable supplements are colloidal or nascent iodine, such as Detoxadine®.
Every cell in the human body requires B12 for energy metabolism. In fact, the entire cellular energy creation process, known as the Citric Acid cycle or Kreb’s cycle, depends on it. Unfortunately, the human body cannot create B12 on its own, but you must get it from dietary sources.
The best natural sources of B12 are all from animal sources; I recommend a plant-based supplement. Supplementing with B12 is safe, and no side effects or upper dietary limit exists. The best supplement forms are methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, both of which are found in our Vitamin B12. This certified organic liquid also contains hydroxocobalamin for long-lasting, sustained support with 5,000 mcg of B12 per serving.
The hormone melatonin is released from the pineal gland and directly influences energy metabolism. Individuals with inadequate melatonin levels suffer from fatigue and accelerated brain aging. Melatonin levels also impact gene activation and how your genes affect your health.
The pineal gland produces melatonin in response to the onset of nighttime darkness. Sleeping with lights on disrupts melatonin production. Getting inconsistent sleep can also lead to a melatonin imbalance, which can influence energy levels, blood sugar, and even weight. A melatonin supplement may help.
This well-known herb acts as an adaptogen, supporting the body’s natural response to stress, anxiety, and physical exertion. When people with chronic fatigue take Panax ginseng, they may experience an improvement in cognitive function. Not only that, ginseng can even lower levels of toxins and free radicals in the blood. Overall, this leads to increased energy.
Besides Panax, you can also find Korean ginseng, southern ginseng (jiaogulan), and eleuthero, all of which support energy in their own way. They work together beautifully to create balanced energy in a product like Ginseng Fuzion™. Look for ginseng supplements from reputable suppliers to ensure the highest quality product for the best results.
A healthy heart, an active brain, and proper muscle and nerve function are only a few of the many benefits of magnesium. Your body needs this mineral to activate ATP — the energy molecule in cells — and maintain mitochondrial health.
Low magnesium levels in postmenopausal women seem to be directly correlated with low energy and an increased struggle to complete basic physical tasks. The highest dietary sources of magnesium include raw spinach, pumpkin seeds, almonds, sesame seeds, beans, avocados, and quinoa. Supplementation can also help raise magnesium levels.
Hormone imbalances lead to fatigue and exhaustion. In today’s world of environmental toxins and poor dietary options, balancing hormones is becoming more or less a juggling act. Herbs such as Tribulus terrestris, ashwagandha, shilajit, and maca support endocrine organs such as the ovaries, testes, thyroid, pancreas, and adrenal glands.
Each of these herbs can be found as individual supplements; however, the complementary effect of each makes herbal blends such as Androtrex® (for men) and Women’s Hormone Balance ideal supplement choices.
Another biochemical necessary for energy metabolism, L-carnitine transports fatty acids into the mitochondria for conversion into energy. Acetyl groups also play an integral role in mitochondrial energy creation.
While the body naturally creates acetyl L-carnitine, also called ALCAR, the body will use this biochemical to support and protect the brain. Supplementing with ALCAR ensures the body has enough acetyl groups for energy metabolism and neural health. Make sure to look for a plant-based source of this supplement as most carnitine comes from animal sources.
Coenzyme Q10 plays a vital role in the process of cellular energy creation. Every cell in the body contains CoQ10, although organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver have higher concentrations. Still, a deficiency can result, particularly as you get older. As an electron transfer molecule in cellular metabolism, CoQ10 neutralizes free radicals, reducing its availability to assist with energy creation.
Fatigue is one of the top symptoms of CoQ10 deficiency. Supplements such as CoQ10 & BioPQQ with Shilajit may provide the best materials necessary for increasing CoQ10 levels.
Ginkgo has long-been known for its powerful antioxidant activity and for improving blood flow. A review by the Neurobiology Laboratory for Brain Aging and Mental Health in Switzerland suggests it also improves mitochondrial respiration and ATP (cellular energy) production in brain cells.
This normalizes metabolic activity at the cellular level, protecting the cells and promoting health and longevity. When looking for supplements, look for those with the fewest fillers.
Ideally, our diets would be full of nutrient-dense foods which would supply our bodies with all the essential vitamins, mineral, and biochemicals needed. Unfortunately, over-farming and poor land management have led to mineral deficiencies in much of the food supply. Foods lacking proper nutrients contribute to our own mineral deficiencies. How serious is this? Two-time Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling has said that every disease is directly linked to a mineral deficiency.
Taking a multivitamin may help a little, but the most bioavailable mineral supplements will have digestible forms in combination with plant biochemicals. A supplement like intraMAX® 2.0 provides an all-in-one vegetarian formula with over 65 organic trace minerals, phytochemicals, and super foods.
Points to Remember
Occasional low energy is normal. Eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep will help to restore and rejuvenate. If the feeling of low energy or fatigue is constant, the source of the concern may be more than simply not getting enough sleep.
Mineral or vitamin deficiencies from an inadequate food supply or hormonal imbalances from something as simple as stress may have created a metabolic imbalance — leaving you feeling sluggish and zapped of energy. Depending on your situation, one or several of the supplements listed above may be all that’s needed to restore, balance, and renew your energy.
About the Author
Dr. Edward F. Group III (DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM) founded Global Healing Centre in 1998 with the goal of providing the highest quality natural health information and products. He is world-renowned for his research on the root cause of disease. Under his leadership, Global Healing Centre earned recognition as one of the largest natural and organic health resources in the world. Dr. Group is a veteran of the United States Army and has attended both Harvard and MIT business schools. He is a best-selling author and a frequent guest on radio and television programs, documentary films, and in major publications.
Dr. Group centres his philosophy around the understanding that the root cause of disease stems from the accumulation of toxins in the body and is exacerbated by daily exposure to a toxic living environment. He believes it is his personal mission to teach and promote philosophies that produce good health, a clean environment, and positive thinking. This, he believes, can restore happiness and love to the world.
For more, please visit Global Healing Centre.