Natural Stimulants For Energy Production
How can I increase my energy? Now well talk about natural stimulants, the most common energy boosters.
These stimulants typically provide a stronger, quicker uptick in your energy levels. However, this comes with some side effects.
Nevertheless, these four natural stimulants will be sure to increase your energy, and fast.
More Ways To Boost Your Energy
1. Follow a regular sleep schedule. I know it sounds basic to advise you to get plenty of sleep, but its something Im very passionate about.
As a busy mother of two, sometimes the hours in the evening are my only window of time to unwind and do the things I want to do.
While I dont want to give up this time, I do know that at my age , my body requires a certain amount of quality sleep in order to feel energized the next day.
I like to get a minimum of seven hours of sleep, but eight hours of sleep is ideal for my body. I set an alarm on my phone to go off when its my bedtime!
2. Drink plenty of water. Again, this is a very basic step in improving your self-care, but its so essential. While it may seem necessary to load-up on caffeinated beverages throughout the day to stay energized, these often just mask feelings of fatigue.
You can also develop a dependency on caffeine, which can make you extremely tired during the times when youre not consuming it. Its not a good hamster wheel to be on!
Getting plenty of water will actually hydrate your body and make you feel more energized. Best of all, its all natural.
3. Eat more energy-boosting foods. Its so true that you are what you eat. Start reaching for healthier foods and ditch the drive-thru to feel better, fast. When you incorporate more fresh fruit, vegetables, and lean protein into your diet you will find that your whole body functions more efficiently and feels more energized.
How Do You Choose An Energy Supplement
There are three main type of energy supplements. You can either use:
Of these, we think the last option is by far the best.
If you want to really make a big difference to your mental and physical performance, then you need to take a holistic, multifaceted approach to energy.
Low energy levels do not always have a single cause.
Likewise, there is often no one single fix for low energy you need to tackle low energy on multiple fronts.
You also want to avoid synthetic energy boosters or harmful stimulants. Although these energy supplements give you a short-term kick, they usually cause side effects, can be harmful in the long-term, and sometimes cause dependency.
Thats why pre-made natural energy supplements are the best option for people looking to improve focus, increase mental stamina, and combat fatigue. The best energy supplements will provide a balanced blend of minerals, herbal extracts, natural stimulants and vitamins that have been scientifically-proven to increase energy levels. Top quality energy boosters will be safe and free of side effects too.
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Should I Invest In Supplements
Before I suggest a list of the types of supplements you should take, this is what you should bear in mind. Supplements are just an aid to a healthy eating lifestyle. In other words, you should always aim to eat healthier, vary your plate, and have enough whole foods in your diet. That is crucial to ensure that you are meeting at least the minimum nutrient requirements.
You shouldnt invest in supplements to get your main nutrition. Always focus on quality foods before you supplement your diet. Now, supplements can reinforce what youre lacking in your eating lifestyle. Because of that, I love to always have some sort of multivitamin complex.
In general, if you have a proper eating lifestyle, its not mandatory to invest in supplements. However, there are specific cases, for example, pregnant women, in which we recommend taking supplements. Always make sure that you check with your doctor or nutritionist before taking any form of supplement.
Best Vitamins For Energy And Focus
Aside from CoQ10 and B vitamins, there are other vitamins you can take to improve energy and focus. Look for a supplement that contains omega-3s, which are healthy fats that can optimize a variety of functions within the body. You can find omega-3 vitamins from fish oil and other sources. Vitamin C can also help you focus better since it helps to fight against oxidative stress, which may lead to feelings of fogginess or fatigue.
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Whats In Brain Boost On
L-TheanineL-Theanine is a major mental focus substance naturally occurring in green tea. In clinical research, its been found to help enhance attention. Among its many benefits, l-theanine:
- Improves focus and clarity
- Has a gentle, relaxing effect without making you sleepy
- Doesnt give you the jitters since its caffeine-free
Vitamins B6, B12, and Folate
B vitamins are particularly important for mental energy because they are at the center of our cellular energy metabolism and are crucial for brain function. We use the most effective vitamin B6 forms, along with the more expensive methyl forms of folate and B12 because they are safer to use and are more natural to the body. Vitamin B6, methylfolate and methylB1 can help:
- Promote positive mood and calmness
- Are essential for the brain to make several major neurotransmitters
- Support memory, other cognitive health and total mental sharpness
Antioxidant-Rich Berries
The brain is our organ most vulnerable to attack by toxins, including all the environmental toxins and the highly active free radicals that come from air pollutants, passive smoke inhalation, and any form of heated smoke entering the body by way of the lungs. Berries are the most concentrated sources of antioxidants in our foods and are a great way to help defend against free radicals. This proprietary blend:
Ashwagandha: The Ancient Stress Remedy
Ashwagandha has been used for over 3,000 years and has a wide variety of names. This herb grows in the Mediterranean and across the middle east, Africa, India, and Pakistan. It has been praised in traditional Indian medicine for its ability to help the body adapt to stress.
In a 2012 clinical trial, ashwagandha was shown to reduce blood levels of cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone. Participants in this study noted a significant reduction in the stress they experienced after 60 days, compared to the placebo group.
If it is stress that has you feeling drained, consider ashwagandha. As an added bonus, recent studies have also suggested that ashwagandha can improve endurance and muscle strength gains from exercise. Additionally, ashwagandha was shown to reduce food cravings and support body weight management, in a 2017 study.
Ready to start your personalized routine?
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Medical School Studies Prove Vitamins Guard Against Disease Making You Healthier And More Energetic
According to a 2013 study cited in the journal Neurology, B complex vitamins may help prevent stroke. The study, conducted at Zhengzhou University in Zhengzhou, China, found that “Vitamin B lowered the risk of stroke in the studies overall by seven percent.”
Another study, this one dealing with colon cancer, was cited in the Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology. One group of rats in the study received multivitamin and mineral supplements daily during research had an 84% reduction in pre-cancer lesions and didn’t develop tumors.
The Synthesis Of Neurotransmitters Is Dependent On Vitamins B1 B5 B6 B9 And C
Thiamine is required for the synthesis of fatty acids, steroids, nucleic acids and aromatic amino acids, which are precursors to a range of neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine, glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid .
Pantothenic acid is required for the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, as shown by experimental studies in rats in which pantothenic acid was depleted using chronic alcohol exposure that displayed a decreased synthesis of acetylcholine in the brain .
In the brain, the aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, an enzyme dependent on PLP , catalyzes the synthesis of two major neurotransmitters: serotonin from tryptophan and dopamine from phenylalanine. The synthesis of other neurotransmitters, including glutamate or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is also catalyzed by enzymes that require vitamin B6 as cofactors .
Vitamin B9 enables cerebral methylation processes and this affects the metabolism of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which are important in mood regulation. More precisely, folate has been linked to the maintenance of adequate cerebral levels of tetrahydropterin, a key cofactor in the hydroxylation reactions that lead to the synthesis of serotonin and catecholamines. .
Vitamin C is involved in the synthesis and modulation of some hormonal components of the nervous system. It is a cofactor of the enzymes that catalyze the formation of catecholamines: , and of enzymes that are active in the biosynthesis of neuropeptides
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Maple Cranberry Sports Drink
All natural maple syrup serves as the sweetener in this high energy drink. Youll also love the flavorful tartness from the cranberries.
This homemade energy drink provides a mix of carbohydrates to fuel your muscles. It also contains electrolytes to help replace what your body loses through sweat. The drink is, however, high in sodium and should not be used by someone with high blood pressure.
Minerals That Give You Energy
Vitamins that give you energy are needed for a fit and healthy life however, many other nutrients can provide energy to your body as well. These include:
1. Iron
Iron helps form hemoglobin, molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen in the body, so adequate amount of iron helps providing enough energy for your daily activities.
red meat, pork, poultry, seafood, beans, dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, dried fruit like raisins and apricots
2. Magnesium
Magnesium’s functions include facilitating the production of ATP as well as strengthening bones.
dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish, beans, whole grains, avocados, yogurt, bananas, dried fruit and dark chocolate
3. Zinc
Zinc helps in forming protein. Proteins are the fiber and molecules which form hair, nail, muscles, etc.
seafood such as oysters, meats such as lean beef and dairy products
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For A Sugar Free Pick Me Up Revv Provides You Vitamins For Energy
Wheatgrass Love’s REVV Natural Energy Supplement, also powered by wheatgrass, is a nutritionally sound pick-me-up for those times you need extra energy. It offers a sugar-free alternative to energy drinks, and contains B-complex vitamins for energy and periwinkle herb. Periwinkle has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, helping you to focus better. It’s available in a chewable chocolate-mint wafer, and the cocoa used to make the wafers does more than provide flavor. It contains antioxidants that block disease-causing free radicals, preventing damage to the arterial walls and heart.
Read about REVV supplement ingredients and information here.
Best Vitamins For Energy*
As I inch closer to age 40, Ive noticed that my energy levels have begun to decrease a bit.
Ive been working really hard over the past few months to improve my diet and to focus on being more intentional with my self-care routine.
Ive also been researching the best vitamins for energy because I believe a quality supplement will compliment my wellness regime. .
While there are truly a plethora of vitamins that can help support healthy energy levels, I decided to focus on trying to boost my vitamin B intakespecifically vitamin B12.
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Best Vitamins For Energy And Depression
With its combined impact on both neurological function and cellular metabolism, vitamin B12 represents one of the best vitamins for energy and depression. Since we already discussed vitamin B12s effects on physical energy, lets take a look at its effect on the brain. Along with the other B vitamins, vitamin B12 plays a role in the production of important hormones in the brain. These hormones, such as serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and adrenaline, help to regulate your mood and are also essential for healthy sleep, appetite, digestion, learning ability, and memory . Having healthy amounts of vitamin B12, a standout among vitamins for tiredness and depression, may increase production of mood-regulating chemicals, thus lessening common symptoms of depression.
Supplements for depression may take the form of a multivitamin containing B vitamins, vitamin D, and zinc, or individual micronutrient supplements for depression. Both forms of supplements are equally valuable and may be effective in their own right, so consider all your options and talk with your doctor before making any final decisions about what supplement is good for depression in your unique circumstances.
B3 For Energy And The Body
If mushrooms or avocado are on the menu, so is a big dose of B3. Vitamin B3 or niacin gained popularity in the medical field for the treatment of cholesterol. Yet, niacin helps with revving metabolism and stimulating blood flow, much like B5. Vitamin B3 also improves sexual health and energy, giving a boost in the bedroom!
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Vitamins Help Ward Off Energy
Insufficient levels of Vitamin B12 and B6 are linked to depression, memory loss, and poor mental clarity. These B vitamins help individuals maintain a good mood and proper brain function. Without the recommended daily requirement of B6 and B12 through diet and supplements, you may feel sluggish and moody. In some people, a steady lack of B12 and B6, along with other factors, may lead to long-term depression.
Water soluble Vitamin B6 must be introduced into the body daily through food and supplements. It leaves the body through urine and there’s no surplus stored in the body. It promotes normal nerve function and guards against disease-causing antibodies. It makes hemoglobin, which supplies oxygen to the tissues through red blood cells. B6 also helps break down proteins.
Vitamin B6 is available in high quantities in turkey, tuna, chicken, salmon and beef. Sunflower seeds, bananas, sweet potatoes, potatoes and spinach are good vegetarian sources of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is included in B-complex vitamin supplements and many nutritional and weight loss supplements. Make sure you get enough Vitamin B6 daily to support proper brain function and mental clarity. Along with Vitamin B12, it’s one of the best vitamins for energy, and it also serves as a natural antidepressant and mood enhancer.
Your Body Will Thank You
My experience along with that of millions of people worldwide is that supplementing with vitamins, minerals, and herbs can definitely help increase your overall health and well-being. It can also give your energy levels a significant boost.
If youre currently feeling low on energy, try adding a few of the supplements Ive recommended to your daily diet. Im confident youll quickly see a tangible and positive difference.
Homemade energy drinks are a great alternative to store-bought energy drinks, which can be full of sugar, caffeine, and other harmful substances. If you need a boost to get your day started, or just need a little pick-me-up after a workout, these drinks are great options. Many of these drinks are designed to restore electrolytes and to give a boost when needed.
Check out the following homemade energy drink recipes, and next time youre feeling sluggish, choose one and give it a try!
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Vitamins Give You The Energy To Think Clearly
When you don’t get enough vitamins, especially B-complex vitamins, you’ll feel sluggish and won’t be able to “think on your toes.” This will lead to more mistakes at work or at school, and a slower reaction time when doing tasks, driving or participating in sports or hobbies. When you’re feeling energetic, you’re more apt to think clearly and make better decisions.
High Energy Food Supplements
The first category consists of different kinds of concentrated high-calorie supplements that are essentially food. The main sources for energy in your diet are carbohydrates and fats.
While protein supplements are very effective for increasing protein intake and preserving muscle mass, I dont count them into this category since protein should never be used as a primary energy source.
These energy supplements are effective only if you need to get more calories because you suffer from malnourishment are having issues with your appetite.
If you are suffering from malnourishment you should always plan a diet with a qualified professional and treat the underlying cause for loss of appetite.
If you are exercising a lot and have always had trouble maintaining weight, then energy supplements might help you increase your energy levels.
On the other hand, If you are at a healthy weight or overweight, adding high-calorie food supplements will not likely improve your energy levels. They will just make you gain fat.
This category includes actual high energy foods like oils, nuts, and instant oats as well as concentrated carbohydrate supplements like maltodextrin and glucose.
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Overview Of Cellular Energy Production
In humans, dietary macronutrients provide the fuel required to maintain the biochemical and structural integrity of the body, to perform physical activity and to enable new tissue deposition . Ingested food is digested by enzymes that break down carbohydrates into monomeric sugars , lipids into fatty acids and proteins into amino acids. Sugars, fatty acids and amino acids enter the cell, where a gradual oxidation occurs, first in the cytosol, then in the mitochondria. The energy-generation process can be broken down into the three steps described below, that ultimately produce chemical energy as ATP that can be easily used elsewhere in the cell.
Oxidation of macronutrients into acetyl co-enzyme A
Overview of the involvement of vitamins and minerals in the major pathways of cellular energy production. This figure displays a simplified scheme of energy metabolism. Briefly, macronutrients are oxidized into acetyl-CoA through several pathways including glycolysis, which produces pyruvate from glucose, and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and C play important roles Then acetyl-CoA enters the citric acid cycle , which generates energy as NADH and FADH2 through a series of eight oxidations that involve vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8 and B12 as well as iron and magnesium. Finally, the electrons of NADH and FADH2 are transferred to the electron transport chain , where they provide energy used to generate ATP molecules this step needs the input of vitamins B2, B3, B5 and of iron.
