Sleep, diet and stress reduction can all help you maintain energy, but sometimes additional assistance may be needed.
Vitamins B1 and B12 help sustain energy metabolism by converting food to cellular energy. Coenzyme Q10 aids the body in producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy currency used by cells. Creatine is another compound which may boost short-term energy.
Vitamins
Vitamins (including B vitamins, magnesium and coenzyme Q10) are vital in turning food you consume into energy. Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid and biotin are particularly essential as they support enzymes responsible for breaking down carbohydrates, proteins and fats into usable forms in your body; while choline helps build cells; while folic acid aids DNA synthesis while helping prevent anemia.
Magnesium, iron and ashwagandha are considered energy supplements, helping the body with key processes like energy production and metabolism, blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, skeletal muscle function and cognition. A deficiency in any of these nutrients could cause fatigue as well as other serious health issues.
Vitamin C can help elevate mood by increasing serotonin levels, while calcium and vitamin D promote bone and tooth health. Creatine can serve as an energy supplement by improving performance during short bursts of intense exercise as well as aiding recovery after training sessions.
Minerals
Minerals are naturally-occurring solid substances found both on Earth and in some foods, with distinct chemical composition and ordered atomic structures.
Most minerals are composed of elements. Eight elements are particularly abundant in nature: silicon (Si) and oxygen are the foundational building blocks of minerals such as quartz; copper, lead and zinc all occur frequently while gold can occur in much smaller amounts. Minerals form from the exchange of electrons between atoms of different elements; those with uneven numbers of protons and electrons – known as ions – with opposite charges are known as halite; for instance common table salt or halite contains these cations (Na+Cl).
Some minerals can be identified by color or their physical characteristics such as streak, cleavage or specific gravity. Malachite’s green hue comes from its high concentration of olivine; ruby and sapphire both contain red hued pyrite which gives these two gemstones their characteristic red hues.
Herbs
Add herbs to your food for a boost of energy – from roasts with fresh thyme or rosemary to morning lattes containing cinnamon – for maximum health benefits. They contain B vitamins, magnesium and coenzyme Q10 that can convert food to energy in your cells; plus phytochemicals which act as powerful antioxidants against cancer, cardiovascular disease and inflammation risk.
Iron is another essential nutrient to help increase energy levels, aiding red blood cells to transport oxygen more effectively and decreasing tiredness.
Although eating well can provide all of the nutrition your body requires, there may be instances in which additional supplements are necessary, such as during pregnancy or treating specific health conditions. Thankfully there are natural solutions available – herbs, vitamins/mineral supplements and probiotics are among many of them.
Supplements
Numerous herbs, vitamins, and minerals claim to boost energy, but few provide scientific proof to back their claims. Caffeine (or guarana) and other stimulants found in energy drinks consistently increase energy levels.
The best vitamins and supplements for energy are those which help the body convert food into cellular energy, such as B vitamins, magnesium and iron. Supplementing these areas may reduce fatigue while simultaneously increasing long-term energy levels.
CSHC holders and eligible Veteran Gold Card holders have the option of choosing quarterly Energy Supplement payments instead of fortnightly. This will not have any impact on taxable income, however. To make the switch please contact DVA; alternatively you can always switch back at any time.
