If you’re searching for natural ways to boost energy levels, supplements may provide an alternative solution that helps power through workouts and reach goals without risking the sugar or caffeine-induced crash.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb which may help balance cortisol levels, reduce stress reactions and boost energy production. Other supplements like chromium picolinate can improve endurance as well.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is part of the B-complex vitamins. It plays a vital role in turning food into fuel for your body to use and also produces neurotransmitters that affect mood.
Studies indicate that vitamin B6 could help protect against certain cancers and cardiovascular conditions, reduce nausea during pregnancy and help combat postpartum hemorrhaging. Furthermore, studies indicate it could reduce depression and anxiety and possibly help boost energy levels.
Vitamin B6 can be found in foods like meats, fish, eggs, legumes and fortified cereals. As it is water soluble it can be taken any time of day without food or need for digestive enzymes; its supplements typically come in the form of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) or pyridoxamine 5′-phosphate (PMP), both used to measure vitamin B6 status in blood tests; PLP is thought to protect against colorectal cancer while PMP may help improve symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome such as depression and irritability.
L-Tyrosine
L-Tyrosine, a non-essential amino acid that’s been getting much of the spotlight in health and wellness circles for its cognitive performance benefits, can be found naturally in many foods as well as available as a supplement.
Studies indicate that tyrosine may help with aspects of working memory and mood. It’s thought this could be because tyrosine acts as a precursor for neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine; which play key roles in mental alertness and communication among nerve cells.
Recent studies demonstrated the benefits of taking tyrosine before undertaking mentally challenging tasks, including cognitive flexibility and creative problem solving. Furthermore, research conducted with individuals exposed to cold stress found that supplementing with tyrosine increased how long their core temperature could remain above freezing point for.
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogen, or plant that increases resistance to stress and fatigue. As such, it’s often prescribed as medicine to treat various conditions, including depression and mood disorders; additionally it’s been proven to increase concentration and boost exercise performance.
Study results demonstrated that Rhodiola significantly reduced feelings of mental and physical fatigue among test subjects who consumed it, with benefits evident after just the first week and continuing throughout their 20-day trial period.
Rhodiola contains compounds known as rosidirin and salidroside that help prevent the breakdown of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and adrenaline (epinephrine). This helps boost energy levels.
Rhodiola can be found as both capsules and powders for supplement use, with registered dietitian nutritionists or pharmacists recommended as advisors before beginning to take supplements to ensure they’re safe for you – some supplements may interact with medications or cause undesirable side effects; additionally, the FDA has sent six warning letters to various manufacturers of rhodiola supplements regarding purity issues as well as unwarranted health claims such as treating fibromyalgia.
