Feeling fatigued and lethargic can significantly diminish the quality of life. Supplementing with natural energy supplements could be just what’s needed to break out of that slump, improving both mood and focus.
Popular energy supplements include caffeine, B vitamins, amino acids and herbs – in powder form or tablet/capsule form – available as powders, tablets/capsules/gels or drinks. Some even contain adaptogen herbs such as Rhodiola rosea.
Vitamins and minerals
As opposed to caffeine and sugar, which provide only temporary energy boosts, certain vitamins and minerals help the body produce energy naturally. B-complex vitamins as well as CoQ10 and L-carnitine play an integral part in energy production in mitochondria – cells’ powerhouses.
Vitamin B2, more commonly known as riboflavin, plays an essential role in turning carbohydrates into energy for cells to use, while B3 (niacin) plays an integral part in producing the primary energy currency used by our bodies – ATP. Niacin also contributes to metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins while supporting healthy blood flow.
Biotin, another water-soluble vitamin, helps the body break down protein into energy for use by breaking it down in its entirety and turning it into energy stores. Dietary sources include eggs, meat, nuts and seeds as sources. On the other hand, Vitamin D is fat-soluble vitamin that dissolves fat to be stored by the body for long-term storage; sunlight is the main source for vitamin D supplementation; other sources include fatty fish, fortified dairy products and mushrooms as possible sources as well.
Goji berries
Goji berries are an abundant source of essential vitamins and minerals that support overall wellness in the body, offering many nutritional benefits to foods as well as supplements. You can find fresh or dried Goji berries used to produce various food products or dietary supplements.
Fruit contains high concentrations of Vitamin A and C, both essential components to increasing immunity against illness such as influenza and colds. Vitamin A also assists the body in absorbing other essential nutrients like folic acid.
Goji berries are rich in antioxidants that may slow tumor growth and inflammation. A study published by Drug Design, Development, and Therapy demonstrated that people who consumed goji juice for 90 days experienced higher levels of zeaxanthin which protects against macular degeneration. For best results, consult with your healthcare provider before including these superberries into your diet, especially if taking medication for diabetes or high blood pressure.
Herbs
If eight hours of restful sleep and a balanced diet aren’t enough to get you through your day, herbal remedies could be another viable solution. With over 300 years of research behind them, herbs like Ginseng have long been proven to sharpen focus, fight fatigue and enhance endurance and mental performance*.
Other herbs like eleuthero and schisandra may help relieve daily stresses, while maca root is considered an adaptogenic herb that increases energy by helping your body manage blood sugar levels more effectively. *
House of Wise provides herbal formulas specifically tailored to address specific issues, so that you can rest assured you are receiving a combination of herbs that work together to promote optimal health and well-being.
Metabolism-supporting nutrients
Eating foods rich in protein, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids may be an effective way to stimulate metabolism. You can find these nutrients in fish like salmon, tuna and sardines; legumes like black beans and chickpeas; B vitamins such as thiamine riboflavin pantothenic acid may help support normal energy levels by helping the body release energy from carbohydrates; others such as B12 can aid energy release more quickly from carbohydrates too. Incorporating more energy-boosting vitamins into diet is also useful; many health claims exist related to fatigue as well mental/physical performance with some being frequently included as energy supplements.
Other ingredients
Energy drinks and shots may contain ingredients that can be difficult to identify. Since these supplements fall outside the realm of food-grade labeling requirements, many have not undergone rigorous scientific analysis before being released for public sale.
Some of the more commonly found energy drink ingredients include B Vitamin (especially Niacin), Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Guarana Seed Extract and L-carnitine/acetylcarnitine. Although these may help enhance performance, they don’t provide similar ergogenic benefits as caffeine and shouldn’t be taken regularly due to high doses which could increase side effects like an increased heart rate[28]
