Natural Energy Boosters - 7 Ways To Boost Energy Naturally
Energy seems to be in short supply these days for many people.
Some say it's the stress of our busy lives, others claim it's
because we're not eating properly, and then there are those who
believe it's caused by our aura being misaligned with the
universe. There are special foods and diets, herbs, exercises,
special drinks, vitamin formulas, affirmations, the list goes
on. Doctors often prove to be less than helpful, offering little
insight or clarity in what to do. There are some serious medical
conditions which may cause fatigue and low energy, but unless
you experience other symptoms specific to those diseases, there
really is no need to worry.
Common Causes of Low Energy & Fatigue:
- Anemia
- Sleep disorders
- Chronic pain
- Allergies
- Underactive Thyroid
- Use of alcohol or drugs
- Depression and grief
- Certain medications such as antihistamines, blood pressure
meds, and steroids
- Illnesses such as infections, heart failure, diabetes,
arthritis, autoimmune diseases and cancer.
An extreme state of fatigue and low energy is called "Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome". This condition is quite severe and lasts
longer than 6 months, almost always accompanied by other
flu-like symptoms. There is no treatment, and little relief.
Now we all know (or should) that there are basic things you can
do to help improve energy but these aren't always easy to
integrate effectively into our daily routine. In an ideal world,
we'd all have balanced and perfect lifestyles. We'd all love to
find more time for rest and be free of stress, but these things
just aren't always possible in the real world.
Here are 7 popular methods for boosting energy as rated through
various sources.
1. Eat Energy Boosting Foods
Topping the list of foods found provide to an energy boost
include: eggs, figs, molasses, green veggies, almonds, beets,
oatmeal, lentils, bananas, sardines, yoghurt, apples, brown
rice, cantaloupe and parsley. Of course lots of water should be
on your menu too, as lack of it is the number one cause of
fatigue.
2. A Cup Of Coffee
American researchers have found that drinking a cup of coffee
one hour before you exercise or work out reduces post-exercise
fatigue by up to 60 percent.
3. Herbal Boosters, Nutrients and Vitamins
Some herbs shown to increase energy include: ginger, gingko
biloba, licorice root, Siberian ginseng, carnitine, creatine,
trimethylglycine, maca, rhodeola, royal jelly, turmeric, gotu
kola, green tea, and maitake. Bee pollen is another thing you
can try, often referred to as a "superfood". If stress is the
cause of your low energy levels, you can help counteract the
effects by taking a special B-50 vitamin formula which contains
more B vitamins than regular vitamin formulas. Other supplements
you may benefit from include: L- Carnitine, coQ10, and NADH.
4. Exercise and Movement
If you have the time to exercise, and already do so, then you
already know the benefits. But what if you have very little time
to spare or can't afford a gym membership? The good news is that
any amount of exercise is good for you, whether it's pushups on
the living room floor, or doing some stretches in the shower. If
you want to try some of the energy and body work methods, yoga,
tai chi, qigong and reiki are all said to help improve energy
levels.
5. Eat Smarter
Smaller meals throughout the day are much healthier for you and
distribute the energy from food more effectively, maintaining
balanced sugar levels. Another thing to consider is eating
enough. If you drop your calorie intake below 1,000 a day, your
body goes into starvation mode and thus slows your metabolism.
Your body essentially forces you to slow down so that it can
reserve energy.
6. Have More Sex!
There are a number of studies which indicate that sex, and lot's
of it, naturally boosts energy and keeps you healthy. Not only
that, it reduces stress and even burns calories. So have a
chocolate bar and get randy.
7. Deep Breathing Exercises
More oxygen means more energy and as a bonus - relaxes the mind
and body. This is something you can do anywhere at any time. If
you find it helpful, you might want to explore various breathing
techniques. You would be amazed at how different techniques
produce different results.
If the cause of your fatigue and low energy might be related to
an illness or medications, or if you are having other symptoms
than just normal fatigue, it is absolutely essential that you
see your doctor to discuss the matter. It can be very dangerous
to mix herbs and medications and a drastic change in diet can
cause it's own set of problems. This article is not intended as
medical advice and should not be viewed as a replacement for
diagnosis or treatment made by a doctor.