Do you ever feel like you’re running on empty? If so, you’re not alone.
It can be hard to stay energised and productive in today’s fast-paced world. From simple lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet, to more advanced techniques like managing stress and anxiety, there are several ways you can keep your energy levels up - but what about when your body needs that extra bit of help? We’ve taken a look at the best supplements for boosting your energy and the benefits each one can bring.
WHAT CAUSES LOW ENERGY LEVELS?
Low energy levels can be caused by many different factors, from physical exhaustion to mental fatigue. It can be incredibly draining and make you feel like you’re just going through the motions of life. But why do you feel this way? Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Low energy can be caused by a variety of things such as stress, anxiety, poor diet, mental health issues and physical health problems.
Cortisol is often a key player in the rise and falls of your energy and can have huge impacts on the way you feel. So, by identifying the causes of your stress and anxieties, you can work to reduce your cortisol levels and increase your energy.
WHAT IS CORTISOL?
Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It’s often referred to as the ‘stress hormone’ because its levels in the body increase in response to stress, whether physical or emotional. Cortisol plays a crucial role in helping to mobilise energy resources to deal with the stressor.
While cortisol is essential for the body’s stress response, chronically elevated levels of cortisol can have negative effects on energy levels and stress. It can lead to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and depression. It has also been associated with a range of health issues, including weight gain, high blood pressure and immune system dysfunction.
One way that cortisol affects energy levels is by interfering with the body’s sleep-wake cycle. Cortisol levels naturally peak in the morning, helping to promote wakefulness and energy levels. However, in people with chronically elevated cortisol levels, this natural peak can be disrupted, leading to fatigue and low energy levels throughout the day.
Additionally, cortisol can interfere with the production of other hormones that are important for energy regulation, such as insulin and thyroid hormones. Stress plays a big role in cortisol production, and chronic stress can lead to chronically elevated cortisol levels. In turn, elevated cortisol levels can exacerbate the negative effects of stress, leading to a cycle of stress and fatigue. To control cortisol levels and promote healthy energy levels, it’s important to manage stress through practices like exercise, meditation, and relaxation techniques.
FOUR SUPPLEMENTS FOR BOOSTING YOUR ENERGY LEVELS
Maintaining high energy levels throughout the day is important for productivity, focus, and overall wellbeing. Fatigue and low energy levels can impact many aspects of daily life, making it difficult to concentrate on tasks, stay motivated, and complete physical activities.
While proper sleep, exercise and nutrition are key factors in maintaining high energy levels, supplements can also play a role in boosting energy.
Here are some of the most effective supplements for boosting energy, including an overview of each supplement, how it works to boost energy, and potential dosing recommendations and side effects. It’s important to note that while supplements can be helpful for boosting energy, it’s always important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that plays an important role in keeping us healthy and energised. It helps with the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. It also helps to maintain our nervous system and is important for proper brain function.
5 HTP with L-Tryptophan
5 HTP is an amino acid found naturally in the body that helps to increase serotonin levels, which can have a positive effect on mood, sleep and appetite. When taking 5 HTP, those who have suffered from insomnia often find that they start to sleep more soundly, awake with more energy and can go through the day without feeling as fatigued.
CoQ10
CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) is naturally produced by your body, but like a lot of things decreases with age. The cells in our body use CoQ10 to perform a whole host of essential roles. It helps to reduce oxidative stress, improve energy levels and support heart health. It can also help to improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and protect against age-related diseases.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a source of iron, which contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. It has a variety of benefits, from reducing stress and improving cognitive function to boosting immunity and improving energy levels.
All these supplements, and more, can help in increasing your energy levels and get you back to feeling on top form. But, your diet and lifestyle also has a huge impact on the way you feel. Maintaining a balanced diet and ensuring you get enough exercise, paired with the help of our Lily & Loaf vitamins and supplements will see your energy levels naturally increase.
