Energy Boosters
Feeling less than perky? A
natural energy booster may be just what you need. Modern life hurtles by at a frenetic pace and keeping all those important little balls in the air can sap the energy right out of you.
That’s when many of us reach for a sugary snack or a cup of high-octane coffee to keep us going, which is not the best idea. Sugar and caffeine are just some of the culprits that got your energy levels down there in the first place! Instead of resorting to quick fix measures, you should be identifying the cause of your fatigue and treating it with
natural energy foods or
herbal energy supplementsSo what exactly is making us so tired? There are many things that can cause fatigue. These include:
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- A shortage of certain vitamins or minerals
. Take magnesium for instance. This seemingly irrelevant substance is in charge of more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including the all-important breaking down of glucose into useable energy. You can increase your intake of magnesium by adding some natural energy foods like almonds, fish and whole grains to your diet.
- Too little exercise
. When you get home, pooped after a long day in front of the computer, the last thing you feel like doing is pulling on those running shoes and going for a jog around the block. In actual fact that is probably the best thing you could do to raise your energy levels. Even a mere ten minutes of walking per day can increase your energy levels (and your mood!) considerably.
- Skipping meals
. Don’t do it! Many people think that cutting out meals will help them lose weight and it will, initially – until you start eating normally again. Never think you can cheat your body, it knows what you’re up to and it counteracts immediately. Skip breakfast for instance and your metabolism goes into hibernation, clinging onto all those calories you so desperately want to burn. The best way to lose weight is to eat regular, small, nutrient-dense meals that sustain both your metabolism and your blood sugar.
- Dehydration
. So we all know that thirst can masquerade as hunger, but did you know it can also masquerade as fatigue? According to the experts, you can feel tired and lethargic even if you’re just slightly dehydrated. The solution: water. Clean, pure water. If you don’t like the taste, try flavouring it with some lemon wedges or mint or steep some herbal tea and get a dose of antioxidants to boot.
- An underactive thyroid
. In recent years we have become more aware of that little nodule on the back of the hypothalamus which we call the thyroid. This inconspicuous little guy can cause a lot of hormonal havoc if he isn’t functioning properly, such as undue weight gain, hot flushes, skin breakouts and fatigue. If you suspect that your thyroid is up to no good, consult your physician. There is a simple blood test that can determine whether or not your thyroid is functioning optimally.
These are just some of the factors that contribute towards fatigue. So next time you feel a bit lackluster, opt for a
natural energy boost rather than resorting to instant fixes like sugar and caffeine. The health food industry is booming and there are various
natural energy supplements available that will raise your energy levels in a healthier manner.