Need More Energy?

One of the most common health complaints for busy people is that they need more energy. Whether they are busy at work, at home, or have a hectic social life (or all of the above!) many people feel as if they need more energy from time to time, even if they consider themselves to be otherwise healthy.

If you need more energy, firstly look at your diet. Are you eating enough protein and slow-burning carbohydrates? Low glycaemic index (GI) foods such as meat, fish, dairy, legumes, nuts and seeds and whole grains are great sources of slow release energy. High GI foods such as sweets, dried fruit, alcohol, white bread and other processed carbohydrates cause our blood sugar levels to rise sharply and causing insulin to be released in large amounts from the pancreas, making us feel tired, sleepy or even exhausted. People who need more energy quickly often reach for white carbohydrates and sweet sugary foods as they provide a quick energy hit, but 1-2 hours later they often find themselves in a worse place than when they started, and the irresistible urge for a caffeine or sugar fix can set in.

If your diet is fabulous and you still need more energy, perhaps your body is lacking a few key vitamins and minerals. A multivitamin containing the following nutrients may be useful:
•B vitamins – essential for energy production, protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, blood glucose regulation and nervous system function
•Magnesium – plays a major role in energy production, and also is vital for nerve and muscle function
•Chromium – has been proven to assist with blood glucose balance and prevention of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
•Iron – quite often low in women of reproductive age, and depleted stores can result in feelings of constant fatigue
•Vitamin C – often associated with immune boosting, but also necessary for energy production, and low levels may be one of the reasons for the fatigue which follows illnesses such as colds and flues.

Still need more energy? There are herbs which have traditionally been used as energy tonics to sustain us through times of stress and endurance. Siberian ginseng has been used by athletes who need more energy and stamina in the lead up to big events, and it also has a long history of being used to help people adapt in times of stress. Withania is an adrenal restorative herb and is useful in periods of ongoing stress when we need more energy to cope. Both herbs are also useful in the management of post-viral fatigue.

Optimum levels of vitamins and minerals can help our bodies adapt and cope in times when we are busy, active or stressed. A good quality multivitamin supplement is a great insurance policy to prevent burnout and is a logical place to start if we need more energy. For more information click here