No Energy?
Wednesday, 16 December 2009 00:00

   Space Vitamins How many people do you know who complain they have no energy to get through their day? Low energy or no energy is experienced by so many otherwise healthy people. Sometimes we resort to fake forms of energy such as caffeine and sugary treats, but these instant hits can also be a further cause of no energy later in the day. Let’s look at some possible reasons for a lack of energy, and what steps we can take to fix them.

Do you skip breakfast?

It’s a cliché to say it’s the most important meal of the day, but in this case it’s clichéd because it’s true. It’s hard to eat breakfast if you have no energy in the morning, but your body will thank you for the effort. A nutritious breakfast with some complex (whole grain) carbohydrates and lots of protein is the best way to start the day. Be careful of pre-packaged breakfast cereals – many are loaded with sugar in some form (sucrose, fructose, evaporated cane juice, concentrated fruit juice... these all have the same effect on energy levels as sugar does). A sugary start to the day can play havoc on your blood glucose levels and you may find yourself with no energy and craving sweets or coffee by 11am.

Have you been burning the candle at both ends?

Our lives are busier and faster paced than they used to be. Sometimes we have been busy for so long that we don’t even notice this causes strain on our bodies... until we get sick. Having no energy may be our bodies’ way of telling us to slow down and take a break to recharge. Take a step back – are you finding time to eat well, exercise and relax? If you don’t make time now, it is very likely you will pay the price later.

Are you stressed?

Stress can cause our adrenals to become overworked and sometimes even exhausted, which may result in anxiety, depression, no energy and even chronic fatigue. No energy can be a sign of early stages of adrenal burnout.

“But I can’t take a break!”

Then take steps to protect yourself in other ways, by eating well and taking a good quality multivitamin supplement high in B vitamins. This will help by nourishing your adrenal glands and providing the extra nutrients that are needed when the body is stressed.

Remember, having no energy may be your body’s early warning system letting you know something’s not quite right. Having no energy could be a sign that you need to take some time out for yourself, rebuild and recharge. For more information on supplements which can help support you in busy or stressful times, click here.