Wellness article index >> Natural Energy Boosters There is a lot of talk in the news about an energy crisis, including elevated prices at the gas pump and for heating our homes. But the more important fuel crisis, as far as health goes, is how we are handling our own body's energy reserves during stressful times and how we are boosting our energy. We all know what's wrong with the quick fixes. Eating a candy bar provides only a short- lived lift, followed by a letdown that sets us up for erratic highs and lows, mood swings and more feelings of exhaustion. Drinking coffee all day to keep up the pace leads to elevated blood pressure, and since coffee is a diuretic, it may also cause you to lose many important nutrients through urination. Here are some ways that you can keep up the pace without negative health consequences. The general rule is that you may need to wait a week or two to see results, but they will be more stable, helping you to build up your energy in a more natural way, rather than a jolt followed by a droop. Helpful supplements Among the vitamins, two categories are important. The first is the antioxidants, including vitamins A, C and E, and the second is the B complex. Antioxidants help the body day by day in its fight against free radicals and anything that stresses the immune system. Look for about 10,000 IU of vitamin A, 400 – 800 IU of vitamin E and 2,000 mg of vitamin C. The B vitamins include thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid and more. They have hundreds of functions in the body and are especially helpful in handling stress. Vitamin B-12 in particular is known to be an energy booster. If you have been avoiding meat, chances are you may need extra B-12. Be sure that you are getting a complete B complex, with quantities between 50-150 mg. for each, except for B-12, which is measured in micrograms (mcg.) and may be taken in quantities up to 2000 mcg. daily for special circumstances. Another group of vital supplements for enhanced energy includes substances that the body naturally makes for energy production. One is Co-enzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10. The body makes its own as part of the normal metabolic process, but as we age, we make considerably less. CoQ10 supplies energy directly to the muscles to combat fatigue, and has the special function of supplying energy to the heart muscle for improved cardiovascular health. L- Carnitine, an amino acid, also sends energy directly to the heart. It is sometimes recommended to treat chronic fatigue syndrome. A third substance made by the body, and part of the normal energy cycle, is NADH (Nicotinamide Adenine Finucleotide). NADH is a coenzyme found naturally in food that plays a central role in the process by which cells convert food into energy.. Recent studies show a role for NADH supplementation not only in chronic fatigue, but also in degenerative diseases including Parkinson's Disease. Fourth, 5- HTP is a form of L-tryptophan, an amino acid that helps improve both mood and sleep. Sometimes, just getting a better night's sleep and having a more vibrant mood can be a tremendous plus when it comes to assessing your energy. There are many herbs that enhance energy, including these from Asia. Some are better than others. It's best to avoid overstimulating yourself with herbs such as ephedra, the plant form of the better known synthetic ephedrine or pseudofed. This herb can have side effects and keep you out of balance. Instead, try Schizandra--a Chinese herb that helps to combat fatigue and stress. In a recent study, animals given the herb for ten days had a dramatic and statistically significant increase in stamina more than two and half times as much as control animals. Schizandra is available as an individual supplement or may be an ingredient in some energy formulas. Ginseng is another herb found in Asian medicine. Ginseng is known as an adaptogen, a substance that helps the body adapt to stress without over-stimulating. American ginseng is recommended as the most suitable form for women. Before trying out new herbs, consult with your holistic health care provider to be sure that they are right for you. Although generally safe, ginseng, for instance, may not be appropriate for someone with high blood pressure and schizandra may be unsuitable for pregnant women. What are you eating? There is no single correct way to eat, but generally, you will have more energy if you avoid simple sugars or overly processed foods (white flour, fast foods) and go for complex carbohydrates found in whole foods (baked potatoes, brown rice, whole grain cereals) as well as fruits and vegetables. Also try eating smaller meals throughout the day instead of three large meals. That way, your body spends less energy on digestion and you don't wait until you are depleted to refuel yourself. A good replacement for coffee is the herb Yerba mate. Popular in South America, this herb is available either loose or in teabags, and will help wake you up. Green tea is another good choice. Easy energy building routines Be sure to find an enjoyable way to exercise and stretch. Taking short, brisk walks –rather than waiting until you feel like doing a longer routine–is your best bet. Then you'll be more likely to exercise daily and give your mind and your muscles the relief from tension that they need to perform optimally. Yoga and Qigong (pronounced Chee-gung) are examples of ancient systems designed to balance energy. If you don't already know about them, consider taking a class. Chi gong, like tai chi, uses slow movements that engage the acupuncture meridians, the energy pathways of the body according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Yoga, derived from ancient Indian traditions, also enhances energy. The gentle stretches help get rid of blockages. From the viewpoint of Western medicine, all of the glands and organs are tonified by the various postures and the circulation is improved. From yoga's own perspective, energy is raised from the base of the spine to the top of the head, with its corresponding functions of greater awareness and mental functioning, emotional balance and physical well-being. Most Yoga programs also employ breathing exercises called pranayama. These exercises not only increase our intake of oxygen without which we can produce no energy at all but our intake of chi (Prana is the Sanskrit word equivalent to chi). Rule out underlying conditions Be sure that any low energy is not the result of a serious underlying condition, such as low thyroid functioning. See your physician and consider using a detoxification diet to clear your body of old toxins, as well as viruses, parasites, and other causes of low energy. http://www.AlternativeDr.com Wellness article index >> News I Health I Wellness I Exercise I Profiles I Business I Links I Women ROCK! Product Review I To the Point I Contact I Home Created by: Art Street Design Studio. © Concerning Women Communications, Inc. all rights reserved.