If you’re looking for lasting energy, here are a few tips to consider.
Energy.
We all want more of it. It gives us the strength and vitality needed to fuel our days. But sustained energy is not something “out there” that we can just keep getting with another cup of coffee. Energy needs to be generated from within. Our daily nutrition habits are key, as our body transforms food to usable energy. On the flip side, there are habits that can drain our vibrancy and leave us feeling fatigued.
Food Is First
The food we put into our bodies every day is fundamental to generating and sustaining healthy energy levels. We can start the day out right by making sure to include some fat and protein with our breakfast (think Greek yogurt, nuts, or eggs). Fat and protein have less impact on blood sugar than sugary or starchy carbs, which can keep our energy levels stable and strong. We can get the vital nutrients necessary for energy production by eating a diet rich in organic vegetables and fruits, along with whole grains, nuts and seeds. Don’t waste your calories, or your energy, on highly processed, nutrient-depleted foods; this type of fuel will not sustain you.
Identify Nutrient Deficiencies
If you experience ongoing fatigue, it’s important to check in with your healthcare practitioner to determine if a larger health issue, such as a nutrient deficiency, is the underlying cause. Two prevalent nutrient deficiencies that are connected to low energy are iron and vitamin B12. One in ten women in the United States is at risk for low iron,1 and fatigue is the most common symptom of iron deficiency since this crucial mineral is needed for healthy oxygen transport throughout the body. If you feel you may be experiencing fatigue as a result of low iron levels, talk to your healthcare practitioner about taking an iron supplement, like MegaFood Blood Builder®, which boasts nourishing, whole foods, like beets and organic orange, and has been proven in a clinical study to increase iron levels without unwanted side effects.*†
Another common deficiency, especially for people over the age of 50 or those who follow a vegan lifestyle, is vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is crucial for physical and mental energy, as well as emotional wellness.* There are certain medications, such as Metformin and proton pump inhibitors, that can lower B12 levels over time. If you think you might be at risk for low vitamin B12, check in with your health care provider to get your level tested.
Address Your Stress
We often find ourselves with too much to do and not enough time to get it all done. Family tensions at home, a looming deadline at work or emails that just don’t seem to stop. Any of this sound familiar? With the rapid pace of modern life, eight out of 10 Americans feel occasional stress during their day.2 When we’re chronically stressed, eventually we can become habitually “tired and wired.”
There are several things I recommend to help manage the stress in our lives, the first being a daily meditation practice. Exercise is another great way to reduce stress hormones and produce endorphins, the chemicals in our body that help us feel more relaxed. In addition to lifestyle changes, a category of herbs called adaptogens can help our body adapt better to stressors. A few of my favorite adaptogens to ward off fatigue are Ashwagandha, Holy Basil and Rhodiola.*
Sleep Well
Restful sleep is vital to our overall health and well-being yet, almost half of Americans do not get enough sleep, according to a survey compiled by the National Safety Council. A good night’s sleep allows you to recover physically, mentally and emotionally. It’s recommended that adults sleep seven to nine hours each night.
If you’re not able to fall or stay asleep, it may be time for a new plan. Try instituting “sleep hygiene” into your regular bedtime routine, turn off screens, make the room cool and dark, and perhaps take a warm shower or bath with several drops of essential oil (try lavender) before jumping into bed.3 If you wake up feeling tired after sleeping all night make sure you tell your healthcare professional to see if a sleep study might be indicated.
Building and maintaining healthy energy is a key component of your daily wellness journey—when you are properly energized, you have the ability to feel your best and in turn, achieve more. Although there are many ways to produce pseudo energy throughout the day, enabling your body to generate energy naturally will help you to continue choosing the right foods and nutrients, sleeping better and managing your stress long-term. The more you instill healthy habits that evoke natural energy, the happier your body (and mind) will be.
To learn more about how to sustain energy levels naturally, visit megafood.com/energy.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
† For more information, visit bloodbuilder.com
1 Center for Disease Control
2 Gallup Poll. Dec. 2017
3 Occupational Health and Safety