WELLNESS--As a wellness coach, the number one reason people come to me is for weight loss. The second reason is because they are tired and desperately want to feel better!
There can be a number of reasons why people have low energy … depression, a difficult life event, or a poor diet and lifestyle choices … and there are some effective ways to overcome them including natural herbs and supplements.
Which came first, the chicken or the egg? In this case, are you tired because of a lack of exercise and bad dietary habits, or is the low energy causing you to workout less and eat things that you know aren’t good for you?
Whichever it is, here are some terrific energy boosters that you can incorporate today to get you over the hump and kick-start your system. It’s time to start living the life you truly want to live; a life that incorporates regular exercise, healthy eating, steady energy, mental and spiritual balance, and a deep and restful sleep at night so that you can do it all over again the next day.
Ginseng - Ginseng is probably the best-known herbal remedy for energy and chi. There are many versions from white American to Korean Ginseng, but all forms offer a steady energy without the crash afterwards. My favorite is a liquid white American Ginseng that I take with water.
Ashwaganda - Often stress can cause mental and physical fatigue. Sometimes our adrenal glands, which pump out adrenalin, can be overtaxed and less efficient. Ashwaganda is an amazing herb that helps to lower overall stress in the body, support our adrenals, and increase physical stamina and libido. It is most commonly taken as a supplement or in powder form that can be added to smoothies.
Yerba Mate - This coffee alternative contains naturally occurring caffeine, which gives the body a boost of energy without the acidity of coffee. Yerba Mate is a mild herb that can be taken as a tea.
Maca - Maca root is a part of the Ginseng family and works similarly to Ashwaganda. It helps to increase energy and libido and works on lowering stress in the body along with promoting a deeper and more restful sleep at night. Maca can be found as a coffee alternative, supplement, and powder form for smoothies.
Moringa - The Moringa leaf is often ground up into a powder and used to increase stamina, lower blood sugar, and reduce overall inflammation in the body. This superfood is becoming more and more popular as a true energy booster and anti-aging remedy.
Rhodiola - Rhodiola Rosea root helps to balance hormones within the body and increases our energy naturally. It also has stress-lowering effects and libido-boosting properties and may help with depression too. Rhodiola is most commonly taken as a supplement.
Green Tea - Along with having powerful immune-supporting properties, Green Tea has thermogenic effects and stimulates the fat burning process within the body. The naturally occurring caffeine also makes it ideal as a pre-workout drink or as an afternoon pick-me-up. Often 1 mega Green Tea capsule equals 7 cups of Green Tea making it an easier option for many people.
Chlorella - This green, superfood algae contains an abundance of chlorophyll, which provides oxygen to our cells. Because of this, supplementing with Chlorella increases physical energy and vitality often creating more mental clarity too.
Spirulina - Also high in chlorophyll, Spirulina is contains loads of protein, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids and works on oxygenating our system helping us to feel more vital and energized often immediately after supplementation.
Beets - Beets supply nitrates, which convert into nitric oxide in our body helping to promote better blood flow. This increased flow adds a boost of energy and opens our vessels along with lowering blood pressure. Because of this, Beets are becoming very popular in pre-workout products.
Bee Pollen - Often called nature’s perfect food because of it’s ample supply of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, Bee Pollen also stimulates energy naturally while boosting our immunity and helping to offset illness.
Water - The most common reason for fatigue is dehydration. Most of the time we don’t realize that we’re dehydrated but often one glass of water can improve our energy dramatically. Always drink pure, filtered water.
*Always consult with your physician before taking any herbal supplements.
(Jay Bradley is a Youthful Aging, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert Living in Los Angeles. http://www.JayBradleyLifestyle.com. He is the Best-Selling Author of LIVE LOOK FEEL, The 12-Week Guide to Live Longer, Look Younger & Feel Better!)
-cw
