By Amy McKelvey
A question that I get asked all of the time is, “How can I have more energy?” Well, let’s start by defining what we mean by “more energy.” An energy shot and a cup of coffee? I don’t think so! To me, an energized person is one whose life is truly in balance; and by life, I mean love, work, dreams, the years, the miles and every organ system working in rhythmic harmony.
I don’t meet many people like that, because it’s what we strive for, what we try to make time for, in a world where work, love, family, dreams and health often seem to pull in many different directions. So, how do we muster the strength to counter all of the different energy zappers and achieve real energized living?
Yes, good sleep, stress reduction and a good diet are keys to this balance; but sometimes those things just aren’t there. So what else can we do to stimulate energy? One of the things that I love about proactive support from herbs and supplements is that they have a focused ability to kick-start real change.
Think about it: the human body is one synchronized, active community of trillions of determined little cells, each working to be energized, to have optimal nourishment, on our behalf.
Knowing this, it makes sense to give the body some targeted help. Here are three daily proactive supplements that I’ve found to be most helpful in improving cellular health while enhancing mental and physical energy levels.
Stress Reduction: L-Theanine
Managing stress is one of the most effective ways to increase energy because stress is a major energy zapper: it decreases immune function, reduces sexual energy and desire, prevents sleep and causes depression and anxiety.
Yes, caffeine is a big part of our society, and most people love a good cup of coffee or tea; this is why L-Theanine is one of the key supplements I recommend. L-Theanine, an amino acid originally discovered in green tea leaves, has an extraordinary ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and enhance Alpha brain-wave production. This is a really big deal because
an increase in Alpha waves reduces nervous tension while increasing our cognitive abilities. L-Theanine also slows down our heart rate. I recommend a dosage level of 200mg when you feel stressed.
Super Antioxidant Energy Support from CoQ10
CoQ10 is a fat-soluble nutrient that’s used in the energy centre of every cell in the body. and when its levels decline, so does energy. CoQ10 is also concentrated in tissues that require a lot of energy, like the heart, allowing it to pump more efficiently.
If you eat a great diet, you’ll be ingesting several milligrams of CoQ10 a day but this is nowhere near the optimal level that the body needs. Clinical studies show that we can benefit from taking 100mg – 200mg of CoQ10 each day. Not a stimulant – a core energy builder.
Inflammation and Turmeric
Inflammation is a complex subject: it’s the cause and effect of many of our everyday aches, pains – and worse. It’s also an essential defence system. But this process can get stuck in overdrive as a response to the chemicals in our environment, injury, or poor lifestyle decisions. Then inflammation robs us of energy.
That’s why I recommend the daily use of a high curcumin turmeric extract. Modern research has confirmed its ability to support a healthy, balanced inflammation response. Less pain, more energy.
I know we’re all walking our individual path to true energy and balance, but the above three scientifically validated supplements can really help you on your way.
As an integrative herbalist, natural products consultant, and marketing professional, Amy McKelvey has a passion for living with purpose and vitality, coupled with deep respect for the human body and nature. Past posts include Andalou Naturals and Ethical Naturals, Inc; she is now the CEO of her vital way. As an herbal practitioner, Amy’s work is focused solely on women and providing herbal care free of charge to family, friends, and colleagues. Her main mission is to bridge the gap between those who are unfamiliar with or unsure of herbal supplementation and those with practical everyday experience. Amy is a member of the Women’s Medicine Collective, American Herbalist Guild, and a mother of two daughters.