An Energy Shortage

Life: One rep at a time An Energy Shortage Have you noticed how many energy drinks there are on the market, on Wawa counters? We are quickly becoming inundated with these quick fixes of energy. Why? Well I believe that our lives are much more complicated and active now. Sometimes holding down two jobs ,accompanied with poor diets, lack of rest and horrific sleep rhythms have created an energy shortage that rivals the one we had a few decades ago. And throw in stress bombarding you from all directions and we have a full bore energy crisis. All these factors weaken our adrenal glands, which are responsible for many functions in the body, in particular the body’s ability to adapt to stress and manage fatigue. When these lifestyle choices continue, over time the body is unable to keep up, so we grab a “quick fix” solution. Maybe okay once or twice but we can become addicted to these poor fixes and eventually suffer by ignoring real nutrition in lieu of the caffeine and sugar highs. To get your energy back follow these four pillars of health: DIET: Yes, I’m going to talk about your diet yet again. Please eliminate alcohol, tobacco, refined foods (SUGAR in particular) Get checked for food sensitivities. Sensitivities can make you feel tired all the time. Eat more greens and green foods (spirulina, chlorella) Greens help purify the blood and promote energy. Eating clean and eating smaller meals more often eliminate that “stuffed, tired” feeling when you overeat. EXERCISE: Energy begets energy. Exercise will decrease fatigue and increase energy levels. Exercise will help reduce stress not to mention getting yourself in better shape. It does not have to be a full blown heavy workout either. Walking 30-45 minutes can and will create a more energized you. But beware please don’t walk like you are in a funeral procession, walk at a brisk pace. SPIRITUALITY: Okay this maybe a misnomer. I can substitute the word mental health instead. Some people are spiritual though, and they will tell you that it helps with stress. For me, my spirituality is the fact that I am a very positive optimistic person. I don’t have many “bad” days. This optimistic equanimity keeps me active all day. In fact some might say that I am a workaholic. I enjoy creating and doing. If you are always having a bad day or playing the “woe is me” card often, then you will find yourself leading a very lethargic life. You will not have many friends. I, for one, don’t like being around people that bemoan everything. Life is good people! SUPPLEMENTATION: Finally the area that will have the quickest impact on your personal energy crisis is supplementation. Keep in mind that rebuilding your energy stores is a long term project. Check out these supplements…Vitamin B-5, helps activate the adrenal glands. B Complex vitamins, all B vitamins help nourish the adrenal glands. (Note: 5 hour energy does have many B vitamins in its contents) Melatonin: Known as the sleep hormone, can help regulate sleep patterns and circadian rhythms. Green or White tea: provide low levels of natural caffeine. L-Carnitine, this vitamin like nutrient transports fats into mitochondria, where they are used for energy. Ginseng, probably the most well known of all herbs to improve energy and stamina. Try getting your life on an energy plan before you grab that high sugar, high caffeine energy drink.