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By Dr. Samantha Ristimaki, BSc, ND
Lack of energy is the most common health concern that my patients bring up in my practice as a Naturopath. If you think about it, great energy is characteristically a sign of good health! Here are some recommendations to consider:
1. Eat some brain food: 50-60 % of your brain is made of fat. A healthy mix of fat from fish and plant oils such as flaxseed oil and olive oil will give your brain the building blocks it needs to work better.
2. Exercise at least 20 minutes daily: Cardiovascular activity can increase the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to cells. This is an absolute necessity for a person who wants high energy.
3. Go natural: Eat whole, non-processed foods that maximize the amount of nutrients you need to function.
4. Skip the afternoon coffee: Although it may be a short-term fix, it can also cause a negative rebound effect. Consider weaning yourself off your afternoon java to get in tune with your natural energy.
5. Don’t miss your sleep: Your body needs sleep to repair and recover. Sleeping in a dark room will ensure that your body maximizes its rejuvenating ability.
6. Easy on the sugars: Avoid eating carbohydrates by themselves or savouring too many simple sugars like candy and pop. The sugar spike that they cause put you into a vicious blood sugar roller coaster ride that leaves you crashing and craving sugar every few hours.
7. Go out and play: Take small breaks to get outside and get some fresh air. Artificial light and stale air can make you sleepy. A walk outside can help recharge and refresh you
8. Take time to unwind: Sitting in front of the TV or the computer at the end of the day is actually too stimulating for the brain. Consider reading, stretching or taking a hot bath to unwind from your busy day.
9. Eat smaller meals: Eating small amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fat at each mini meal will balance your blood sugar and help prevent afternoon sleepiness.
10. Do something you love every day: Having something to look forward to and enjoy can help give you that extra boost to get you through your day.
How would you rate your energy?
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Comments
06.11.09
These are some great tips and many of them I am using for my pregnancy. I also take vitamins and iron pills, which I swear gives me a little boost everyday. Carrying a baby is the extreme and fast way to lose energy but your tips, from my experience, helps to bring it back up. I would have to say that my energy level right now is pretty high.
06.11.09
I would also add the point about increasing your water intake which helps to keep the brain alert. Thanks for the tips!
06.12.09
You have a lot of good tips in your list here which I agree with and adhere to. However I don't agree with - "#8. Take time to unwind: Sitting in front of the TV or the computer at the end of the day is actually too stimulating for the brain." How is sitting in front of the TV too stimulating for the brain? It has to be the most mind numbing experience for me. Do you have any research or references for this claim?
06.12.09
Thanks for all your comments!
Mark: Studies have shown that the blue light from your television and computer monitor stimulate the brain and alter the body’s biological clock by suppressing the body’s natural production of melatonin -which is pivotal to sleep. It is recommended by sleep experts that you give your self at least 30 minutes of “down time” without TV, Computer, or Video Games before going to bed to optimize your sleep.
Here is a great blog http://sleepsmarter.wordpress.com/2008/03/26/sleep-smarter-tip-1/ all about sleep that provides multiple links to health sites, blogs, doctors, and medical journals all about the effects of TV and computer use before going to bed. –Happy Reading
06.12.09
Thanks for the quick reply, info, and link.
06.12.09
I think its odd that so many people don't realize what their bodies are telling them.
Whenever I hear someone say. "Gotta grab a soda to make it through the day" or "Wow, that meal was so great, I could take a nap!" All I want to say is, "Really, are you seriously going to ignore your body like that?"
Obviously, people who comment on this article are probably fairly health conscious, but so many people don't realize that if you're tired in the afternoon, you probably ate too many simple carbs and sugars, ate too much and have had too much caffeine. The cure? Drink water, take a walk instead of more sugar and caffeine, or simply take a short snooze (if work allows ).
People also don't realize that if you are sleepy after eating a meal, you ate too much. Your body is in overdrive to deal with this large amount of energy it now has to process. Which means, that person is also probably uncomfortable, burping, farting and making gross grunting noises.
I have to be honest: This drives me nuts and its disgusting! I love your post! I hope people read it who don't normally think about these things and decide to make changes-even if they're small. :)
06.12.09
Thanks Liza! You are very correct...We need to listen to our bodies!
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