January 25, 2011

Increase Energy Naturally

Would You Like to Increase Energy Naturally

Do you suffer from a lack of energy?  Energy really is the key to life.  Death occurs when energy production stops.  There are many things that can lead to low energy; many medical conditions, low hormone levels, and nutrient deficiencies are the major causes.  So it’s important to be evaluated by your doctor if you suffer from low energy. Before you can increase energy naturally, it helps to understand where and how energy is produced in the body.

Mitochondria and Energy
Diagram of a mitochondrion

Mighty Mitochondria

Energy is produced by the mitochondria in our cells.  Mitochondria are the power plants that produce ATP.  Many experts believe the key to slowing down the aging process is in keeping mitochondria healthy.

Mitochondria health depends on optimal levels of key nutrients. These supplements help to increase energy naturally.

1.  L-carnitine

2.  Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

3.  D-ribose

4.  Acetyl-L-carnitine

5.  Alpha lipoic acid

6.  B complex vitamins

7.  Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)

L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine facilitate the transport of fatty acids to the mitochondria so that they can be used to produce energy.  CoQ10 and alpha-lipoic acid protects the health of the mitochondria from damage from free radicals.  D-ribose improves ATP production in the heart and muscles and is used to replenish energy in the cells.

Some prescribed medications can lower CoQ10 levels.  These medications include the statin drugs prescribed to lower cholesterol levels, beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease, and many antidepressants.

Recently, it’s been discovered that PQQ not only protects mitochondria, but also stimulates growth of new mitochondria.  This is potentially a breakthrough discovery.

Increase Energy NaturallyLifestyle Steps to Increase Energy Naturally

 1.  Avoid sugar and processed food as much as possible.

2.  Drink plenty of fluid.

3.  Exercise regularly.

4.  Get adequate restful sleep.

5.  Learn to manage stress.

While sugar provides a short-term energy boost, it causes a rapid increase insulin, which then lowers blood sugar quickly leading to fatigue and further hunger.  Eating a low glycemic diet will prevent the rapid rise and crash of blood sugar that leads to fluctuating energy levels.

Seventy percent of the body is water.  Stay well hydrated.  A good rule of thumb is to consume in ounces one half your body weight in pounds.  So if you weigh 130 pounds consume 65 ounces of fluids daily.  Exercise regularly.

If you do not have the energy to go for even brief walks, seek evaluation by your physician to rule out an underlying medical condition.  Intense exercise can actually generate mitochondria.

Sleep if vital to good health.  Growth hormone, which is really a healing hormone in adults, is primarily produced when we enter deep sleep.  Stress leads to fatigue in part because it can deplete our adrenal hormones.

Make the necessary lifestyle changes to increase energy naturally.

Hormones Increase Energy Naturally

The body works more efficiently when hormones are at optimal levels.  The body naturally makes hormones, but levels tend to decline as we age.  If you are over 30 and are suffering from low energy, and if the other steps to improve your energy do not work, it would be wise to have your hormone levels checked.  If levels are low, then strong consideration should be given to hormone replacement therapy using bioidentical hormones.  Bioidentical hormones are structurally the same as the hormones the body makes naturally.

You can increase energy naturally. It’s up to you.

Related articles include:

Sleep and Increased Longevity

Natural Metabolism Boosters

“How to Increase Energy Levels”

“CoQ 10: Power Plant Protector”

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Dr. Joe Jacko


Dr. Joe is board certified in internal medicine and sports medicine with additional training in hormone replacement therapy and regenerative medicine. He has trained or practiced at leading institutions including the Hughston Clinic, Cooper Clinic, Steadman-Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas, and Cenegenics. He currently practices in Columbus, Ohio at Grandview Primary Care. Read more about Dr. Joe Jacko

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