Want to Boost Your Energy Levels?

Did you know you have little “power plants”, little “batteries” in each of your cells.  These little energy packets are called Mitochondria.  Mitochondria are central to healthy energy metabolism.  Consequently, when they do not function properly due to poor sleep habits, too much sugar and too little movement, we see a wide range of health complaints follow.

What is the answer? 3 solid ways you didn’t know would protect your energy reserve.

I know! I know! You have heard it all before. 

NOPE.  When was the last time someone told you to Get in those calories, and do it with fat?

In particular you may want to add some medium chain triglycerides from coconut oil.  They are beneficial not just in energy production, but also beneficial in overcoming the “brain drain” that so many of us feel at the end of a long day.  If that wasn’t enough, MCT’s are beneficial for weight loss and satiety.

What else?

Magnesium is essential- Meaning your body cannot synthesize it. If you cannot make it! You need to take it! Magnesium proves to be one of the more important minerals for its impact on so many metabolic pathways, including those that are important for energy.

Magnesium is next to Omega III Fatty acids and Vitamin D3 on the scale of importance.  Making magnesium one of the more cost effective steps you can take towards better health.
Whether you are an athlete, want better blood sugar support or a better night’s sleep, magnesium is your magic bullet!

Lifestyle factors like consumption of processed foods, stress, coffee and increased  consumption in alcohol will deplete your body’s stores of this essential mineral. By some accounts, 80% of the adult US population is deplete.

How do you know if more magnesium is necessary for your wellbeing?

Do you complain of…

  • Muscle cramps and spasms? While calcium contracts- magnesium relaxes.

Get some MAGNESIUM!

  • Insomnia -Sleep much?… OR not at all?…

Magnesium is an essential part of our production of serotonin, GABA and melatonin for sleep and mental health. Think about its benefits if you feel anxious!

  • Fatigue? or lack of physical stamina?

At the root of energy production is a molecule called ATP. Its activity is DEPENDENT on Magnesium and a sufficient amount.

What about sugar for energy?  Won’t that work?  It tastes delicious!

It sure does! It is too bad the consumption of sugar is not without consequences.  One of the quickest ways to deplete your mitochondrial function is to consume too much sugar, processed foods incleading breads and cereals.  You mitochondria need to work overtime and they are doing it without the fundamental nutrients to make energy like zinc, b-vitamins and magnesium.

Invariably this leads to weight gain and a sluggish metabolism.  This vicious cycle can be compounded by age related weight gain.  It is always harder to lose those last 5 pounds vs. gain them.

Many of us have been under the impression that our gut, and it’s flora are in poor health or balance due to our excessive weight…maybe it’s is the OTHER WAY AROUND! ?

Healthy Gut flora can be enough to help you “widdle that waist” and improve endurance. Studies are not sure which particular species are important- but one thing is clear- Slender people vs. Obese people have different gut flora.  In addition the medical literature supports the use of pro-biotics to help you maintain energy throughout exercise.

“Even though diet will affect gut flora composition, most studies conclude that gut flora on it’s own has an effect on weight and energy. Alteration of the gut microbiota can be an important part of any dietary regimen.”-Dr. Deedra Mason

Inflammation, energy from polysaccharides, insulin sensitivity and energy expenditure and storage are all affected by gut flora.

Probably the most important take away is this.  While no one will argue that a healthy diet will improve over all well-being. There is no “one-size-fits-all” there are common threads and Fat, minerals and probiotics are too frequently overlooked as a part of your “spring cleaning” for better energy!