Its officially the Fall season! Kids are back to school, most people are getting back on track at work and in the home. Now is the time many of us are thinking of getting back on track with an exercise program or healthy eating plan. However, for many, this is also a time we feel a lack of energy. In fact, one of the most common health complaints doctors hear from patients is a lack of energy.
There are many reasons why a person may feel low energy. Stress is probably one of the biggest culprits that drains our energy. Lack of good quality sleep, low iron, low B12 levels and low thyroid levels can also zap your energy.
If you feel are feeling tired during the day even after a good night’s sleep, it is important to have a blood test completed through your doctor to make sure your levels of hormones, vitamins and minerals are optimal. A quick check of your nutrition and lifestyle habits is also important.
Once you have established that deficiencies are not the cause of your fatigue, there are some great
supplements you can take to increase energy. I will be discussing 4 of my favourites. All the supplements increase mitochondrial function. This is the “furnace” in our cells that make energy from the food we eat. When our mitochondria work better, our cells produce more energy. This energy is important for our overall health, prevention of disease and improved overall stamina.
The first is L carnitine. This is an amino acid that helps the body convert fat into energy. It assists the delivery of fat into the mitochondrial TCA cycle that produces cellular energy. It is a great addition to a weight loss program as it promotes the breakdown of fat and increases cellular energy.
The second is NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). It is a form of Vitamin B3, also known as
niacin. It is a very important cofactor needed by the mitochondria to make energy. It is also an
important antioxidant in the body, protecting the body from free radicals. Most people report an
increase in energy, mental clarity, immune functioning and and overall antiaging effect.
The third is a good B complex. The B vitamins are essential in the production of energy. Best taken in the morning with food, a good B complex will help your mitochondria, your hormones, your mood and your
overall energy.
Lastly, I recommend taking a good Magnesium supplement. This mineral is needed for many of the
enzymatic reactions that occur in our body, however it is also the mineral most people are deficient in. A sign of possible Magnesium deficiency is muscle pain or achy muscles.
There are different forms of Magnesium available. I prefer Magnesium Bis-Glycinate for its muscle
relaxing and calming effects. Choose Magnesium citrate if you have constipation or sluggish bowels.
Either form will provide Magnesium to increase energy production in the body.
Please check with your naturopathic doctor or medical doctor before starting any new supplements as
there can be interactions with certain medications.
There are many tests available at Vitalia Health Care to gain a better insight to your energy production and mitochondrial status. A simple urine or blood test can tell us a lot about how well your body is producing energy. Call us today for more information.
Wishing you a great fall season!
Yours in health,
Dr. Tasreen Alibhai, ND
