It’s that time again! Back to school. Summer definitely went quickly in Vancouver. I hope it was a wonderful summer and now you are ready to get back to routine with the start of the fall season.
After summer vacation some of you may find it difficult to get back to a routine. I have some great suggestions for nutrients that can help increase your energy and give you the boost you need to get back on track for back to school.
Most people seek more energy to complete the tasks of daily life. Getting up early, preparing meals, being productive at work, exercise and spending quality time with family all require energy. There are many supplements on the market that promise an increase in energy. I would like to discuss 3 key nutrients that can help your cells produce more energy.
Our cells produce energy within structures known as mitochondria. These “powerhouses” convert the energy from our food into a usable form of energy for our cells. By supporting energy production in our mitochondria, we provide more fuel for our body and in turn, enjoy more energy.
There are 3 key nutrients that provide the cofactors necessary for our mitochondria to produce energy. Add these into your daily supplement regime to increase your energy.
The first is CoQ10. This nutrient is essential to our mitochondria. 95% of cellular energy requires CoQ10. I recommend Ubiquinol instead of Ubiquinone, as the first has greater absorption and remains in our bloodstream longer.
The second nutrient is Magnesium. This mineral is essential to energy production in our cells. It is very important for one of the final steps in energy production. Most standard diets are deficient in Magnesium. In addition, our foods are becoming more and more deficient in Magnesium. Therefore, I usually suggest supplementing with additional Magnesium.
The final nutrient complex I recommend is a good B Vitamin complex. The B vitamins provide crucial cofactors that are necessary within different parts for the energy production cycle in our mitochondria. Key B vitamins include B2, B5, B6 and B12. A good B complex should provide the broad range of B nutrients to support and boost our mitochondrial energy production.
The 3 nutrients I have listed above are a good start when supporting energy production. Of course diet and lifestyle is extremely important in producing energy. Getting enough sleep, exercise, avoiding sugar and having enough iron in your diet are essential.
I will be writing more on the importance of our mitochondria in future newsletters. Mitochondrial damage plays a key role in aging and disease. I will give you more tips on how to protect your precious powerhouses.
Happy Back to School!
Yours in health,
