Natural Energy Supplements to boost your health

Natural energy supplements

Nearly everyone on the planet wants to be healthy and full of energy, but if you’re tired from lack of sleep or just not feeling the energy you’d like to feel, maybe it’s time you tried something natural that will help bring you back to normal again.

Today’s natural energy supplements fill the shelves almost everywhere, but if you’re concerned about how healthy they are for you, you may be in for a big surprise. Some supplements carry warnings that they shouldn’t be taken if you’re pregnant or suffering from one ailment or another. So we’ve put together a list of today’s best natural energy supplements that not only give you a boost in energy, but are healthy for you as well:

Guarana

Guarana is a climbing plant native to Brazil and the Amazon basin. The seeds from its fruit contain the stimulant guaranine, which is often mistaken for caffeine, along with large amounts of theophylline, a tannic acid. The Amazonian people have long taken advantage of guarana’s stimulating properties and, according to a 17th century Jesuit missionary, members of the tribe he visited had so much energy from eating guarana they could go hunting from one day to the next without ever feeling hungry.

Guarana appears to be one of the best natural energy supplements for dieters as it seems to release and then use energy primarily from the body’s fat cells. And even though it’s healthy for you, how it does all this isn’t completely understood. However, it’s been observed and documented by several publications including the Journal of Human Nutrition.

In a study published in 2001, guarana extract induced weight loss in overweight patients by an average of over eleven pounds compared to a group of patients who took placebos, while at the same time raising energy levels, enhancing your mood, improving concentration and memory and dissolving extraneous fat cells without the jitteriness or side effects known to occur from ingesting caffeine.

Ginseng

Ginseng is also well-known as one of the best natural energy supplements. Ginseng is a broad term that encompasses any of some eleven different varieties of a short, slow growing perennial plant with fleshy roots. The herb has been used in China for many thousands of years and is credited with promoting energy, strength and longevity.

Ginseng was extensively studied in Russia during the mid-20th Century and was found to increase the endurance and performance of athletes. During the Russian space program, ginseng was carried with Soviet astronauts into space to help boost the cosmonauts’ strength and endurance.

Some studies have reported that taking ginseng boosts the body’s immune system. Other studies have shown that it also lowers blood sugar levels. There is also early evidence that ginseng can temporarily improve your learning and concentration and learning.

Ginseng has also been found to boost endurance and improve your mood. It’s also found to be a help in combating fatigue, treating cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, erectile dysfunction, and some other conditions.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is produced by the body and is essential for it to function normally. University of Maryland researchers found that CoQ10 can increase our energy levels by aiding in the production of our body's cellular fuel, adenosine triphosphate (ATP). CoQ10 recharges the body’s energy system by enabling the heart muscles to pump blood more efficiently, while at the same time cleaning up destructive free radicals that are by-products of the energy production process.

Some of the health benefits that doctors believe people are able to get from taking coenzyme Q10 include the following:

• Enhancing the function of our immune system
• Stabilizing blood sugar levels of diabetics
• Slowing down the progression of dementia
• Treating or preventing migraines
• Helping treat high blood pressure
• Helping treat heart disease
• Reducing high cholesterol levels in the blood
• Assisting in the treatment of cancer
• Protecting organs from toxic chemotherapy drugs
• Helping treat gum disease

Our levels of coenzyme Q10 decrease as we age and also get lower when we have certain diseases like cancer or Parkinson's disease. The coenzyme is usually marketed to treat congenital heart failure, Parkinson’s disease, hypertension, and to counter the side effects of statins and is one of our top natural energy supplements..

Creatine

Creatine is an amino acid that’s also one of our natural energy supplements. It’s found in fish and meats and is also made by the human body. It does deliver energy as needed when the body converts it into phosphocreatine when is then stored in muscles and the brain.

Most research today concludes that creatine is effective in helping people have more energy and resistance to fatigue during activities that require high intensity  and explosive energy levels of energy. However, creatine does not appear to be as effective in cases where endurance over a longer period of time is needed.

Spirulina

Thousands of years ago the Aztec Indians discovered that the blue-green algae known as spirulina contained large amounts of protein and they used it in their diet to add nourishment and energy. Compared to most other sea vegetables, spirulina is easier to digest and its nutrients are more easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Spirulina is also a good source of vitamin B12 in addition to other vitamins and minerals.

The protein in spirulina is equivalent to the protein derived from meat, dairy products and eggs other than it having somewhat reduced amounts of a few amino acids, and is another on our list of today’s best natural energy supplements.

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola is an herb native to the wetlands of Asia that’s also been used for thousands of years to combat anxiety and fatigue. Many herbalists like gotu kola as an energy enhancement because it lessens depression and fatigue without the stimulant effects of caffeine. Gotu kola is often confused with the kola nut but is different in that it also tends to aid the symptoms of insomnia because it doesn’t have kola nut’s stimulant properties.

What’s right for you?

All of these natural energy supplements are reputed to be great for increasing your energy levels, but they can also make your healthier as well. Natural energy supplements have become quite popular over the last few years and may help to give you the healthy energy boost you’ve been looking for without resorting to more harsh prescription medications.

Top 20 caffeine sensitivity symptoms you should know about

 Caffeine sensitivity

Many people have discovered that they have caffeine sensitivity symptoms when they consume drinks like coffee, tea, energy drinks and most sodas. Caffeine not only can affect people in a number of ways, it can also produce dependence.

When we find ourselves experiencing these symptoms while depending on consuming caffeine so we can function normally during the day, or just to stay awake, it can become a vicious cycle. Even trying to stop using caffeine can cause withdrawal symptoms, which can be serious and debilitating for some people.

The experts agree. In the latest edition of the authoritative mental health manual of the American Psychiatric Association, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), caffeine intoxication is now listed as a certified psychiatric mental health disorder.

The Top 20 Caffeine Sensitivity Symptoms

Some of the most common caffeine sensitivity symptoms are listed below. You should be aware that even if you consume caffeine only occasionally, it’s still possible you may experience a few of these symptoms:

•  agitation
• anxiety
• bleeding disorders
• chest pains
• diarrhea
• headaches
• high blood pressure
• increased bowel activity
• increased eye pressure
• increased respiration
• insomnia
• irregular heart rate
• irritability
• nausea
• nervousness
• restlessness
• ringing in the ears
• sleep disorders
• stomach irritation
• worsen diabetes

Taking steps to relief

If you consume caffeine and notice any of these symptoms, try following these steps to see if you find relief:

In order to lessen the symptoms, try cutting back on your caffeine intake. The best way to avoid caffeine sensitivity symptoms is to try weaning yourself away from the drug and consuming lesser amounts. Begin a journal of all the times you regularly consume caffeine and the amounts you’re putting into your system.

Is reducing your caffeine intake the answer?

Reducing your daily caffeine intake by about 50 mg each day is usually recommended to avoid caffeine withdrawal symptoms. If you have been normally drinking four cups of coffee each day, then gradually cut back to three, then two and then one. If you need to continue drinking the same number of cups each day, then consider decreasing the caffeine content in each one that you consume by slowly switching to a mixture of part decaffeinated and part regular coffee. 

Avoiding caffeine sensitivity symptoms requires that you decrease your intake of the drug slowly until you don’t experience the symptoms anymore. If you find that you need to completely eliminate caffeine from your diet, continuing the process of decreasing the caffeine you take in each day until it’s eliminated completely.

Eating healthier

Another way to ease your sensitivity to caffeine is to make sure you keep yourself hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of liquids. Of course make sure than none of them contain caffeine. Plain water or water flavored waters that contain fruit, citrus, or other flavorful mixers will help the symptoms without adding additional caffeine to your diet.

Consuming healthier foods like fresh vegetables and fruits helps keep your body nourished properly and is crucial to help you fight off caffeine sensitivity symptoms. Fruits and vegetables will also help to reduce any acidifying effects from caffeine and will also help to flush toxins from your system.

Eating plenty of legumes, unrefined grain products, high fiber foods and healthy proteins and fats will add fiber to your system and help to move toxins out of your body and help stabilize your digestion.

Many other foods you consume may be adding to your caffeine intake. Not only are all the regular sources of caffeine on this list, including most sodas, teas, and coffees, but so are most chocolates and chocolate drinks.  Burgers, fries, breaded chicken and practically any fast-foods will probably contain more grease and fat than your system can handle and make your symptoms even worse.

Caffeine sensitivity symptoms can also be helped by keeping yourself fit and exercising 20 to 25 minutes regularly each day. Get up from your desk and take a brisk walk around the office or go outside and breathe in the fresh air. Exercising lets loose a flood of endorphins that will help curb some of the symptoms you may be experiencing.

 Reducing stress

Caffeine sensitivity symptoms can also keep you awake at night. Getting the right kind and amount of sleep can be difficult unless you follow some basic rules:

• Keep the bedroom dark, quiet and cool.
• Use blackout shades or heavy curtains
• Wear earplugs or use a sound device
• Lower the temperature to between 60 and 75 degrees
• Leave your laptop or smartphone somewhere else, but not in the bedroom
• Try some relaxation techniques, such as taking deep breaths and counting backward.

Although exercise, proper nutrition and reducing stress can help you with caffeine sensitivity symptoms, sometimes headaches or muscle pain and stiffness just will not go away. In the event you’re desperate to try medications to relieve the pain, aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen may be worth a try.

Usually our body builds up a tolerance to caffeine when we consume it daily. This means that the more we consume, the more we require in order to get the “boost” we once did. But caffeine sensitivity symptoms can create a problem for some and they need to be dealt with so our body will begin to work normally and more naturally once again.

Caffeine is a drug and everyone’s body will react to it a little differently. If we enjoy caffeine and its effects but suffer from caffeine sensitivity symptoms, cutting back or eliminating caffeine from our system may be the best alternative.

It’s important to remember that caffeine sensitivity symptoms can be serious and they need to be addressed properly. If you think you’re experiencing the symptoms of being overly sensitive to the effects of caffeine, try some of the remedies above. If you still continue to feel negative effects, then consider seeing your doctor or healthcare professional and get expert advice before they become even more serious.

How Supplements for Energy can help Women

Women’s supplements for energy

Just about all women want some extra energy every once in a while. Whether it’s because you’re tired because your day seemed to last longer than it should have or you didn’t get enough sleep the night before, there’s always a time when you’d like to have a little more energy.

Looking over the store shelves today, there is definitely no shortage of supplements for energy that promise to give you that needed boost of energy you’re looking for. Here’s our list of the major supplements you’ll find in today’s marketplace and whether they work or not to give you more get-up-and-go:

Energy boosting caffeine

Caffeine is known to give everyone an “energy boost” when we need it, and it’s widely used today in a lot of supplements for energy. Caffeine mobilizes our fat cells and gives us a boost of energy by telling our working muscles to use fat as fuel.

Caffeine does have drawbacks including the fact that it can produce dependence in some people, and caffeine withdrawal can occur when you stop ingesting it. Women should be especially careful when ingesting caffeine because women take longer to detoxify caffeine from their systems and therefore are more sensitive to caffeine’s effects.

Creatine

Creatine is an amino acid that’s naturally found in fish and meats and is also made by the human body. It does deliver energy as needed when the body converts it into phosphocreatine when is then stored in muscles and the brain.

Most research today concludes that creatine is one of the most effective supplements for energy by helping women not only have more energy but also extra resistance to fatigue during activities that require high intensity  along with explosive levels of energy. However, creatine does not appear to be as effective in cases where endurance over a longer period of time is needed.

L-carnitine

L-carnitine is an amino acid that’s naturally produced in the body and acts as a building block for proteins. Normally L-carnitine energy supplements are used to increase its level in the body when it’s too low because of a genetic disorder. According to some research, L-carnitine does help the to body produce energy, however, there are very few studies that L-carnitine in supplement form directly provides women with an energy boost.

Bee Pollen

Bee pollen is marketed as one of the oldest supplements for energy used by man. However, many studies have been criticized as having been badly conducted and using samples that were too small to give adequate results.

Bee pollen is rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, lipids, carbohydrates and fatty acids and appears to be safe when taken for a short term. However, bee pollen is not considered safe for pregnant women, and it shouldn’t be taken if you are breastfeeding

Bee pollen can also cause a serious allergic reaction, including hives, swelling, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis. It can also cause increased bleeding if taken with certain blood thinners like warfarin. If you’re in doubt about taking bee pollen, check with your doctor first.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that plays a vital role in producing ATP, which transports energy within our cells. Levels of coenzyme Q10 decrease when we age and also get lower when we have certain diseases like cancer or Parkinson's disease. The coenzyme is usually marketed to treat congenital heart failure, Parkinson’s disease, hypertension, and counter the side effects of statins. Only recently has it also been suggested as one of today’s supplements for energy. Most research says that it might help energy levels and shouldn’t have any negative effects.

L-arginine

L-arginine is another amino acid in the body that’s marketed as one of today’s supplements for energy. The chemical is necessary for the body to make proteins and is normally found in poultry, fish, red meat, and dairy products. Under normal conditions, L-arginine is used for heart and blood vessel conditions, high blood pressure, chest pains and coronary artery disease.

L-arginine also stimulates the body’s release of insulin, growth hormone, and other substances. No direct studies on its effect as an energy supplement have been conducted other than the fact that the body converts L-arginine into nitric oxide which causes blood vessels to open wider for improved blood flow.

Some women may experience gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, stomach upset, or gas. Women are especially cautioned to start with the lowest effective dosage because the optimal recommended amount depends on your body’s weight and individual body chemistry.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice that naturally contains polyphenols that many experts believe increase people’s insulin sensitivity and help the body to regulate its blood sugar levels. This in turn can keep your energy level up throughout the day. However, whether taking cinnamon to provide extra energy is still up for debate.

Glutamine

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and helps transport nitrogen to our cells as an important source of energy. Research indicates that glutamine is effective in reducing infections after surgery, burns or bone marrow transplants, but there isn’t any evidence that taking glutamine will increase your energy levels.

Ribose

Ribose is a key component of ATP which stores and the delivers energy to our cells. Because ATP is depleted quickly during exercise, the makers of ribose supplements claim that it’s a way to speed muscle recovery and reduce fatigue. Ribose does appear to help improve blood flow when patients have clogged arteries, but whether it helps your energy level is debatable.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonoid that’s naturally found in the skins of a number of vegetables and red fruits, such as tomatoes, apples and red onions. Although quercetin does seem to reduce inflammation and pain for men who have prostate problems, there’s no evidence that it has any impact on the body’s energy levels.

Supplements for energy

Although energy supplements have become quite popular over the last few years, most of today’s products still appear to be in the experimental phase. For women, it’s generally considered a good idea to check first with your doctor or healthcare professional before taking any supplements for energy.

Supplements for energy may help some people, but in a lot of cases, the most you will get out of them will be a few dollars poorer and wind up with no increase in energy levels to show for it.