Energy and Endurance

A normal stress response is important to overall energy and endurance, which can be affected by a hormonal imbalance along with mental, emotional, and physical stress. The spleen, kidney, endocrine, and adrenal glands provide energy and stamina to the body.  Physical performance, memory, concentration, and alertness can all be improved by supporting these glands.  Increasing energy and endurance can make a huge difference in living a stressful and busy lifestyle, especially during the winter months.

Boosting energy and endurance is important to overall longevity and well-being.  Natural approaches include the obvious such as getting enough exercise and sleep, drinking more water so your body is hydrated, and eating a well-balanced diet for balanced blood sugar levels.  Controlling stress is important because it can use large amounts of energy.  Relaxation, acupuncture, tai chi, and yoga are all great stress busters.  Smoking should be avoided because it zaps energy levels, speeds the heart rate, raises blood pressure, and makes it difficult to sleep well.

Dietary changes such as limiting alcohol which have a strong sedative affect and while caffeine can provide antioxidant and energy benefits, it should be used in moderation and not consumed in large amounts after 2pm.  Often people reach for a sugar boost when fatigue sets in but this will cause blood sugar imbalances and leave you lagging again within the hour.  Reaching for energy rich foods such as a complex carbohydrate and protein snack will be much better for energy and endurance in the long run.  Cashews, almonds, Brazil nuts, salmon, leafy greens, whole fruits and vegetables, and dark chocolate are all energy boosting foods.

B vitamins are essential to the process the body uses to get and make energy from food and to the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose. B vitamins have also been shown to reduce stress which can zap the body of energy.  Rhodiola Extract is one of nature’s energy boosters and provide a boost throughout the day.  Green tea, ginseng, ashwagandha root, dandelion root, gingko biloba, and schizandra have also been shown to improve energy and endurance.