Natural energy boosters

Feeling sluggish? If you’re looking for some natural energy boosters it can be as easy as integrating the correct foods into your diet, making up for nutritional deficiencies and getting some gentle exercise. Here are some energy boosters you can try for staying active, alert and aware.

Food and diet energy boosters
Eating a healthy and balanced diet will not only act as an energy booster but will also produce positive affects for your mood such as increased motivation and happiness. All protein foods including small amounts of meat, fish, eggs, chicken, nuts, seeds and beans help to improve alertness and energy. Iron rich foods act as energy boosters. It is essential to have iron rich foods as without them you will feel fatigued and tired. Try iron rich vegetal foods such as sea vegetables (eg, kelp), millet, oats, chickpeas, lentils, soy beans, sesame and pumpkin seeds.

It is also important to avoid processed foods and foods high in fat, sugar and salt as these will leave you feeling sluggish and tired. Foods high in sugar, in turn increase the body’s sugar levels. This will be then be followed by a sudden drop in energy. The body requires food that releases energy at a steady rate and keep sugar levels regular. Therefore, it is best to opt for a balanced diet full of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Supplementing for energy boosters
There are a range of nutritional supplements that can also be taken as energy boosters. Even with a balanced diet, sometimes supplements are needed to make up for deficiencies and replenish lost energy.  

Magnesium is a mineral that converts protein, carbohydrates and fats to energy. We lose magnesium through sweat. Magnesium supplements, especially for sportspeople act as energy boosters to make up for these lost levels.

Iron deficiency leads to low energy and tiredness. Therefore, iron acts as a very important energy booster. Iron supplements are essential in the production of red blood cells and for preventing fatigue and disease. Iron also helps the body utilise B vitamins, which is used to convert sugar to energy. These supplements act as a significant energy booster for vegetarians who do not receive the required iron intake and women who in general are prone to iron deficiency.

Exercise as an energy booster
A lack of physical activity is responsible for a constant feeling of tiredness. Exercise boosts your vitality and studies have even shown it can reduce fatigue by 65 per cent and increase energy levels by 20 per cent. The energy boosters you can get from exercise can manifest in a variety of different ways. Exercise increases endorphins, also known as “happy hormones.” In turn it offers stress relief and can also prevent and reduce digestive problems. All of these factors work to make exercise a great energy booster. Never underestimate the impact a walk, bike ride or yoga can make to your energy levels. You will feel more refreshed, experience a positive lift in your mood and will be more productive after incorporating the use of an energy booster.