Energy Supplements

Fatigue, tiredness, lethargy, weariness, exhaustion ... apart from meaning essentially the same thing, what's something else that they have in common? They all make you feel like a zombie, like your life is running in autopilot, with your every utterance and reaction somehow based on a pre-programmed response. Where's the spontaneity, the vitality and freedom of spirit? If you're exhausted, you probably can't relate to these words, and perhaps haven't for some time. That's when you know it's time to take action and create some positive change in your life. Some forward-thinking change that may not make you feel like a trillion dollars today, but will push you in the right direction for tomorrow.

Fatigue is perhaps one of the most common complaints to health professionals today, yet, at the same time one of the most difficult to pinpoint the cause of. This is simply due to the fact that fatigue can be caused by so many different factors. However, do not despair, there are plenty of tactics and supplements that can assist in boosting your energy level back up to where they should be. After all, there is little as inappropriate as drifting into a blissful slumber in front of the computer, chin-in-hand, when you should be writing an urgent report.  

Interestingly, one of the common causes of fatigue is lack of exercise. Given that you're on a sports website right now, odds are that you're not surprised by this fact. The Heart Foundation reports that 33.8% of Australians are considered sedentary, which means no exercise at all. So for a quarter of the population—those that are able that is—exercise is a sure way to improve energy levels, mood and body composition. Just to throw a curveball at you, another cause of fatigue is overexertion, through—guess what?—too much exercise. This is easy to do when exercise can make you feel so darn good. However, moderation is key here, especially if you've been inactive for a while. Usually a mixture of resistance exercise and aerobic exercise is ideal. Some other common causes of fatigue are alcohol or drug use, medication side-effects, lack of sleep and poor diet. 

There are many supplements available to us today that can assist in boosting energy levels. Products like flavoured green tea powders can assist in the symptomatic alleviation of fatigue, as they contain natural caffeine and L-Theanine. These two compounds are energising and relaxing at the same time, helping one feel more alert and calm. They can help us get through the day with a little more zest and dignity, especially if we’ve had less than a full complement of sleep. Other common products for boosting energy are COQ10, or Coenzyme Q10, the activated version of which is called Ubiquinol. This is a natural coenzyme produced in the human body that is involved in the last stage of energy (ATP) synthesis within the mitochondria. It is especially indicated for sports and exercise enthusiasts and chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers. 

In addition, there are greens powders, which are particularly helpful when the diet is lacking in fresh vegetables and fruits. These can provide important micronutrients in their natural form, as well as a detoxifying nutrient called chlorophyll. Herbal tonics can also be particularly useful, especially ones containing adaptogenic herbs, such as Rhodiola rosea, Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng) and Schisandra chinensis. These herbal extract are particularly helpful if long term stress, and even prolonged high caffeine intakes, are a causative factor in fatigue, and the adrenal exhaustion that can follow. B Complex formulas are also helpful in these instances, and also for stress management and to support natural energy synthesis via the citric acid cycle. 

Just a few basic lifestyle “adjustments” can make all the difference. Throw in a few energy-promoting supplements, and then you’re ready to boot that somnambulic sensation out the door, hopefully for good.