One of the leading causes of low energy happens to be a poor diet. When the diet lacks vital nutrients, it can be tough for the body to function. However, rather than changing their diet, many seek to compensate for lack of energy by consuming energy drinks. Nevertheless, low energy happens not as a result of the lack of caffeine but the lack of certain vital nutrients that should be considered before taking an energy drink to combat sluggishness. Fact: Diet and energy levels are linked!
Sugar Versus Dietary Fat
Most people know that exercise can help your energy level. So, there are two basic ways our bodies get energy. One way is to use sugar. The other is to use fat. Diets that use sugar as a major energy source will see spikes in energy followed by a rapid drop in energy levels.
On the other hand, saturated fats burn slower than sugar as a fuel source. Therefore, fats tend to provide the body with a more even flow of energy throughout the day without the rapid energy crash.
Fats offer a powerful and slow-burning source of fuel. Therefore, people who consume saturated fats with a lower sugar intake will find that they are less hungry in between meals. Additionally, fats provide 9 calories of energy, which is more than double the energy of the same amount of carbohydrates.
B Vitamins and Energy
It is common for people to take vitamin B-12 as a dietary supplement or injection. They may do this to improve their energy levels. However, not all forms of B-12 are good at improving energy levels.
Methylcobalamin is one form of this vitamin. It is one of the best forms of this vitamin to take to improve energy. Nevertheless, all B-vitamins, not just B-12, help your body produce energy. However, many who suffer from fatigue are merely lacking enough stored B-vitamins. Some foods rich in vitamin B-12 include eggs, salmon, tuna, beef, and swiss cheese.
The Role of Iron in Your Diet
Iron is an important mineral responsible for improving energy levels. It is a vital component for making hemoglobin in red blood cells. Its function is to make it possible for the cells to bring oxygen to tissues in the body. Once transported, the oxygen is capable of aiding in the breakdown of food into energy. Of course, green, leafy vegetables are an excellent source of this vital mineral, among other foods. So yes, exercise can help your energy level, but supplements are important too.
Coenzyme-Q 10: The Hidden Energy Builder
Coq-10 is an enzyme that many are unable to obtain from today’s nutrient-deficient diets. This enzyme is one that our bodies produce. However, as people age, our ability to produce it can be impaired. Therefore, coq-10 levels can drop.
Known in many circles as the spark of life, coq-10 is an essential enzyme that aids in the functioning of the mitochondria of each cell. The mitochondria are responsible for how well a person’s cells produce energy.
Foods High in CoQ10
Some people are able to make all the CoQ10 they need. However, many are not. The whole body content of this enzyme is around 1000 milligrams, which decreases with age. Often, a doctor may recommend a supplement for this vital enzyme. Accepted doses for these supplements range between 50 and 500 ml daily.
You can also find CoQ10 in many foods. Organ meat, fatty fish, and soybeans are among the foods highest in this vital enzyme. However, Dietary sources have much less of it than supplements. Therefore, supplements and a healthy diet may be necessary to get enough in your body.
So how is your diet affecting your energy levels? Tell us more below.
