Unusual ways to boost your energy

How can we get more energy? Personal, physical, vital energy for our bodies?

We all know the sensation: we feel run down, lethargic, chronically tired. And we usually just chalk it up to aging.

Coffee or other highly caffeinated drinks are one way to deal with it. But when our stimulant of choice wears off, we’re often in worse shape, which drives us to consume more and leads to a vicious cycle of energy peaks and crashes.

There are many obvious problems with this strategy. First, we’re addressing symptoms, rather than causes. What we need to do is boost our body’s energy production and build our reserve “energy account.” If our own internal energy metabolism is healthy, we don’t need stimulants; if it’s not working right, stimulants won’t help in the long run.

First, we need to supply energy where the body most needs it: at the cellular level.

How we produce energy

Cells contains tiny “organelles” called mitochondria which produce energy, among other critical functions. Their numbers vary, depending on the cell type. For example, there are more mitochondria in muscle cells because they require more energy.

Mitochondria convert glucose and oxygen into ATP, which is the energy molecule we use to function. So we can see how healthy energy metabolism starts with nourishing our mitochondria. That’s why good food and strong digestion are important. We need to get the best possible nutrition to our cells so they can work efficiently and effectively. Many nutrients are vital for the complex enzyme pathways involved in energy production, including CoQ10, zinc, selenium, magnesium and all B vitamins.

Of course, while energy from glucose comes out of food, oxygen also supplies energy. Take a deep breath right now and hold it for a beat or two. Can you feel the revitalization effect? We don’t usually think of our lungs as connected to our energy, yet oxygen plays a crucial role in cellular, metabolic,  heart health and much more.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) posits that both the lungs and kidneys influence energy production. When we’re fatigued, we often put our hands behind our hips—stimulating our main kidney meridian points, according to TCM.

Modern medicine uses different terminology, referring to the adrenals. These glands sit atop our kidneys and secrete vital hormones including adrenaline and cortisol, which can provide a temporary energy boost. These hormones are often produced as part of our fight or flight reflex, but their overproduction can be pro-inflammatory. They also have daily circadian rhythms which regulates other functions, including sleep-wake cycles. In our hurried lifestyles however, we often push through periods in the day when we are naturally lower in energy, ignoring the natural ebb and flow signals. This forces our adrenal system into overdrive and can lead to adrenal fatigue (burnout), and chronically low energy.

Supporting mitochondrial energy

Medicinal mushrooms are highly regarded for their ability to optimize immunity, but they also strongly support energy production. One of my favorites is Cordyceps sinensis, which grows at high altitudes and has thus adapted to a low oxygen environment.

Cordyceps supports energy production in a number of ways. In addition to boosting mitochondrial function and oxygen utilization, these mushrooms help detoxify the body and support the adrenals. One study found that Cordyceps improved endurance in elderly people.

In addition, a number of other supplements increase mitochondrial energy, such as astragalus root, Siberian ginseng, CoQ10, and the amino acid, acetyl L-Carnitine.

Another excellent way to support mitochondria is exercise. Regular exercise increases the number of mitochondria in cells.

Digestion

To maximize energy, we also need to boost our digestive efficiency. This can be a particular problem during winter. In cold weather, we tend to lose our “digestive fire” and become lethargic, exacerbated by a more sedentary, indoor lifestyle. So it’s important to choose herbs that re-instill that fire, particularly in digestion.

That’s why warming herbs can have such powerful benefits for digestion. The classic ones are cardamom, pepper, cinnamon and ginger. Using warm herbs will help move energy in the body, which is particularly helpful during the winter months.

One of the best ways to support digestion is with an integrative digestive formula, which includes the warming herbs mentioned above, as well as medicinal mushrooms, digestive enzymes, chromium, zinc and a variety of botanicals to support overall digestive function and reduce occasional discomfort.

Circulation

Another step in supporting energy production is to keep a healthy flow of both oxygen and nutrients to cells. Absorbing the right nutrients simply isn’t enough; they need to be circulated throughout the body. I recommend Salvia miltiorrhiza, hawthorn and gingko, and the enzyme nattokinase; each supports circulation through different mechanisms.

Ultimately, we cannot forget the basics. The first step towards healthy energy metabolism is an unprocessed diet, including lean proteins, lots of vegetables, brightly colored fruit, healthy fats, raw nuts and seeds, sprouted grains, fermented foods and plenty of water.

Finally, get plenty of sleep. That’s when many of the body’s reparative mechanisms kick into high gear. It’s also a great way to restore vital energy.

By supporting these critical systems, we can tend to our cellular energy furnaces and keep our inner candles burning through the winter months – and all year round.