What causes low energy?
Low energy can have many causes, some of them can be serious, so it is important to be evaluated by a doctor before taking herbs or supplements to boost energy. Some of the causes of low energy are low thyroid function, anemia, adrenal dysfunction, blood sugar dysregulation, infections, sleep apnea, insomnia or stress. Many of the factors that cause low energy do so because they interfere with the ability of our cells to produce energy at a cellular level.
What vitamins could I be lacking if I’m tired often?
B12 and iron deficiency have both been linked to anemia and fatigue. Many people proactively supplement with B12 since it has no know toxicity and our ability to absorb it tends to decrease with age. Iron, on the other hand, should not be supplemented unless iron deficiency has been confirmed through an anemia panel blood test. This is because taking excessive amounts of iron is oxidizing to the body. Since the body requires multiple vitamins and minerals to make energy and perform all cellular function, a quality multivitamin is suggested.
How can I fix low energy?
Supporting our cells ability to create energy in the form of ATP may help us to have more physical and mental energy. Two nutrients, CoQ10 and PQQ help the mitochondria in our cells to function more efficiently, thus helping them to produce more ATP. The cordyceps mushroom and the ginseng root have also been shown to enhance mitochondrial function, leading to increased energy and endurance. Finally, managing stress can help us feel more energetic. The herb ashwagandha has been shown to help us cope with stress, both mentally and physically.
