Energy – the one resource that we cannot seem to get enough of. If you were to rate your energy levels on a scale of 1-10 where would you fall? If you are below a 6, you are not alone. We hear from people all the time who are looking for natural ways to improve their health. One of the top concerns is around energy.
We are always hearing that the typical go-to beverage for energy is coffee; no surprise there. While coffee comes with its own list of benefits, we thought it would be a good idea to highlight some caffeine-free ways to improve energy.
Let’s start with the basics. How much water do you drink per day? Did you know that water is responsible for a myriad of health benefits, one of which includes improving energy1? Yes, many studies have taken a hard look at the importance of water for energy output and the data does not lie. Water is not only helpful for energy output, but it is also integral for proper brain function1. Ever find yourself feeling a little cloudy throughout the day? Dehydration could be the culprit, so pour yourself a glass of water and try to be mindful of how much you are actually drinking each day.
Other caffeine-free options to try include superfoods and adaptogens! Adaptogens help our body adapt to stress and have been shown to support energy balance2.
Some key foods to improve energy naturally include:
- Ashwagandha – this root found in India has been used in traditional medicines as a way to help support the body in times of stress as well as to increase energy3.
- Reishi – this mushroom is used in Herbal Medicine as an adaptogen to help increase energy and resistance to stress (in case of mental and physical fatigue related to stress) Reishi has also been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to strengthen the body.4
- Lion’s Mane – this furry-looking mushroom is a great source of antioxidants and has been studied for its brain-boosting benefits.5,6
- Siberian Ginseng – of all the ginsengs, Siberian Ginseng has been shown to help improve mental and/or physical performance after periods of mental and/or physical exertion.7
- Maca – this Peruvian root is an excellent source of antioxidants and has been studied for its energy and libido-enhancing properties8,9.
You may choose to try a few of these mixed into a morning smoothie, or if you are looking for a well-rounded, holistic formula you can try Jamieson’s Energy Booster which has all of these superfoods included!
References:
- Popkin, B. M., D'Anci, K. E., & Rosenberg, I. H. (2010). Water, hydration, and health. Nutrition reviews, 68(8), 439–458. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.x
- Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2010). Effects of Adaptogens on the Central Nervous System and the Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Their Stress-Protective Activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 3(1), 188–224. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph3010188
- Health Canada. Ashwagandha – Withania Somnifera Monograph. Accessed March 12 2021 at: http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq.do?atid=ashwagandha&lang=eng
- Health Canada. Reishi – Ganoderma Lucidum Monograph. Accessed March 12, 2021 at: http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq.do?atid=reishi&lang=eng
- Health Canada. Mushrooms Monograph. Accessed Sept 13, 2019 at: http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq.do?atid=mushrooms.champignons&lang=eng
- Lai, P. L., Naidu, M., Sabaratnam, V., Wong, K. H., David, R. P., Kuppusamy, U. R., Abdullah, N., & Malek, S. N. (2013). Neurotrophic properties of the Lion's mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. International journal of medicinal mushrooms, 15(6), 539–554. https://doi.org/10.1615/intjmedmushr.v15.i6.30
- Health Canada. Eleuthero – Eleutherococcus Senticosus Monograph. Accessed Sept 13, 2019 at: http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq.do?atid=eleuthero&lang=eng
- Health Canada. Maca – Lepidium Meyenii Monograph. Accessed Sept 13, 2019 at: http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq.do?atid=maca.lepidium.meyenii&lang=eng
- Gonzales GF. Biological effects of Lepidium meyenii, maca, a plant from the highlands of Peru. In: Singh VK, Bhardwaj R, Govil JN, Sharma RK, editors. Natural Products. 15. Houston, Tex, USA: Studium Press; 2006. pp. 209–234. (Recent Progress in Medicinal Plants).
