To keep our energy at optimum levels, we rely on three things: a well-balanced diet, enough sleep, and regular exercise. The precarious balance of all three helps ensure that we are functioning at our very best and have no energy dips throughout the workday. However, the rigors of ensuring optimum energy levels and a balanced lifestyle can take a toll and we sometimes drop the ball on one (or all) of them. It happens that we don’t get enough sleep, exercise, or are unable to eat well-balanced meals – we all succumb to the occasional donut and cookies. It’s a good thing that there are supplements that we can take to ensure that we get the nutrition and energy boost that we need. For those who need a little help maintaining their energy levels, here are some supplements that can help:

1. Vitamin B12 – B vitamins help facilitate a lot of metabolic processes from releasing energy from carbohydrates and fat to breaking down amino acids and transporting oxygen and energy-containing nutrients around the body. What’s special about Vit B12 is that it specifically helps increase your energy levels by transforming the food you eat into energy that your cells can use. It also helps prevent a type of anemia that can make you weak and tired. 
2. Iron – There is a protein found in red blood cells called Hemoglobin that transports oxygen from your lungs to the organs and tissues throughout your body. What iron does is that it helps our red blood cells effectively carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. A deficiency in iron can lead to anemia (a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells) which can leave a person feeling weak and fatigued. 
3. CoQ10 – Coenzyme Q10 is produced naturally by the body and is found in all cells. They help cells produce the energy needed to grow and stay healthy and protect the cells against oxidative damage. A decline in the production of CoQ10 may contribute to fatigue and energy dips.
4. Melatonin – This is a hormone released by the pineal gland to control the sleep-wake cycle. It is also associated with defense against oxidative stress. Its primary role is the regulation of sleep. Not getting enough sleep at night has a huge impact on our energy levels throughout the day. Melatonin can help regulate sleep patterns thus improving concentration and energy. It also helps reduce fatigue.
5. Caffeine With L-Theanine – We all know the effects of caffeine on our energy levels, and we also know about the side effects of a caffeine crash that happens right after the energy boost it gives. But do you know about the effects of L – Theanine? It is a naturally occurring amino acid that helps promote relaxation without the effect of drowsiness and is also shown to improve memory and decrease mental fatigue. Taken together, L – Theanine is believed to counter the unwanted side effects of a caffeine crash. Best of both worlds, right?

What supplements are you taking to get that much-needed energy boost? Share them with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp