If you’re feeling sluggish all the time, you may be surprised to learn about the sneaky things that you’re doing (or maybe not doing) that could be zapping your energy. Once you learn what’s zapping your energy, you’ll be able to follow treatment recommendations that may include taking vitamins and minerals to increase your energy levels.
Sugar and Energy
Sugar may be oh so sweet, but after the initial energy boost that it provides you with, it will leave you zapped. Treatment for this includes limiting your sugar intake which may be hard if you’re not prepared. In order to avoid running for a sugary treat, be sure to have healthy snacks on hand. Little dishes of fruits and veggies are packed full of vitamins and minerals. Not only will they help to prevent hunger, the vitamins and minerals found in healthy snacks will also help to boost your energy.
Caffeine and Energy
Advertisement
Just like sugar, it will provide you with an initial energy boost but then you’ll crash and feel like you need to reach for another cup. Treatment involves limiting your caffeine consumption to no more than 400mg per day from all sources according to Health Canada. Caffeine isn’t just found in coffee, it’s also in tea, soda and chocolate. Also, if you find you’re reaching for caffeine instead of hitting the sack, treatment should involve kicking the habit and getting some rest. Reaching for caffeine instead of sleeping is bound to throw your sleep cycle off track.
Exercise
Exercising regularly is a great treatment option for good health benefits, including increased stamina. But, exercising excessively can actually be detrimental to your health. Excessive exercise can zap your energy and actually decrease your immune system response making you more susceptible to infection.
RELATED READING: 10 Natural Energy Boosters
Nutrition, Vitamins and Minerals
Eating a poor diet that is high in fats and sugar can zap your energy without you even knowing it. Treatment to increase your energy through your diet includes increasing healthy food options. Healthy food contains vitamins and minerals that are needed for optimal health and energy levels. Another thing that can deplete your energy is cutting back on calories in order to lose weight. To ensure that you’re getting all the calories that you need you must take into account your age, activity level and optimal weight. Consulting a nutritionist may be beneficial to ensure that you’re getting the right amount of calories and an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals for optimal health. Another important nutritional component that needs to be addressed is hydration. In order to rid your body of toxins, keep your body tissues hydrated and maintain optimal energy levels your body needs to be hydrated. Drinking water throughout your day will help to ensure your body is hydrated and keep your energy levels high.
Iron
A lack of certain vitamins and minerals, including iron, can make you feel drained. Speak with your doctor about having a blood test to make sure that your iron levels are optimal. Treatment with iron supplements may be just what you need to increase you energy levels.
Medications
Certain medications can drain your energy. Common culprits include some anti-depressants and beta-blockers. If you start taking a new medication and notice a change in your energy level, speak with your doctor about potentially switching treatment to include a different medication that may not take a toll on your energy levels.
Advertisement
Sleep
Not getting enough sleep can make you feel lethargic all day long. Many things can negatively affect your sleep including stress, anxiety, depression, noise, sickness, etc. Treatment to improve your sleep pattern involves determining what is causing disturbed sleep and addressing that issue appropriately.
Mental Health Treatment
Constant stress and anxiety can take an emotional and physical toll on you, depleting all of your energy, quickly. Treatment for dealing with stress can involve engaging in activities that will help you to cope with stress including: yoga, meditation, speaking with a qualified health professional or something similar. A major source of stress is agreeing to participate in too many activities. Learn how to say no to activities that don’t really interest you or that you don’t have time with will help to keep you focused on things that you enjoy and keep your energy up. You’ll be sure to notice an increase in you energy levels by making sure you keep your mental health in check.
