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7 Energy-Boosting Strategies Posted Tue, Dec 16, 2008, 4:03 pm PST

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Our calendars have a way of quickly becoming overwhelming at this festive time of year. Coping with a demanding schedule and the ensuing stress requires a lot of energy. If you are dragging yourself through your work, family, and other daily commitments each day longing for the moment you can crash in an exhausted heap onto your bed, then take these tips to keep your energy level up!

1. Feel berry energetic
Berries are rich in antioxidants and can also help remove toxic residue from the system, which is often the cause of chronic fatigue and low energy. Berries include blueberries, blackberries, raspberry, cranberry, goji berry, hawthorn berries and cherries.

2. Make the most of magnesium
Every time your body produces energy, your cells' mitochondria, which are tiny "power generators", need magnesium. Many people don't get enough of this essential mineral, because two common dietary habits leach magnesium from our bodies: too much salt and too much dairy. Whole grains are full of magnesium. So are seeds such as pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds. And don't forget about nuts-especially almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews. If you prefer capsule form, try taking 500 mg magnesium daily.

Combine the best of berries and nuts by making your own trail mix of dried cranberry, plum, and raisin with any combination of nuts and seeds. It's an ideal between-meals snack packed with antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and fibers that help sustain energy over a long period of time.

3. Food that fights fatigue
Poor diet is a big contributor to low energy. For steady, robust energy eat foods that are low on the glycemic index, a measurement of how quickly the food you eat converts to glucose, the substance your body needs for energy. Foods with a high glycemic index (HGI), such as bread, pasta, baked potatoes, and most refined grains, give you a quick rush, but fatigue soon sets in when your blood sugar crashes. Foods that are low on the glycemic index help sustain energy over time. That include barley, bulgur, quinoa, amaranth, most nuts and seeds, beans and legumes, chicken, fish, and meat.

Avoid an energy crash by eliminating sugar from your diet, including sodas, sweetened juices, and pastries. Also cut back on rich foods like dairy, meat, fats, sweets, and alcohol. As for when to eat, never skip breakfast or lunch and be sure to eat your last meal no later than 7 p.m. most of the time.

4. Get green energy
Chlorella, spirulina, kelp, wheat grass, barley grass all contain chlorophyll and are high quality protein supplements that enhance long-term energy. Mix a powder of any of the above into water, juice, or green tea for an energetic boost.

5. Ginseng: a potent pick-me-up
Ginseng is considered the king of energy tonics and has been used in Chinese medicine for 5,000 years. Unlike coffee, which stimulates the central nervous system, ginseng elevates energy gently. It has been classified as an adaptogen, meaning that it helps the immune system to withstand stress from the environment, and many people that take ginseng report an overall sense of well-being. It is available in the form of capsules and tea in health food stores, at offices of Chinese medicine practitioners, and online.

Another herbal energy enhancer is our Combined Five Elements of Health Formula. This powerful herbal combination gives your whole body a tune-up, promoting physical vitality, high tolerance for stress, and strong immunity, among many other benefits. Click here for more information.

6. Increase your energy with exercise
Exercise every day can help you increase your energy level, cope with stress, and improve your mood. A daily 30-minute cardiovascular exercise combined with stretching and flexibility training is a sure way to get abundant energy.

If you are intimidated by jumping right into exercise, begin with a daily walking routine. Start small and slowly increase the amount of time you walk. Walk 10 minutes a day for one week. Walk 15 minutes a day on week two, and so on until by week five, you are walking 30 minutes a day. In the meantime, a walk around the block builds your energy level as it clears your mind!

7. Press here for energy
In Chinese medicine, there is an acupuncture point called Foot Three Mile that can be stimulated to help strengthen the body’s resistance to stress, enhance immunity, and strengthen the vital organs. You can stimulate the same acupuncture point on yourself with a technique called "acupressure." Instead of a needle stimulating the point, you can use your own fingers. The point is located four finger-widths below the kneecap on the right leg. Apply moderate pressure with your thumb until you feel soreness. Hold for 3-5 minutes. Repeat on the left leg.

I hope that this article helps you boost your energy level! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

--Dr. Mao
 

That's a good article. My daughter stays fatigued and drinks either those energy drinks or coffee and crashes later. I told her that would happen. She needs a diet overhaul from what this article says. I feel tired too but mine has to do with my fibromyalgia and lack of exercise. Thanks for the good info.

I know one of my faults is the MAGNESIUM......I eat berries all the time....(I actually found some good blackberries here the other day).  Blue berries, black berries and strawberries....and I love me some BRAZIL NUTS.....my favorite!

I am even more tired now that I am exercising....with my sleep....He did an article on giving your bedroom a makeover!

That is my goal for April!  New bedroom furniture!

Thanks for posting Dedee.  I found a couple of things that I will utilize. Have great weekend.

You are welcome!

Sometimes I think I've taken so many manufactured energy supplements that I've ruined my natural energy resources.... great post!!! 'Tis copied and marked....

I hope it helps, Stacie....I am going to add ~Lawd help me~ a magnesium supplement.