Whether you’re struggling to get out of bed in the morning or hitting that mid-afternoon slump, low energy levels can put a damper on your productivity, affect your mood and overall zest for life. From dietary tweaks to simple lifestyle changes, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to feel more energised.
WHAT CAN CAUSE LOW ENERGY?
Lack of Sleep
This may seem obvious, but an insufficient amount of sleep or poor sleep quality can make you tired and have low energy. That’s because a lack of sleep disrupts the body’s natural nightly energy restoration processes and impairs cognitive function.
Poor Diet
Consuming a diet high in processed foods, refined sugars and unhealthy fats can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels and energy crashes. A lack of energy can also mean that you’re not getting enough of your essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Dehydration
When the body doesn’t have enough water, it affects bodily functions and impairs overall energy production. Even mild dehydration can cause feelings of fatigue and reduce your energy.
Drinking plenty of water can flush out toxins, transport nutrients and oxygen and help to fight fatigue and increase energy.
Stress and anxiety
The body’s response to chronic stress, anxiety or emotional disturbances can trigger the release of stress hormones, which can disrupt sleep, digestion and overall energy balance.
Hormone imbalances and medical conditions
Hormonal changes, such as those associated with menopause, and imbalances in hormones like cortisol, in the thyroid or sex hormones can contribute to low energy and fatigue. Certain medical conditions such as anaemia, thyroid disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome and autoimmune diseases can also cause low energy. If you have any concerns about your energy levels, it’s best to consult your GP.
FOUR WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR ENERGY
#1 More manganese
Manganese is a powerful trace mineral that your body uses to make energy and to protect your cells from damage and improve bone health.
Manganese can be found naturally in foods like almonds, pecans, beans and legumes, oatmeal, brown rice, whole wheat bread, leafy green vegetables such as spinach, and fruits like pineapple and acai.
You can also get a healthy dose of manganese in our Boost: Essential Green juice, that’s packed full of spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, parsley, lemon, ginger, pear and cucumber.
#2 Add vitamin A
Vitamin A plays a critical role in the production of energy in our cells. Research showed that when the body is deficient in vitamin A, the production of energy is reduced by 30%.<1>
Vitamin A also promotes the growth and development of healthy skin, teeth and tissues, and helps with eyesight, particularly in low light. It can be found in oily fish, milk, yoghurt, carrots, broccoli and squash.
Resetting with a juice cleanse can be a great way to break unhealthy habits and re-energise the body. Our one-to-three-day Energiser Juice Cleanse comes with 6 juices per day full of nutrient-rich vegetables and an excellent source of vitamin A.
#3 Count on vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most well-known vitamins for good reason – it plays a vital role to ensure the body functions properly and helps increase energy levels. It does heaps of good for the body like repairing damaged tissue, protecting cells and maintaining healthy skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage. Vitamin C is also essential in converting nutrients we consume into usable energy, and aids with the absorption of other vitamins and minerals.
We’ve crafted our +Juice Plans to help you get all of your essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients, alongside a healthy, balanced diet. Our 5-day Energiser+ Plan has more than 100% of the daily vitamin C you need to boost your energy.
#4 Get active
A lack of physical activity can lead to a decrease in energy levels. Along with improving cardiovascular health, regular exercise, whether that’s walking, running, yoga or a spin class, releases powerful endorphins, which can boost energy and mood.
Need a boost? Discover more about our Boost: Essential Green Juice, 5-day Energiser+ Plan and Energiser Juice Cleanse.
References
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/self-help-tips-to-fight-fatigue/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Manganese-HealthProfessional/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325636#sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7019700/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7019700/
<1> https://faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1096/fj.08-112375