The latest buzzword in the health world is “energy.” Everyone seems to be looking for natural ways to increase their energy levels. Nutritional experts like DavidPaul Doyle Naturwise say this makes sense because our society has become increasingly busy, and many people are trying to fit more work into less time. In addition, many of us are under a great deal of stress as we worry about paying our bills and keeping up with the demands of family and work. Here are seven vitamins that are proven to help increase your energy during the day:
1. Vitamin B6
Studies show that a deficiency of vitamin B6 can cause feelings of tiredness and fatigue. Eating foods rich in B6 or taking a supplement will help increase your energy levels. Some good sources of Vitamin B6 include bananas, sweet potatoes, avocados, spinach, and chicken.
2. Vitamin C
Although most people associate Vitamin C with preventing colds, it also helps promote energy during the day. Your body must metabolize food into energy, and studies show that those who don’t get enough vitamin C feel tired and run down. Eating fresh fruits like oranges, strawberries, grapefruit, kiwi fruit, and cantaloupe will help boost your Vitamin C intake as well as taking a supplement.
3. Vitamin D
Studies show that people with low vitamin D levels are often tired and have less energy than those who have normal levels. So be sure to get your vitamin D by eating foods like milk or yogurt, eggs, and tuna or taking a supplement.
4. Vitamin E
Doctors say that most Americans don’t get enough Vitamin E in their diets. Studies show that low levels of this important vitamin can lead to fatigue and poor endurance, even among very healthy people. So add nuts and seeds like almonds, sunflower seeds, and hazelnuts to your diet, or take a supplement to increase Vitamin E intake.
5. Vitamin B12
In addition to helping maintain your nervous system, Vitamin B12 also helps in the production of energy from proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in food. Some good sources of this energy vitamin include meat, eggs, dairy products, and nutritional yeast. Be sure to eat a wide variety of foods like those listed above to help meet your Vitamin B12 needs.
6. Coenzyme Q10
Doctors say that this important nutrient is virtually unknown to most Americans but plays a vital role in energy production and heart health. There is growing evidence that aging slows the body’s Coenzyme Q10 and studies show that supplementing with this vitamin can help increase energy levels. It’s often recommended for people taking statins to treat high cholesterol because these drugs also lower CoQ10 levels in the body. Foods rich in CoQ10 include beef heart, sardines, and mackerel. However, it’s much easier for the body to use a supplement.
7. Iron
Iron is often called “the energy mineral” because a deficiency of this nutrient can cause fatigue and low energy levels. Women are more likely to be deficient in iron than men because they lose small amounts of this mineral each month through menstruation. Ensure enough iron in your diet by eating foods like lean beef, turkey, chicken, lentils, and spinach or taking a supplement.