Supplements That Provide Energy

If you are fatigued and tired throughout the day, natural supplements may provide an effective and healthy alternative. While never to be used to replace a healthy lifestyle, supplements can help you in achieving your goals and feeling alive and healthy each day by providing essential nutrients a diet often lacks. Of all the energy supplements available on the commercial market today, a few have been supported by scientific evidence and may help you the most in boosting energy levels.

Vitamin-B Complex

• Nuts and seeds are a rich food source of B vitamins.

  B vitamins are important for producing energy and are most effective when taken together as a complex. Vitamin B-3 is involved with the production of energy from food, and helps to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Vitamin B-5 also plays a role in the production of energy within cells, converting fat cells into energy and supporting energy production within cells. Together, folic acid and vitamin B-12 help to prevent fatigue related to anemia, and B-6 will support relaxation and help reduce anxiety by increasing serotonin.

Ginseng

• Ginseng can reduce fatigue, protect the heart and stimulate immune function.

  Korean ginseng, American ginseng and Siberian ginseng all contain natural plant chemicals known as ginsengosides. These chemicals have a variety of effects within the body, such as stimulating the immune system, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, and preventing fatigue. Researcher Jonathon L. Reay from the University of Northumbria published findings in The Journal of Pyschopharmacology in 2005 showing Korean ginseng had a significant effect on reducing mental fatigue and improving mental performance in healthy volunteers.

Coenzyme Q10

• Sardines are a rich source of natural coenzyme Q10

  Coenzyme Q10 is an enzyme present in every cell within the body and is necessary for cellular energy production, antioxidant protection and healthy cardiovascular function. Supplementing with coenzyme Q10 improves physical performance, reduces fatigue and may protect the nervous system from degenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's Disease. Taking prescribed statin drugs reduces the body's synthesis of coenzyme Q10, therefore making supplementation important for this group of people. Healthy individuals can take 30 mg of coenzyme Q10 daily to improve energy levels.

Gymnema sylvestre

• Constantly eating sugar may disrupt blood sugar and energy levels long term.

  Fluctuating blood sugars, leading to metabolic syndrome, insulin-resistance and diabetes, can cause dips in energy levels throughout the day. These dips are often flagged by food cravings, often for sugar-filled foods that will cause spikes of insulin to upset the balance even further. Gymenma sylvestre, known as the "Sugar Destroyer" in traditional Indian medicine, may stabilize blood sugar, reduce fatigue and even treat diabetes. Researcher A. Bakrudeen Ali Ahmed, from Bharathidasan University in India, published a findings in the scientific journal Phytomedicine in 2010 that showed extracts of gymnema sylvestre helped to regenerate damaged pancreas cells in diabetic animals.

Warning

• Supplements may cause interactions with medications.

  Korean ginseng may cause increases in blood pressure and is not recommended for people with blood pressure or who are taking blood pressure medication. Supplements may interact with prescribed medications, and readers are advised to contact their health-care provider before taking supplements.