How Are Your Energy Levels?

Energy is one of those things we don’t give much thought to, unless we suddenly feel lacking in it. It is associated with youth and vitality, and does tend to diminish as we age.

If your energy levels are lagging, it may be due to any number of reasons. For example, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, infections, food and drink allergies, depression, elevated blood sugar, poor sleep patterns, thyroid conditions, physical inactivity, overuse of antibiotics, diseases such as heart disease and cancer, and stress.

Energy is vitally important for performing body functions. At the cellular level, it is used to make new proteins, to deliver nutrients and expel cellular wastes, to repair damaged DNA, and to synthesize neurotransmitters. The energy source for all these requirements comes from the bio-energy molecule ATP (adenosine triphosphate). When ATP is low, so is your energy!

While ATP is available in supplemental form, it is not found in foods, and the body’s cells must generate their own through the diet. Following digestion, glucose molecules, fatty acids and amino acids are transported into the bloodstream so that cells may perform the ATP conversion needed for energy production.

ATP production declines with age (especially in the presence of diseases such as multiple sclerosis); yet the body's demand for ATP is vast. ATP supplements can increase physical energy levels, improve muscle strength and endurance and increase the range of mobility in the elderly.

Another substance positively associated with energy is NADH, or Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide. It is one of the most important coenzymes present in the human brain and body. It is the working form of vitamin B3, its purpose being to activate various enzymes to perform functions such as detoxification.

NADH plays a vital role in energy production and is instrumental in producing L-dopa, which the body converts into the neurotransmitter dopamine. It improves brain energy levels, which may help to alleviate depression, and reduces the symptoms of mental fatigue.

NADH is widely used as a treatment for jet lag, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, and as a sporting supplement.

Bio-Pro is a product containing both ATP and NADH and provides these naturally occurring energy enhancers in the form of a sublingual spray.

Are Your Batteries Running On Empty?

That all important feeling of energy we all want is associated with feeling vibrant and healthy. Yet, aging seems to deplete energy levels for the majority of people. The average 50 year old does not have the same level of energy he or she did at the age of 20; and low energy does not only affect those who suffer with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

There appear to be a number of factors contributing to unexplained low energy. For example, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, infections, food and drink allergies, depression, elevated blood sugar, poor sleep patterns, thyroid conditions, physical inactivity, overuse of antibiotics, diseases such as heart disease and cancer, and stress.

Almost all body functions require energy. At the cellular level, it is used to make new proteins, to deliver nutrients and expel cellular wastes, to repair damaged DNA, and to synthesize neurotransmitters. The heart uses energy to pump blood, the kidneys to filter wastes, the brain to conduct electrical nerve impulses; the lungs take in oxygen and drive out carbon dioxide. As well as this, our bodies require energy to perform every day tasks such as walking. The energy source for all these requirements comes from the bio-energy molecule ATP (adenosine triphosphate). When ATP is low, so is your energy!

ATP is not found in foods. Rather, our body’s cells must generate its own. This is achieved through the digestion of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in our diet. Following digestion, glucose molecules, fatty acids and amino acids are transported into the bloodstream where cells perform the ATP conversion needed for energy production.

It is believed that there are a number of reasons, other than poor cellular ATP metabolism, for low energy levels in today’s society. For example, the production of hGH (human growth hormone), which also declines with age, may be a factor. hGH is responsible not only for growth, but maintaining bone tissue and muscle mass, repair of damaged DNA, brain function, overall metabolism, and energy levels.

Trace elements are also known to be essential for energy production, albeit in very small quantities. Researchers have discovered that deficiencies in essential and partially essential trace elements may increase the risk of certain diseases, which in turn negatively affect energy levels. For example, a chromium deficiency is associated with diabetes, and zinc deficiencies are closely linked with depression.

While certain trace elements are considered non-essential to our health, evidence now suggests that supplemental trace elements may have positive effects on your health. For example, indium has been found to aid the absorption of essential trace elements including copper, manganese, chromium and zinc, allowing them to perform their functions more efficiently. It also appears to have a beneficial effect on memory, libido, weight and blood sugar. Indium also stimulates the production of certain hormones that decline naturally with age, by motivating the hypothalamus and pituitary glands (the master glands responsible for producing hormones). These hormones, restored to more youthful levels, may react more effectively to the aging processes going on in the body.

Dr Marios Kyriazis, who has specialized in anti-aging for over 15 years, recommends Indium for individuals who are experiencing fatigue or low energy. It helps to improve energy levels and the ability to cope with stress more effectively.

NADH is an abbreviation for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide. It is one of the most important coenzymes present in the human brain and body. It is the working form of vitamin B3, its purpose being to activate various enzymes to perform functions such as detoxification.

NADH plays a vital role in energy production and is instrumental in producing L-dopa, which the body converts into the neurotransmitter dopamine. It improves brain energy levels, which may help to alleviate depression, and reduces the symptoms of mental fatigue.

Coenzyme Q10 is another vitamin-like substance and antioxidant that is integral to energy production. It is produced naturally in the body, particularly the heart, and declines as we age. CoQ10 fights the damaging effects of free radicals, and helps boost energy levels.

Carnosine, a natural amino acid, helps avoid the harmful effects of sugar on your body's proteins, and repairs any existing damage. As the after effects of sugar highs are flagging energy levels, Carnosine, taken in addition to a low carbohydrate diet may improve your energy, and reduce your incidence of heart disease, diabetes and other age related illnesses.

Lastly, diet and exercise will greatly benefit your energy levels. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grass fed and free range meats, nuts and seeds, and good quality fats will improve energy levels. Equally, the diet should be low in processed carbohydrates and refined sugars which increase your insulin levels and stress your pancreas. Moderate exercise will strengthen your immune system, improve your circulation and encourage the production of human growth hormone.

28/11/07 GI