06 Apr Key Supplements For Fatigue
“Our lives have changed in many, many ways: from the foods we eat, to the way we are born, the way we spend our days, and the environmental stressors we are exposed to.”
– Tieraona Low Dog, MD
In fact there is a strong case for the fact that one of the biggest contributors to our modern health crisis is the food we put on our plates and the lack of essential nutrients it provides. Inflammation and fatigue are just a few examples of the afflictions of the stress of modern life: family and financial problems, increased work load, lack of physical exercise, insufficient rest, poor diet, environmental toxins, electromagnetic radiation…In fact, the role of epigenetics and biochemical individuality in successful treatment of complex and recalcitrant conditions is simply exploding!
Compelling research shows that these nutrients relieve chronic fatigue symptoms. One showed a 61% increase in energy.
If you suffer from fatigue and knew there was compelling research showing the effectiveness of specific nutrients in bringing relief, you would probably be interested! Such is the case, and here are the details.
Practitioners of integrative and natural medicine take a more comprehensive and holistic approach to treating inflammation and fatigue. While not a cure-all, supplements play an important role in fatigue-inflammation syndrome treatment.
In addition to a high-quality, high-potency multivitamin-mineral supplement, the key supplements for treatment include:
1. Adrenal Forte, an adaptogen formula
Adaptogens are herbal supplements that treat symptoms of both acute and chronic fatigue and stress by increasing the body’s ability to resist stress and exerting a balancing effect on various systems of the body (immune, central nervous, cardiovascular, etc.).
This supplement combines different herbal adaptogens such as Rhodiola rosea, Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), Schisandra chinensis, Withania somnifera (Ashwaghanda), and Glycyrrhiza glabra to re-balance and re-regulate the body’s primary stress response systems, especially the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), which is dysfunctional in those with chronic fatigue.
The studies in humans examining the effects of adaptogens on fatigue are especially favorable, showing statistically significant reductions in fatigue and clinical improvements in many fatigue-related areas, such as physical fitness, concentration, mental performance, sleep patterns, motivation, mood, and general well-being.
2. Cellular Force’s CoQ10, D-Ribose, L-Carnitine, Malic Acid
Both mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress affect the immune system in a manner that provokes inflammation, leading to a state of chronic, low-grade, body-wide inflammation that is also linked to fatigue.
Tagged as the “awesome foursome” these nutrients are needed to increase the synthesis of cellular energy in the mitochondria of all our cells, including heart and muscle. Muscle energy synthesis in particular has been found to be lower in those with fatigue due to inflammation. When taken as a supplement, these nutrients have been shown to significantly enhance muscle cell energy and recovery, improve fatigue, mental clarity, pain intensity and well-being in at least three studies. Statistically significant improvements in results of cardiopulmonary exercise testing have also been reported.
Both the Adrenal Forte and Cellular Force have a different cause of action (how they work), so you can even try both approaches at the same time.
3. ProFlora Blend probiotics
Could your “gut” health be affecting your energy level? In fact, the link between your energy levels and the health of your digestive system is profound and cannot be understated.
In brief, feeling chronically tired and also having digestive symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, loose stools, diarrhea, alternating diarrhea and constipation, gas, and reflux means you likely have a “leaky gut” along with an overgrowth of “bad” gut microbial flora and too little healthy flora. It can be caused by any type of inflammatory process, including infections with yeast, viruses, or bacteria; frequent use of antibiotics; repeated use of NSAIDs or alcohol; long-standing psychological stress; extended exercise (athletes); food allergies or sensitivities; insufficient intake of antioxidants, etc.
By taking advantage of probiotic benefits, you can help heal your leaky gut AND your fatigue symptoms. The ProFlora Blend is a broad spectrum of 14 strains of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli that are resistant to both bile and stomach acid, combined with Sacchromyces boulardi to deliver a powerful dose of 20 Billion active organisms per 1/8 tsp directly to the intestines. These probiotic strains originate from human microflora and thus are naturally compatible with the intestine’s lining and do not need any enteric coating. Free of FOS and prebiotics.
4. High ORAC Multivitamin
Can taking vitamins and other supplements really give you more energy? Based on the results of numerous research studies, the answer is “Yes!”
This is because your body depends on optimal levels of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to run its metabolic pathways, or the biochemical reactions that produce energy. And most people are simply not eating the types or quantities of fruits and vegetables and healthy meats and fats to produce the needed nutrition. Even when diet is optimal, medications, physical, emotional, and environmental stressors can significantly deplete our nutritional stores.
Certain supplements have been shown in a number of randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, clinical studies to increase energy and decrease fatigue. The High ORAC Multivitamin contains over 50 nutrient sources providing a comprehensive multi with calcium, magnesium, along with Vitamin B6 from P5P, Vitamin K2 from MK-7, folic acid from 5-methyltetrafolate. Formulated in a base of ORAC-rich antioxidants from Resveratrol, Alpha-lipoic acid, Turmeric, N-acetylcysteine and organic berries.
*ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. ORAC is a revolutionary new way to measure antioxidants and their ability to stop free radical damage. The ORAC system was developed by world-famous Tufts University and is now used by scientists internationally.
References:
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