Are You Feeling More Tired as the Temperature Plummets?
Many of us get tired over Winter
The change in temperature and seasons can often affect our energy and vitality. And particularly this year, where Corona-restrictions have placed a dampener on many travel, social and sporting events that we traditionally look forward to over the cooler months.
We are seeing an increased number of people who are suffering with fatigue and lowered energy as the season changes and the temperature has plummeted.
This tiredness can cause us to experience increased stress, or conversely, stress can cause increased tiredness.
Either way, stress and tiredness can initiate a progressive pattern of immunosuppression. And in light of these unprecedented times, our immune system is something we really do need to keep optimised this Winter.
Our Top 4 Nutrients for Energy
If you are wanting to get an ‘edge’ and gain optimum energy and vitality this Winter, there are specific nutrients the body uses to produce energy.
Supplementing with these could be the key to maintaining peak energy levels over Winter.
The ‘energy factories’ of our cells are called mitochondria and this is where our body generates the energy (ATP) it needs for us to function optimally. They are often referred to as the “powerhouse” of the cell as they take in nutrients, break them down and make energy for the cell.
It is wise to ensure our mitochondria receive the nutrients they need to produce the energy we require.
- Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ10)
CoQ10 is one of the major nutrients needed by our mitochondrial cells to produce energy.
There has been a lot of research done recently to reveal that CoQ10 in its active ‘Ubiquinol’ form is more effectively absorbed by the body.
The capacity to convert CoQ10 into ubiquinol declines with age. And the use of cholesterol-lowering medication (statins) will also reduce our body’s capacity to produce CoQ10.
Supplementing with CoQ10 or ubiquinol is wise for lowered energy, statin use, heart disease and high cholesterol.
- Lipoic Acid
There has been a lot of “buzz” lately around Lipoic acid and deservedly so.
Lipoic acid is a unique antioxidant and free radical scavenger in that it is soluble in both fat and water. It is an important antioxidant because it protects our mitochondria from damage and ageing and therefore becomes critical for the maintenance of energy production.
Lipoic acid has a unique ability to raise the mitochondrial energy-producing capabilities of a cell by reversing the age-associated decline in mitochondrial enzyme activities and thereby protects our mitochondria from ageing.
Not only is it an antioxidant in its own right it also has an uncanny ability to ‘recycle’ and prolong the life of other antioxidants in the body including Vitamin’s C and E, coenzyme Q10 and glutathione therefore strengthening the body’s antioxidant network.
- Magnesium
Magnesium ranks second (only to potassium) as the most abundant ‘cation’ in the human body. Deficiency of this nutrient is extremely common, manifesting in symptoms such as muscular cramps and pain, insomnia and headaches, fatigue and the reduced ability to cope with stress.
Most people are aware of the link between muscle cramping and a deficiency in magnesium. Fewer people know about the role magnesium plays in the production of energy.
Like CoQ10, magnesium is an essential nutrient needed for the manufacturing of ATP – the body’s energy source.
The Body's Demand for Magnesium
Legumes, wholegrains, green leafy vegetables, seeds and nuts are good dietary forms of magnesium. However in order for the body to absorb magnesium there needs to be adequate levels of selenium, vitamin B6, vitamin D and parathyroid hormone.
Absorption is hindered by excessive dietary fat and levels of magnesium are easily depleted through excessive salt intake, alcohol, caffeine, phosphoric acid in soft drinks, medications, excessive sweating and above all, stress.
Many people show signs of magnesium deficiency which is common due to not only our western (refined) diet but also to the fact that Australian soils are low in minerals.
Not all Magnesium supplements are created Equal
Given that so many different factors can influence the absorption of magnesium it makes sense to ensure your magnesium supplement is in a form that is well absorbed. Many of the quality brands have researched and produced their magnesium into a specialised mineral delivery system that enhances absorption and intestinal tolerance of magnesium.
Ask our Professionals in-store for the best magnesium supplement for you.
- Vitamin B complex
As a group, the B complex vitamins are named because they are commonly found together in foods and have a similar function. They are very important for the normal functioning of the nervous system and are often helpful in bringing relaxation or energy in times when we are stressed or fatigued.
Like the role of magnesium, the presence of Vitamin B is essential for the production of ATP (energy) in our mitochondria.
The B-group vitamins are water-soluble vitamins and so they are not stored very well in the body. They do need to be replenished every day to ensure we remain energised.
Good dietary sources of the B-group vitamins can be found in eggs, avocado, wheatgerm and bran, leafy greens, salmon, tuna, milk, legumes, nuts.
A diet high in refined flour products, sugar, coffee and alcohol depletes your B-group vitamins and as a result you can be left feeling fatigued, irritable and anxious if they are not replenished.
Look for a good quality activated B-complex supplement. The active form ensures greater absorption by your body.
Don’t struggle through this Winter Season. It may very different to any other you have experienced.
But ensuring your body is getting the correct nutrients will certainly help create a positive outlook and reframe this new reality.
Enjoy it and embrace it.
Get the best advice from Qualified Practitioners
If you need some Professional help with regaining your energy and vitality this Winter season, now is the time to book a professional consultation with the Mammoth Health Naturopaths.
By working on your individual health needs, symptoms and health history as well as your health aim and goals, our Naturopathic team experience great success in addressing underlying causes and achieving optimal health and vitality for our patients.
Consultations are available daily via Telehealth for flexibility and convenience or if you prefer face-face, in our In-store Clinics. Book your Consultation Now
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