How to Combat Fatigue Naturally

Coenzyme Q10. This vital nutrient is involved in cellular energy production throughout the body.

 

Cordyceps. A traditional Chinese medicinal fungus that may help fight fatigue and boost energy levels. It is used as an energizing tonic and to help increase aerobic capacity and endurance.

 

D-Ribose. A five-carbon sugar used in the generation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), it helps maintain energy production in cells and can be especially beneficial for those with chronic fatigue.

 

Ginseng (American or Asian). Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) are used for stimulant and adaptogenic (stress-protective) properties, respectively.

 

Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus). A woody shrub from northeastern Asia with properties similar to those of ginseng, it has a long history of use to maximize athletic performance. Studies show that eleuthero can help enhance mental activity as well. 

 

Arctic root (Rhodiola rosea). An adaptogenic herb that helps prevent fatigue, stress and the damaging effects of oxygen deprivation.

 

Vitamin B complex. B-vitamins act as cofactors in many metabolic reactions and assist in the metabolism of carbohydrates into energy.

 

Getting an Energy Boost from Healthy diet and exercise: An Anti-Inflammatory Mediterranean diet plus 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least five days a week is what is recommended. It may be the last thing you would feel like doing when you are trying to combat fatigue, but exercise can really help. A few years ago, a British study found that 55 percent of the chronic fatigue patients who took part in a 12-week exercise program rated themselves "much" or "very much" better as a result, and even a year later 74 percent still considered themselves improved. The study was published in the June 7, 1997, issue of the British Medical Journal.

 

I also recommend taking a good brand of anti-oxidants which contains B vitamins, plus eleuthero (also known as Siberian ginseng) and a CoQ10 supplement. You can also try astragalus for its antiviral properties. Other possible tonics to experiment with for increasing energy are ashwaganda (an Ayurvedic remedy) and cordyceps (a traditional Chinese mushroom used to increase physical stamina).

 

 

Clean your Refrigerator

 

Whole or two-percent-fat dairy products, creamers with artificial additives or sugars, regular margarines or spreads that contain "partially hydrogenated oil," yogurt with added sugary fruit or artificial sweeteners, and American or processed cheeses, "cheese food" and cream cheese.

 

Organic, hormone-free skim or one-percent-fat milk, organic soy, almond, rice or oat beverages (look for organic soy products that do not contain the thickening agent carrageenan, and that are calcium-fortified); low-fat, organic yogurt (plain or a lower sugar vanilla - add your own organically grown fruit); and small amounts of natural, hard cheeses or varieties of soft cheese that are naturally lower in fat.

 

Your Health Advisor:  Roya Kohani M.D., FACP    www.revivamed.com