September is here, and for WHY many of us, the rat race picks up in speed, leading us to feel ARE drained. Yes, our adrenals are being affected; we’ve written often on how to address YOU stress and the resulting adrenal exhaustion. In this article, however, we address SO how to conquer energy drain at the cellular level. We also provide tips for better sleep, which is critical in giving DRAINED? you the energy boost you so By Carol Blair, BS, DiHom, CNC, Laurel Sterling, RD, desperately desire! and Shannon Morehouse, MA, CHHC Feed the mitochondria in your cells! at the very least, because the mitochondria the balance to our cells and even help make new Mitochondria is a big word with a big meaning! power up those cells to give you the energy you mitochondria. need. The mitochondria generate ATP, the main Resveratrol, another powerful antioxidant, energy for the body. You might call them Even a mild form of mitochondrial dysfunction can play an indirect role in AMPK by activating the energy powerhouses. Mitochondrial can lead to low energy, poor stamina, increased SIRT-1, an enzyme involved in longevity. insufficiency can tip the delicate balance in our fat storage, insulin resistance, and the SIRT-1 quiets the genes that cause unhealthy cells. accumulation of toxins inside the cells. responses to inflammation, stress, and fat storage. Resveratrol has gained much attention When most physicians think of mitochondrial Fortunately, today we know several ways to in recent years as a longevity factor; it is dysfunction, they think of major diseases like optimize mitochondrial function and revitalize thought to help reduce the effects of aging in Parkinson’s, MS, autism, or myasthenia gravis. our cells. One of my favorite supplements to do the same way caloric restriction does. But what if the mitochondria were functioning this is called AMPK Activator. (AMPK stands less than optimally? How would that manifest for adenosine monophosphate-activated Acetyl L-Carnitine is necessary to transport itself? Most likely, with less than optimal energy protein kinase). AMPK Activator can restore fatty acids into the mitochondria. Acetyl L-Carnitine boosts ATP production and health. It is a particularly stable antioxidant helps protect against oxidative damage; it and works very well when combined with also facilitates renewal of the membranes of CoQ10 for maximum energy production. You’ll neurons, restores energy to the brain cortex, find PQQ combined with Acetyl-L Carnitine and and helps to keep telomeres from shortening. R-lipoic acid in a product called Mitochondrial Basics. Lipoic Acid, discovered in the 1950s, is a significant antioxidant because it is both fat- Don’t forget about good ol’ B-complex and and water-soluble. It helps maintain vitamin iron for energizing your cells! B vitamins C as an antioxidant and helps to recirculate it. help release energy from the foods we eat. In fact, our Natur-Tyme Enhanced Vitamin C The B-complex vitamins are involved in the is one of the few on the market that contains conversion of food energy into ATP for the lipoic acid for that very purpose. Lipoic acid cells. Blood Builder contains food-based iron is found in the mitochondria of the cells— and cofactors such as vitamin C to assist in the especially in the heart, liver, kidney, and muscle. production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the cells. PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) is another mitochondrial powerhouse and antioxidant. It Consider adding some of these supplements is produced by our bodies, but as we age, we to your regimen and you may just notice your produce less of it. PQQ supports cardiovascular energy levels beginning to soar! Wouldn’t that function and promotes blood flow to the heart. be great? It also protects the neurons that support brain Get Your Consider HELPFUL SUPPLEMENTS Magnesium is one of in the formation of GABA (a neurotransmitter ZZZZZZs the first products we for relaxation and memory). look to for assisting Lack of a good night’s sleep is If stress is a culprit of sleep deficiency, then with sleep because a major contributor to fatigue. GABA Calm* is a great product to try and magnesium regulates Sleep is such an important time layer in after you have tried magnesium. more than 325 enzymes for the body and mind to rest GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an in the body. Sleep-regulating and repair from daily tasks. amino acid derivative and a key inhibitory melatonin production is disturbed without neurotransmitter. It has an inhibitory effect on Reduce Your sufficient magnesium. the firing of neurons and supports a calm mood. Caffeine Intake L-theanine is a unique amino acid found If you are one who tends to stress about the day, mostly in tea plants. Clinical studies found it then this will help calm those over-firings down You may not think that caffeine reduces stress, improves quality of sleep, and so the brain can wind down to sleep. is affecting your sleep, but you much more. It does not act like a sedative There are also many helpful sleep formulas that may want to think again. A unless taking 600 mg at one dose. It is have a combination of herbs and supplements. study published in the Journal absorbed through the small intestine, and Also, consider Tulsi tea as a calming before-bed of Clinical Sleep Medicine transported directly to the brain. In the brain, it beverage. revealed that consuming caffeine even six hours prior stimulates the Alpha brain waves, which leaves *CAUTION GABA Calm contains l-tyrosine which is to bedtime affects sleep, so it’s critical to cut yourself you in an awake, yet relaxed state. It may also not to be used with MAO inhibitor drugs. off by noontime. play a role Please note that the pricing reflected in this article does not reflect current pricing; it reflects pricing specials during the month the article was published..