The Top 10 Supplements to Boost Energy
Feeling tired now and then is normal and natural. It may just mean you need more sleep, and getting a full night’s rest may relieve any fatigue you're feeling. A chronic state of fatigue, however, represents a much bigger issue.
Since energy is a cellular function that depends on the vitamins and minerals you consume each day, consistent low energy levels often indicate an imbalance in nutrients.
When cells receive the energy they need, you, in turn, feel energized. When cells struggle to produce energy, they leave you drained. That’s why exercise, regular colon and liver cleansing, and eating an organic, natural diet energizes the body and keeps the mind sharp. Some other energy-stimulating activities include massage and drinking enough water to hydrate and flush the system. Hormone balance also plays a role in energy creation, with fatigue being one of the primary symptoms that something is off.
10 Supplements That May Increase Energy
While your morning latte or black coffee does offer some health benefits, these beverages do absolutely nothing for improving energy in the long run. Yes, caffeine stimulates, but it also stresses the adrenal glands and endocrine system. Energy drinks rely heavily on sugar and other short-term stimulants, like caffeine. Like sugar in candy, cereal, and other nutritionally-deficient snacks, chronic caffeine consumption results in energy crashes and dependence.
Don't fret, there are better options! Natural, sustained energy relies on three key factors: sleep, exercise, and eating natural, organic food. For a bigger boost, you may want to try any one of these 10 supplements to help the body clear out the toxin overload.
1. Iodine
Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and initiate the release of the many biochemicals associated with energy creation. The thyroid uses iodine to form triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), two hormones which regulate others. The best dietary sources of iodine come from the ocean. Sea vegetables (dulse seaweed, arame, kombu, and wakame) and dark leafy greens are great sources of plant-based iodine, or you can take supplements.
The best and most bioavailable supplements are colloidal or nascent iodine, such as Detoxadine®.
2. Vitamin B12
Every cell in the human body requires B12 for energy metabolism. In fact, the entire cellular energy creation process, known as the Citric Acid cycle or Kreb’s cycle, depends on it. Unfortunately, the human body cannot create B12 on its own, but you must get it from dietary sources.
The best natural sources of B12 are all from animal sources; I recommend a plant-based supplement. Supplementing with B12 is safe, and no side effects or upper dietary limit exists. The best supplement forms are methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, both of which are found in our Vitamin B12. This certified organic liquid also contains hydroxocobalamin for long-lasting, sustained support with 5,000 mcg of B12 per serving.
3. Melatonin
The hormone melatonin is released from the pineal gland and directly influences energy metabolism. Individuals with inadequate melatonin levels suffer from fatigue and accelerated brain aging. Melatonin levels also impact gene activation and how your genes affect your health. [1]
The pineal gland produces melatonin in response to the onset of nighttime darkness. Sleeping with lights on disrupts melatonin production. Getting inconsistent sleep can also lead to a melatonin imbalance, which can influence energy levels, blood sugar, and even weight. A melatonin supplement may help.
4. Ginseng
This well-known herb acts as an adaptogen, supporting the body’s natural response to stress, anxiety, and physical exertion. When people with chronic fatigue take Panax ginseng, they may experience an improvement in cognitive function. Not only that, ginseng can even lower levels of toxins and free radicals in the blood. Overall, this leads to increased energy. [5]
Besides Panax, you can also find Korean ginseng, southern ginseng (jiaogulan), and eleuthero, all of which support energy in their own way. They work together beautifully to create balanced energy in a product like Ginseng Fuzion™. Look for ginseng supplements from reputable suppliers to ensure the highest quality product for the best results.
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5. Magnesium
A healthy heart, an active brain, and proper muscle and nerve function are only a few of the many benefits of magnesium. Your body needs this mineral to activate ATP — the energy molecule in cells — and maintain mitochondrial health.
Low magnesium levels in postmenopausal women seem to be directly correlated with low energy and an increased struggle to complete basic physical tasks.[4] The highest dietary sources of magnesium include raw spinach, pumpkin seeds, almonds, sesame seeds, beans, avocados, and quinoa. Supplementation can also help raise magnesium levels.
6. Androtrex® and Women's Hormone Balance
Hormone imbalances lead to fatigue and exhaustion. In today’s world of environmental toxins and poor dietary options, balancing hormones is becoming more or less a juggling act. Herbs such as Tribulus terrestris, ashwagandha, shilajit, and maca support endocrine organs such as the ovaries, testes, thyroid, pancreas, and adrenal glands.
Each of these herbs can be found as individual supplements; however, the complementary effect of each makes herbal blends such as Androtrex® (for men) and Women's Hormone Balance ideal supplement choices.
7. Acetyl L-carnitine
Another biochemical necessary for energy metabolism, L-carnitine transports fatty acids into the mitochondria for conversion into energy. Acetyl groups also play an integral role in mitochondrial energy creation.
While the body naturally creates acetyl L-carnitine, also called ALCAR, the body will use this biochemical to support and protect the brain. Supplementing with ALCAR ensures the body has enough acetyl groups for energy metabolism and neural health. Make sure to look for a plant-based source of this supplement as most carnitine comes from animal sources.
8. CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10 plays a vital role in the process of cellular energy creation. Every cell in the body contains CoQ10, although organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver have higher concentrations. Still, a deficiency can result, particularly as you get older. As an electron transfer molecule in cellular metabolism, CoQ10 neutralizes free radicals, reducing its availability to assist with energy creation.
Fatigue is one of the top symptoms of CoQ10 deficiency.[3] Supplements such as CoQ10 & BioPQQ with Shilajit may provide the best materials necessary for increasing CoQ10 levels.
9. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo has long-been known for its powerful antioxidant activity and for improving blood flow. A review by the Neurobiology Laboratory for Brain Aging and Mental Health in Switzerland suggests it also improves mitochondrial respiration and ATP (cellular energy) production in brain cells. [2]
This normalizes metabolic activity at the cellular level, protecting the cells and promoting health and longevity. When looking for supplements, look for those with the fewest fillers.
10. intraMAX® 2.0
Ideally, our diets would be full of nutrient-dense foods which would supply our bodies with all the essential vitamins, mineral, and biochemicals needed. Unfortunately, over-farming and poor land management have led to mineral deficiencies in much of the food supply. Foods lacking proper nutrients contribute to our own mineral deficiencies. How serious is this? Two-time Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling has said that every disease is directly linked to a mineral deficiency.
Taking a multivitamin may help a little, but the most bioavailable mineral supplements will have digestible forms in combination with plant biochemicals. A supplement like intraMAX® 2.0 provides an all-in-one vegetarian formula with over 65 organic trace minerals, phytochemicals, and superfoods.
Points to Remember
Occasional low energy is normal. Eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep will help to restore and rejuvenate. If the feeling of low energy or fatigue is constant, the source of the concern may be more than simply not getting enough sleep.
Mineral or vitamin deficiencies from an inadequate food supply or hormonal imbalances from something as simple as stress may have created a metabolic imbalance — leaving you feeling sluggish and zapped of energy. Depending on your situation, one or several of the supplements listed above may be all that’s needed to restore, balance, and renew your energy.
References (5)
- Mirzaei K1, Xu M, Qi Q, et al. Variants in glucose- and circadian rhythm-related genes affect the response of energy expenditure to weight-loss diets: the POUNDS LOST Trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 Feb;99(2):392-9. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.113.072066.
- Eckert A. Mitochondrial effects of Ginkgo biloba extract. Int Psychogeriatr. 2012 Aug;24 Suppl 1:S18-20. doi: 10.1017/S1041610212000531.
- Garrido-Maraver J1, Cordero MD2, Oropesa-Avila M1, et al. Clinical applications of coenzyme Q10. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). 2014 Jan 1;19:619-33.
- Lukaski HC1, Nielsen FH. Dietary magnesium depletion affects metabolic responses during submaximal exercise in postmenopausal women. J Nutr. 2002 May;132(5):930-5.
- Kim HG1, Cho JH, Yoo SR, et al. Antifatigue effects of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. PLoS One. 2013 Apr 17;8(4):e61271. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061271.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
