How to get a natural high

Ask the average Australian adult what he or she would like more of (other than money of course) and most will tell you they want more ENERGY.

With all the delicious Christmas festive foods and drinks behind you, your body maybe needing some nurturing attention. Some people may find they have over indulged and are now feeling less energetic, tired and perhaps run-down. Along with over indulgence, the modern lifestyle is increasingly complex and stressful, with many people feeling that they do not have the energy to keep pace with their normal daily lives. In addition, the air, water and food are becoming more a source of toxic chemicals than a source of health and vitality. Now is the perfect time to focus on your health and replenish your energy levels, in order to give this new year, your best shot!

One way or another, you can't get through your day without energy. The only thing more frustrating than feeling your energy level start to slump is the feeling that there is nothing you can do about it.

Well, rest assured there are many simple solutions to recharge and regain the vitality you once had; And importantly, to maintain this level of natural energy. When we talk of energy, we are not referring to that morning cup of tea or coffee, or that afternoon junk food snack. We are referring to the right mix of nutrients and lifestyle habits that allow your body to maximise its energy production. In addition to nutritional changes, lifestyle recommendations should include moderate exercise and a good night’s sleep.

Key Steps to Maximise Your Energy

1. Clean out the toxins

One of the first things people notice after cleansing their system of toxins is a renewed sense of energy. Sluggish digestion and elimination rob the body of energy. Furthermore, accumulated toxins disrupt the body’s energy-producing machinery.

A crucial step is your internal cleanse program is the liver, which is extremely important for improving health, since a well-functioning liver is crucial to the continued health of most other organs. Did you know? The liver is the largest organ in the body and performs up to 500 functions, which range from storing vitamins to eliminating wastes and by-products from the body. It aids the digestion of protein, fats and carbohydrates and helps regulate sugar levels and cholesterol, amongst a wide range of other functions.

Liver clear with Globe Artichoke
This combination of liver rejuvenating agents is specific for detoxification of the liver and contains concentrates and standarised herbal extracts. Herbs used traditionally to support the liver detoxification process and maintain normal liver function. Taurine has also been found to play a role in bile metabolism. Schizandra and Globe Artichoke provide mild anti cholesterolemic effects, making Liver Clear a must for those wishing to detox after the festive season. Avoid use in pregnancy and caution in cases of gall stones.

2. Think about the food you eat

You can't maintain energy without eating properly. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying a million times – “breakfast is the most important meal of the day!” Eating a healthy breakfast can help convince your body to keep your metabolism active throughout the day, which has obvious benefits to your energy levels.

Nutritionally empty food and calorie restrictive diets
It is sad today to see so many people choosing diets largely based on empty food – food that does not provide the vitamins, minerals, protein, good fats, anti-oxidants and fibre for optimal health and energy production. Instead, people are filling up on empty foods. These foods usually result in over-eating.

Calorie restrictive diets are equally as bad, whether it is to lose weight or due to a busy schedule. Restricting calories ultimately results in less nutrition, which means fewer raw materials available to produce energy.

The solution is to choose quality, fresh, unprocessed foods and use nutritional supplements for times when you can’t eat properly or to make up for nutritional deficiencies. Often, when you satisfy the body’s need for nutrition, cravings will vanish, you will eat only what you need, energy and a sense of wellbeing will increase.

Supplemental Vitamins and Minerals
When your lifestyle requires physical and mental support during demanding times involving overwork and stress, you may not be supplying your body with a balanced intake of vitamins and minerals require for the maintenance of general well-being. Remember, vitamins should not replace a balanced diet.

3. Adequate sleep

Getting plenty of sleep is a great starting point – if you don't have adequate rest, you'll always start the day with an energy deficit. If getting a good night's sleep is a problem for you, you might want to also take a look at Slip into relax mode for some natural ways of improving sleep.

Sleep-Well
The herbs Hops, Valerian and Passion Flower have each been used traditionally in Western Herbal Medicine for their sedative properties, and can help to promote restful sleep.

4. Lacking anti-oxidants – need an energy boost?

Free radical damage
Damage to your mitochondria mostly occurs in the form of free radical damage. Very simply put, free radicals are naturally and unnaturally produced molecules that are out of control and cause damage to cellular structures.

HP Grape with Vitamin C & E
This formula contains anti-oxidants that scavenge and neutralise free radicals that can cause damage to cell mitochondria. Anti-oxidant compounds known as anthocyanadins from grape seed extract, along with Vitamin C and E, provide a powerful anti-oxidant combination.

Zambroza is formulated for the production of energy, health and longevity. This powerful juice blend combines 10 fruits and herbs to yield a uniquely formulated natural health product with exceptional holistic properties. Zambroza is made from the exotic-tasting mangosteen and wolfberry fruits from the Orient. Plus, it contains the anti-oxidant power of red and concord grapes, raspberries, blueberries, grape seed and grape skin, apple fruit extracts and decaffeinated green tea extract.

Adaptogen
This formula consists of herbs that have traditionally been used to provide support to the body during times of mental and physical exertion. Capsicum has been included to help maintain blood flow to the peripheries.

5. Control stress

Burnt out from stress
The overproduction of adrenaline by the adrenal glands in response to stress is a major cause of free radical damage to the mitochondria. Stress also eats up lots of energy that could be used elsewhere by the body.

B-Complex vitamins are necessary to carry out many functions in the body. One of their key uses is in energy production. These vitamins are water-soluble and a fresh supply is needed each day with any excess being harmlessly excreted. When your body is under stress it uses more of the B-Complex vitamins, so it is particularly vital for them to be supplied and available to your body for use.

Nerve Control with Zizyphus
The herbs Zizyphus, Hops, Schizandra, Vervain and Oats have traditionally been used to support the nervous system in times of stress and anxiety, without a sedative effect.

MAXIMISE YOUR ENERGY LEVELS BY DETERMINING WHICH PRODUCTS YOUR BODY NEEDS.