Boost Your Energy And Vitality For The Summer.... Naturally!

With winter over and nice sunny weather at our doorstep, many of us are looking forward to getting outdoors and spending the extended days with renewed vigor.  The winter months have the tendency to deplete our energy and spirits, so how can we come out of hibernation and into a renewed sense of energy and self?

Diet is essential.  You really are what you eat.  The foods you eat make all the difference in how you feel.  Different foods affect our body differently.  Here are some simple dietary suggestions to help increase your energy naturally:

• Consume unrefined, organic, nutrient-rich whole foods- Whole foods are foods which are found in nature that are unprocessed. These types of foods tend to have a low Glycemic index, meaning they release sugar slowly into our bloodstream leading to more sustained, longer lasting energy. Great nutrient rich whole foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, whole grains, and lean natural unprocessed meats.
• Avoid foods that are high in refined sugar- These foods tend to be high glycemic foods which create a sudden increase in blood sugar followed by a sharp decrease.  This rapid drop in blood sugar can decrease energy levels and lead to feelings of being sluggish and lethargic. Common low nutrient, high glycemic foods include refined sugars and carbohydrates including white breads and pastas, cakes, cookies and other processed foods. 
• Emphasize high quality protein foods- High quality protein foods such as legumes, nuts, seeds, lean white meat (turkey, or chicken breast), and fish help maintain a more balanced blood sugar level and therefore help keep energy levels up.
• Emphasize fruits and vegetables- Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, minerals, vitamins and other nutrients that help fuel the body and help combat disease. 
• Avoid common suspected and known food allergens or intolerances- Food allergies and intolerances mean that your body has a difficult time digesting and metabolizing certain foods.  Consuming food allergens can impact your ability to achieve optimum health and energy.  The most common food allergens are gluten (a protein found in wheat, spelt, rye, barley, and oats), dairy products, peanuts, and eggs.  It is a good idea to eliminate these foods for 3-4 weeks to allow your body to repair and rebuild.  Most people find that their energy is greatly increased with the removal of common food allergens.
• Eat small healthy meals or snacks throughout the day- Eating every 3 hours allows for more stable blood sugar levels and increased energy levels throughout the day. 
• Drink 2-3 liters of water daily- Water is essential for maintaining the body's basic physiological functions and helps keep the body healthy and energized by eliminating toxins.
• Avoid Coffee, Black tea and Alcohol- these tend to tax the liver and can also cause blood sugar imbalances and fluctuations.   

Other suggestions to help increase your energy levels:

• Enjoy fresh air- Plenty is needed to support cleansing and oxygenation of the cells and tissues.  Sunshine also revitalizes the body, but avoid excess exposure.

• Exercise- Helps rejuvenate the body, clears wastes by increasing circulation, and prevents toxicity symptoms which lead to decreased energy levels.  Any non-stressful activity you enjoy will also help you de-stress and recuperate.

• Take time out for yourself- Give yourself some time out from the world and from others.  Take time to do what you enjoy and use this time away to let go of toxic emotions that have accumulated in your life which may be depleting your energy.  You'll be amazed how much more refreshed and energetic you'll feel.

• Rest- An essential component of allowing the body to heal.  Ensure at least 8 hours of sleep per night.  Listen to your body when you feel tired.

• Meditate- Relax all the muscles in your body by taking deep abdominal breaths through the nose. Close your eyes and picture yourself in the not-too-distant future in a state of perfect health - you feel vital and filled with energy.

• See a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) - Naturopathic Doctors address the underlying cause of a condition, rather than simply treating or suppressing symptoms. Many times low energy may be a result of imbalances in the body, whether it is due to emotional stress or an imbalance of physiological function.  A ND takes all aspects of a person into account: the physical, mental, emotional & spiritual.  Using natural treatments such as nutrition, supplementation, exercise, Traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, botanical medicine, physical medicine and lifestyle counseling, a ND can help rebalance your body by using very individualize treatment protocols catered to your needs and heath concerns. 

Dr. Jane Shou B.Sc.(Hons), C.Ht., N.D.

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine