Getting Your Natural Energy Back

In today's fast-paced world, the buzzword is 'energy.' From energy drinks to caffeine pills, there's a constant race to stay alert, active, and productive. Yet, many find themselves exhausted, relying on artificial boosters to get through the day. Natural energy, that inherent vitality that keeps us invigorated without external aids, seems elusive. Much of this depletion can be attributed to our modern lifestyles – the foods we eat, the stresses we endure, and the routines we adopt. This blog post seeks to shed light on some common energy-draining culprits and guide you back to a more natural and sustained vitality.

The Downside of Processed and Dead Foods

The term 'processed foods' might conjure images of candy bars, chips, or soda. However, this category is vast, encompassing any food that has been altered from its natural state, often packed with additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fats. But what about 'dead foods'? These are items that have lost their life force or nutritional value, often due to over-processing, extended shelf lives, or exposure to high temperatures.

The impact of consuming these foods on our energy levels is three-fold:

• Nutrient Depletion: Essential vitamins and minerals, vital for energy production, are stripped away during processing. The result? Our bodies have to work overtime to metabolize these foods, leading to fatigue.^[1]
• Blood Sugar Spikes and Crashes: Many processed foods are high in refined sugars, causing a rapid rise in blood sugar followed by an inevitable crash. This roller-coaster effect leaves us feeling sluggish and craving yet another energy-zapping snack.^[1-2]
• Impact on Gut Health: The gut is often termed the 'second brain,' and with good reason. An unhealthy gut, burdened by processed foods, can lead to a range of issues including reduced energy, mood swings, and weakened immunity.^[3] Feeding it with dead foods only exacerbates these problems.

In essence, what we put into our bodies directly influences how we feel. To reclaim our energy, we need to be more discerning about our dietary choices.

The Hidden Dangers of Vegetable Oils

At first glance, vegetable oils might seem like a healthier choice. Derived from plants, they're often marketed as the perfect cooking companion. But a deeper dive into their production and impact on our health tells a different story.

• Natural Fats vs. Processed Vegetable Oils: Not all fats are created equal. While natural fats – like those found in avocados, nuts, and olives – are crucial for our health, most commercial vegetable oils undergo extensive processing. This includes bleaching, deodorizing, and sometimes even the use of harmful chemicals.^[4]
• Inflammation and Energy: One of the primary concerns with processed vegetable oils is their high omega-6 fatty acid content. While omega-6 is essential for our bodies, an imbalance (especially in relation to omega-3) can lead to inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a known energy zapper, making us feel continuously tired and run-down.^[5]
• Healthier Alternatives: Fortunately, there's no shortage of healthier fat options. Olive oil, especially extra virgin, is a great choice for dressings and low-heat cooking. Avocado oil, with its high smoke point, is excellent for frying. And let's not forget about coconut oil, which offers a host of health benefits in addition to being a stable cooking fat.

Switching to these healthier oils can make a noticeable difference in your energy levels, not to mention the broader health benefits they bring.

Caffeine: A Double-Edged Sword

There's no denying the allure of caffeine. That morning cup of coffee or afternoon tea promises to shake off the lethargy and sharpen our focus. But is it all good news?

• The Short-Term Boost: Caffeine works by blocking the neurotransmitter adenosine, which promotes sleep and relaxation. This blockage gives us that immediate alertness. But, this is a temporary fix.
• The Long-Term Effects: Relying on caffeine regularly can lead to increased tolerance, meaning we need more of it to achieve the same effects. Over time, this can strain the adrenal glands, leading to adrenal fatigue – a condition characterized by chronic tiredness. Additionally, caffeine can disrupt our sleep patterns, further eroding our natural energy.^[6]
• Healthier Alternatives: If you can't imagine giving up your caffeine fix, consider moderating your intake. Opt for lower-caffeine drinks like green tea, which also provides a host of antioxidants. Herbal teas, like chamomile or rooibos, can be a calming and energy-balancing choice for the evenings.

Remember, moderation is key. It's about finding a balance that allows you to enjoy your favorite drinks without compromising your natural vitality.

The Importance of Mindful Eating

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, many of us have lost touch with the simple act of eating. We grab food on-the-go, multi-task during meals, or mindlessly munch while watching TV. Mindful eating, an ancient practice rooted in Buddhist teachings, offers a path to reconnect with our food and, in the process, rejuvenate our energy.

• Mind, Body, and Food Connection: Mindful eating is not just about what you eat, but how you eat. It's about paying full attention to the experience of eating and drinking, both inside and outside the body. Recognizing the colors, smells, textures, flavors, temperatures, and even the sounds of our food can transform eating from a mundane task to a delightful sensory experience.
• Boosting Energy Levels with Mindfulness: How does this relate to energy?
• Improved Digestion: By eating slowly and chewing thoroughly, we aid our digestive process, reducing the likelihood of indigestion or bloating which can drain our energy.
• Better Nutrient Absorption: Being present during meals allows our body to better signal when it's satiated, helping us avoid overeating and ensuring optimal nutrient absorption.
• Reduced Overeating and Food Cravings: Mindfulness brings awareness to our emotional connections with food, helping to curb unnecessary cravings and emotional eating.
• Starting a Mindful Eating Practice: Begin with small steps. Dedicate one meal a day to eat without distractions. Focus on each bite, savoring the flavors and textures. Listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Over time, as you cultivate this practice, you'll find not just an improvement in digestion and satisfaction, but a renewed surge of natural energy.

Summary

Reclaiming our natural energy in a world filled with quick fixes and artificial solutions may seem daunting. However, the journey is not about drastic changes but about mindful choices. From the foods we eat to the manner in which we consume them, every decision can either sap our vitality or bolster it.

By being conscious of the pitfalls of processed foods, understanding the implications of our oil and caffeine choices, and embracing the transformative power of mindful eating, we pave the way for a life brimming with genuine vitality. As we come to the end of this exploration, the invitation is simple: take a step, however small, towards regaining your natural energy. The rewards – a clearer mind, a livelier spirit, and a healthier body – are well worth the effort.

1. Fuhrman, Joel. “The Hidden Dangers of Fast and Processed Food.” American journal of lifestyle medicine vol. 12,5 375-381. 3 Apr. 2018, doi:10.1177/1559827618766483
2. Mantantzis, Konstantinos et al. “Sugar rush or sugar crash? A meta-analysis of carbohydrate effects on mood.” Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews vol. 101 (2019): 45-67. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.03.016
3. Conlon, Michael A, and Anthony R Bird. “The impact of diet and lifestyle on gut microbiota and human health.” Nutrients vol. 7,1 17-44. 24 Dec. 2014, doi:10.3390/nu7010017
4. Gharby, Said. “Refining Vegetable Oils: Chemical and Physical Refining.” TheScientificWorldJournal vol. 2022 6627013. 11 Jan. 2022, doi:10.1155/2022/6627013
5. DiNicolantonio, James J, and James O'Keefe. “The Importance of Maintaining a Low Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio for Reducing the Risk of Autoimmune Diseases, Asthma, and Allergies.” Missouri medicine vol. 118,5 (2021): 453-459.
6. Ryu, Ki-Young, and Jaesook Roh. “The Effects of High Peripubertal Caffeine Exposure on the Adrenal Gland in Immature Male and Female Rats.” Nutrients vol. 11,5 951. 26 Apr. 2019, doi:10.3390/nu11050951