By Kristy Lewis

If you regularly feel exhausted, it’s a good idea to consult your health care professional to rule out any underlying health issues. Tiredness can also be the result of a busy lifestyle. If you find yourself struggling to stay alert throughout the day, then you might want to try some of the following suggestions to boost your energy.

Stay Hydrated with Water and Electrolytes

The human body is 55-75 percent water. All bodily systems depend on adequate water to sustain regular metabolic activity. Even mild dehydration can compromise function and lead to symptoms like thirst, dry skin, constipation, fatigue, headaches, and weakness.

How much water should you drink? Here is an easy formula to get you started:

Your weight (lbs) ÷ 16 = Daily intake (cups)

If you had an intense workout, try coconut water or water with lemon and honey to help replace the electrolytes your body sweated out.

Limit or avoid caffeine

Caffeine and coffee simply fool your body into producing fake energy. Caffeine temporarily takes large amounts of adrenaline from your adrenal glands, resulting in longer-term energy levels and greater dependence on caffeine for energy.

If you do consume caffeine, have your last caffeinated drink before midday. This is because it takes women 8 hours to metabolize caffeine.

Substitute your cup of coffee with Rooibos tea. Rooibos tea is made from South Africa’s red bush plant. It’s packed with antioxidants, including aspalathin, which regulates the adrenal hormones, helping to reduce stress and maintain high energy levels.

Natural light

Exposure to bright, natural light first thing in the morning is the best way to wake up your brain and to regulate your biological clock, and keep it on track. Enjoy your breakfast in by a sunny window or, better yet, get outside for a few minutes and enjoy the natural light and the fresh air, which will also help you feel more energized.

Daily exercise

Incorporating at least 30 minutes of exercise into your day will not only give you more energy but will also make you healthier and happier. Exercise releases endorphins that will leave you feeling uplifted. Physical activity also sends oxygen and nutrients to your cells, helping your system work more efficiently for an extra boost of energy; exercise outdoors in the morning to get the benefits from the natural light.

Eat Chia seeds

Chia seeds have high amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 that help regulate glands, fight adrenal fatigue, and reduce inflammation. They are also high in protein and fibre, which keep blood sugar stable.

Starting your day with refined carbohydrates such as a bagel, muffin, or high sugar cereal can disrupt blood sugar levels, causing a mid-morning crash. Adding chia seeds to your morning smoothie or oatmeal can help satisfy your hunger and avoid an energy crash.

Chia seed pudding is a delicious snack, and it’s easy to make.

Chocolate chia pudding

• 1 ¼ cup almond milk
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ cup chia seeds
• 4 pitted dates

Place all the ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Pour the pudding in glasses or small jars and refrigerate for a minimum of four hours.

About Kristy Lewis, N.D.
Dr. Kristy Lewis is a naturopathic doctor who has spent most of her life passionately learning, experiencing and sharing everything to do with health and wellness. She want to understand you, your current health challenges, the obstacles that are getting in your way and the direction that you want to take your life. She will make the connection between your current state of health and your heart goals and from this knowledge map out your best health plan. Learn more: www.drkristylewis.ca