You and Your Energy – Part I of II
You and Your Energy
How to Elevate Your Life and Keep Your Engine Humming!
Written by: Julia Karlstad, M.Ed., CSCS
Who hasn’t complained of fatigue, exhaustion, stress, or insomnia? In this fast-paced world, it seems we’re all searching for a method to regain our energy and improve our stamina! We all seem to be looking for something to keep our engines ticking…something to help meet those endless deadlines, be more alert during business meetings, attend to our parental responsibilities, maintain our social lives, and the list goes on. As a result, many of us have turned to a quick fix energy drink, some of the most popular being: Red Bull, coffee, Rock Star, Monster, or the 5-Hour energy.
Take a look at the nutritional breakout of these popular drinks (Energy Drink Summary)
What is really in an energy drink and what are the ergogenic claims?
| Calories and carbohydrates (sugar) | Contains calories in the form of simple carbohydrates (can elevate blood sugar quickly followed by a crash; similar to regular soda). |
| Caffeine | Stimulates the central nervous system and can provide a boost of energy and heightened alertness. Also a diuretic which fosters dehydration. |
| Taurine | An amino acid that supports neurological development. It is also thought to have antioxidant properties and helps regulate water and mineral salts in the blood. |
| Guarana Extract | Offers caffeine-like effects due to the theobromine and theophylline it contains. Also a diuretic and fosters dehydration. |
| Glucuronolactone | A natural metabolite found in the human body. It is produced by the metabolization of glucose in the liver, and has been shown to reduce sleepiness and increase alertness. |
| Ginkgo Biloba | An herb shown to improve memory and decrease Alzheimer’s disease |
| Ginseng | An herb shown to reduce stress and fatigue |
| Sodium | |
| Milk Thistle | An antioxidant and liver detoxifier (claims to help lessen the severity of a hangover through helping the liver breakdown alcohol) |
| B Vitamins (B-Complex contain all 8 B vitamins) | Play an important role in cell metabolism, thought to increase rate of metabolism, promotes cell growth, improves immune system & nervous system function. |
Stay tuned for Part II of this blog…to be posted next week. We’ll outline any negative side affects as well as give you direction on how to really keep your engine humming! Carpe Diem ~ In Fitness,
JKFITNESS
