In one way or another, we have all learned a little about shortages and how a “supply chain” is related to our ability to get toilet paper, flour, yeast, and a number of different items. When a challenge comes that shifts the demand, you quickly begin to look for backup support and alternatives.

What about when demands for energy increase in your body? Do you know how to support the “supply chain” that provides the energy for you to keep going? Do you find that you are always tired? Is fatigue a term you have come to know all too well? Is stress creating a demand you cannot meet?

Some may think that if you are lacking energy, all you need to do is get a cup of coffee or eat a candy bar or cookie. The problem with this response is that these items are not the real source of energy in your body. Caffeine is not a source of energy, it is a stimulant. You can also fill up on sugar and not experience any energy boost. So what does the human body use for energy?

Energy is needed in every one of your body cells. Without a regular supply of energy, your cells die. Every move of a muscle, every thought that you think, and all the chemical reactions that take place in your body are a result of energy movement. This energy production is so important that every one of your cells has multiple energy production factories working to keep the cell activity going. These production factories are called mitochondria and one of the key energy products produced is ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate).

ATP is an amazing chemical that stores just the right amount of energy to give a reaction the boost it needs, but not too much so that a reaction goes wild. More ATP is produced in regions of high activity - like muscles, brain, and liver. ATP can be made from parts of sugar, fat, or protein, so there is not typically a shortage of building materials to make ATP.

So why do you feel tired? Let’s look a little closer at the “supply chain.” In addition to the raw materials that can be used to make ATP, there are also specific nutrients required to put all the pieces together. Without these specific nutrients, the raw materials do not get made into ATP and the result is less energy.

There are more than 20 specific nutrients, or co-factors, involved in making energy.

There are more than 20 specific nutrients, or co-factors, involved in converting sugar, fats, and proteins into energy. Here are just a few:

Vitamin C - Necessary to assist iron to transfer electrons in the production of ATP. Increased Vitamin C intake has helped reduce fatigue in some studies.

Vitamin A - When Vitamin A is low, ATP production decreases. A quality source of Vitamin A is found in Cod Liver Oil.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) - One of seven B vitamins that are required to breakdown sugar into the raw material that can be used to make ATP. The B-complex vitamin is the preferred supplement to make sure you have the nutrients you need for energy production.

CoQ-10 - A necessary nutrient for energy production that quickly decreases with stress or with regular intake of stating drugs. Regular intake of CoQ-10 as a supplement is helpful for chronic fatigue syndrome.

When you feel tired, there are three key areas to check on . . .

1) Did I get enough rest? The average adult should do well on about 8 hours of sleep per day. Your body does need a little down time to keep the cycles of energy production going.

2) Is my body burdened by toxins? Certain diets, environments, or stress factors can increase toxins in the body that will slow down energy production. A change of diet, a change of schedule, and asking for some help can make a big difference in your energy production.

3) Am I missing nutrients? A proper replacement of quality nutrients through diet and supplementation will greatly improve energy levels. A Licensed Nutritionist can help you determine what nutrients may be missing and the best sources for your lifestyle.

You do not have to live with a shortage because of a break in the “supply chain.” The nutrients you need for a healthy life are closer than you may know. If you are not sure what steps to take, Nutrition Proportion is ready to answer your questions. We focus on the quality foods that will deliver the specific nutrients you need to experience a quality life. Let us help you keep the “supply chain” in good operation, and your energy at the best levels possible to enjoy life to the fullest.