What dietary supplements to take to increase energy and endurance: a full guide
Chapter 1: Understanding of energy and endurance
Before plunging into the world of biologically active additives (dietary supplements), it is necessary to understand what is meant by the terms «energy» and «endurance» in the context of physical and mental activity. This will help make a conscious choice of additives aimed at specific needs.
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Energy: This is the ability of the body to perform work. Energy can be physical, allowing to move and perform physical tasks, or mental, necessary for concentration, training and solving problems. The energy level is influenced by many factors, including sleep, nutrition, stress and physical activity. At the cellular level, energy is generated in mitochondria, «energy stations» of cells, through a process called cellular respiration. The key component of this process is adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule that serves as the main source of energy for most cellular processes. The lack of energy is manifested as fatigue, weakness, a decrease in concentration and motivation.
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Endurance: This is the body’s ability to maintain physical or mental activity over a long period of time without excessive fatigue. Physical endurance includes both cardio-reservation (the ability of the heart and lungs to effectively deliver oxygen to muscles) and muscle endurance (muscle ability to decrease many times over a long period of time). Mental endurance is the ability to maintain concentration and mental clarity when performing cognitive tasks for a long time, despite fatigue or distracting factors. Endurance depends on many factors, including genetics, level of training, nutrition and level of hydration. Improving endurance requires a gradual increase in the intensity and duration of training, as well as adequate recovery.
Chapter 2: Key vitamins and minerals for energy and endurance
The lack of certain vitamins and minerals can directly affect the energy level and endurance. Maintaining the optimal level of these nutrients is necessary for the proper functioning of the body and achieve maximum performance.
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B vitamins B: This group of vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12) plays a critical role in the metabolism of energy. They help the body transform food (carbohydrates, fats and proteins) into the energy that cells can use.
- B1 (TIAMIN): It is necessary for metabolism of carbohydrates. Deficiency can cause fatigue, weakness and irritability.
- B2 (riboflavin): Participates in redox reactions important for energy production.
- B3 (Niacin): It is important for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. More than 400 enzymes are involved in the functioning.
- B5 (pantotenic acid): It is necessary for the synthesis of Coenzym A (COA), which plays a key role in the Crebs cycle, the central process of energy production in cells.
- B6 (Pyridoxin): Participates in the metabolism of amino acids and the synthesis of neurotransmitters that affect mood and energy.
- B7 (Biotin): It is necessary for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. It is important for maintaining the health of the skin, hair and nails.
- B9 (folic acid): Important for the formation of new cells and DNA synthesis. Deficiency can cause fatigue and anemia.
- B12 (Cobalaamin): It is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and maintaining the health of the nervous system. Deficiency can cause fatigue, weakness, numbness and tingling in the limbs. Vegans and vegetarians are especially at risk of B12 deficiency, since it is mainly contained in animal products.
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Vitamin D: Plays an important role in bone health, immune function and energy exchange. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with fatigue, weakness and muscle pain. Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin under the influence of sunlight, but many people experience a deficit, especially in the winter months or if they spend little time in the open air.
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Iron: It is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin, protein in red blood cells, which transfers oxygen from lungs to tissues. Iron deficiency can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which is characterized by fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath and dizziness. Women during menstruation, pregnant women and vegetarians are at risk of iron deficiency.
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Magnesium: Participates in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including energy production, muscle function and nervous system. Magnesium deficiency can cause fatigue, muscle cramps, irritability and sleep disturbance.
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Coenzim Q10 (COQ10): It is important for energy production in mitochondria. It is also an antioxidant that helps to protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals. COQ10 can be useful for people with cardiovascular diseases, muscle dystrophy and migraine. With age, the COQ10 level in the body decreases.
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Creatine: Although technically it is not a vitamin or a mineral, creatine is a natural substance that helps supply muscles with energy, especially during high -intensity exercises. It increases the reserves of phosphocratin in the muscles, which allows them to quickly regenerate ATP, the main source of energy for muscle contractions. Creatine is often used by athletes to increase strength, power and endurance.
Chapter 3: Adaptogens to increase endurance and stress resistance
Adaptogens are a group of herbs and plants that help the body adapt to stress, whether physical, emotional or environmental. They act by normalizing physiological functions and increasing resistance to various stressors.
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Ginseng (Panax Ginseng): One of the most famous adaptogens, ginseng can increase energy, improve concentration and reduce fatigue. It stimulates the nervous system, improves blood circulation and increases immunity. There are two main types of ginseng: Asian (Panax Ginseng) and American (Panax Quinquefolius). Asian ginseng is considered more stimulating, and the American ginseng is more soothing.
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Rhodiola pink (Rhodiola rosea): It helps to increase stress resistance, improve cognitive functions and reduce fatigue. Rhodiola pink can also improve mood and reduce the symptoms of depression. It acts by modulating the level of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine.
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Ashwaganda (withania somnifera): It is used in Ayurvedic medicine to reduce stress, improve sleep and increase energy. Ashvaganda has antioxidant and anti -inflammatory properties. It can reduce the level of cortisol, stress hormone, and improve sleep quality.
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Eleutherococcus prickly (Eleutherococcus senticosus): It looks like ginseng in its adaptogenic properties. It can increase energy, improve concentration and increase immunity. Eleutherococcus is often used to increase physical and mental performance.
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Cordyceps (CordyCeps Sinensis): A mushroom, which is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to increase energy, improve endurance and strengthen immunity. Cordyceps can improve oxygen delivery to muscles, which increases their performance.
Chapter 4: Amino acids for energy and recovery
Amino acids are building proteins and play an important role in energy exchange, muscle restoration and functioning of the nervous system.
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BCAA (amino acids with an extensive chain): Leucin, isolacin and valin are three indispensable amino acids that make up BCAA. They are important for protein synthesis, muscle restoration and decrease in muscle fatigue. BCAA can be especially useful for athletes involved in intensive training.
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L-Carnitin: He plays an important role in transporting fatty acids to mitochondria, where they are used for energy production. L-carnitine can improve endurance, reduce muscle fatigue and promote fat burning.
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Taurin: Amino acid, which has antioxidant and anti -inflammatory properties. Taurin can improve muscle function, reduce fatigue and protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals.
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L-lutamine: The most common amino acid in the body. L-lutamine plays an important role in the immune function, muscle restoration and intestinal health. It can be especially useful for people involved in intensive training or experiencing stress.
Chapter 5: Other additives to increase energy and endurance
In addition to vitamins, minerals, adaptogens and amino acids, there are a number of other additives that can help increase energy and endurance.
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Beta-Alanine: Amino acid that increases the level of carnosine in the muscles. Carnosine helps buffering the acidity in the muscles, which can improve endurance during high -intensity exercises.
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Caffeine: A stimulator that can increase energy, improve concentration and reduce fatigue. Caffeine acts by blocking adenosine, neurotransmitter, which causes drowsiness. However, it is important to use caffeine in moderate quantities, since excessive consumption can cause side effects, such as nervousness, insomnia and palpitations.
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Creatine: It is already mentioned above, but it is worth emphasizing its role as an effective additive to increase power and muscle endurance.
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Nitrates (from beetroot juice): Nitrates are converted into nitrogen oxide in the body, which expands blood vessels and improves blood flow. This can improve oxygen delivery to the muscles, increasing their performance and reducing fatigue. Beetroot juice is a popular source of nitrates.
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TRIBULUS TERRSTIS: A plant that is traditionally used to increase libido and improve sports results. Although scientific data on its effectiveness are limited, some studies show that Tertrix tribulus can improve strength and endurance.
Chapter 6: Strategies to optimize dietary supplements
Reception of dietary supplements to increase energy and endurance should be part of an integrated approach, including proper nutrition, sufficient sleep, stress and regular physical exercises.
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Consultation with a doctor or specialist in nutrition: Before starting to take any new dietary supplements, especially if you have any diseases or you take medicines, you need to consult a doctor or nutrition specialist. They can help determine which additives are suitable for you, and avoid possible side effects or drug interactions.
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The choice of quality products: When choosing dietary supplements, it is important to choose products from reliable manufacturers who test their products for cleanliness and efficiency. Look for products certified by third -party organizations such as NSF International, USP or Consumerlab.com.
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Compliance with recommended dosages: It is important to comply with the recommended dosages indicated on the packaging of the product. Do not exceed the recommended dose, as this can lead to side effects.
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Admission of dietary supplements at the right time: It is better to take some dietary supplements in the morning to increase energy for the whole day, while others are best taken before or after training to improve performance and recovery. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the reception time.
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Observation of the reaction of the body: Carefully observe your reaction to new dietary supplements. If you experience any side effects, such as stomach disorder, headache or allergic reaction, stop taking and consult a doctor.
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Dad cycling: Some dietary supplements, such as caffeine and creatine, can lose their effectiveness over time, if you take them constantly. The cycling of these additives (taking for a certain period of time, then a break) can help maintain their effectiveness.
Chapter 7: Nutrition for energy and endurance: Basis
Bad is only an addition to a healthy lifestyle. A key role in maintaining energy and endurance plays proper nutrition.
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Balanced diet: Make sure your diet includes a sufficient amount of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body, especially during intense exercises. Proteins are important for muscle restoration and maintenance of strength. Fats are necessary for the production of hormones and maintaining cell health.
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Complex carbohydrates: Choose complex carbohydrates, such as whole grain products, vegetables and fruits that provide a stable energy source. Avoid simple carbohydrates, such as sugar and white flour, which can cause sharp jumps and falling levels of sugar in the blood.
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Sufficient amount of protein: Use a sufficient amount of protein to maintain muscle restoration and prevent their destruction. Good sources of protein include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes and nuts.
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Healthy fats: Include healthy fats in your diet, such as olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds. Avoid trans fats and saturated fats that can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
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Fruits and vegetables: Use a variety of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
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Hydration: Support a sufficient level of hydration by using enough water during the day. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, decreased performance and muscle seizures.
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Regular nutrition: Eat regularly to maintain a stable blood sugar level and prevent fatigue. Do not skip food meals, especially breakfast.
Chapter 8: Dream and Restoration
The lack of sleep and improper recovery can significantly reduce the energy level and endurance, even when taking the best dietary supplements.
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Sufficient sleep: Strive by 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Sleep is necessary to restore muscles, strengthen immunity and maintain cognitive function.
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High -quality sleep: Create a comfortable sleeping atmosphere, ensuring the darkness, silence and coolness in the bedroom. Avoid the use of caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.
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Stress management: Stress can exhaust energy and worsen endurance. Use stress management methods such as meditation, yoga or nature walks.
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Active recovery: After intense training, perform easy exercises, such as walking or swimming, to improve blood circulation and accelerate muscle recovery.
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Massage: Regular massage can help relieve tension in the muscles, improve blood circulation and accelerate recovery.
Chapter 9: Examples of Dad Admission Schemes for different purposes
The following examples of dietary supplement reception schemes are given only as an illustration and should not be considered as medical recommendations. Always consult a doctor or nutrition specialist before starting to take any new dietary supplements.
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To increase general energy and reduce fatigue:
- Multivitamins (in the morning)
- Vitamin D (in the morning, especially in the winter months)
- Magnesium (before bedtime)
- Ashvaganda (in the morning or before bedtime)
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To increase physical endurance:
- Creatine (daily)
- Beta-Alanine (daily)
- Beetroot juice (before training)
- BCAA (before and after training)
- L-carnitine (in the morning or before training)
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To increase mental endurance and concentration:
- Ginseng (in the morning)
- Rodola pink (in the morning)
- Caffeine (in moderate quantities, as necessary)
- L-dean (along with caffeine to soften side effects)
Chapter 10: Cautions and side effects
It is important to remember that dietary supplements are not medicines and should not be used to treat any diseases. Like any other substances, dietary supplements can cause side effects and interact with drugs.
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Interaction with drugs: Some dietary supplements can interact with medicines by changing their effectiveness or increasing side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the dietary supplements that you accept.
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Side effects: Some dietary supplements can cause side effects, such as stomach disorder, headache, nausea, diarrhea or allergic reactions. If you experience any side effects, stop taking and consult a doctor.
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Product quality: The quality of dietary supplements can vary greatly. Choose products from reliable manufacturers who test their products for cleanliness and efficiency.
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Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Some dietary supplements are not recommended to be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplement if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Children: Do not give dietary supplement to children without consulting a doctor.
With a reasonable approach, a conscious choice and consultation with a specialist in dietary supplements, can be a useful addition to a healthy lifestyle and help increase energy and endurance. However, they should not be considered as a replacement for good nutrition, enough sleep and regular physical exercises. Always put health and safety in the first place.