ecoPharmacist

Fatigue Fighters

Do you ever hit 2 or 3pm in the afternoon and you feel exhausted? What do you reach for as your fatigue fighter? Hopefully it is not a sugary energy drink! The occasional afternoon drag can hit me, so I have looked into some natural fatigue fighters, and I have to say I quite enjoy them!

Lemons give your body a natural boost just by smelling them! Add them to your water and get the scent and alkaline boost your body needs!

Goji Berries are a great source of energy if you’re anemic.  Goji berries are rich in both fiber and red blood cell boosting iron.

Yogurt contains an amino acid called Tyrosine which helps fight fatigue and boosts blood levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, resulting in a mood and mental boost.

Nuts are a good snack as they are rich in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids that help you think more clearly and keep you focused. Omega-3 fats are especially fluid and flexible help maximize the brain cell’s ability to absorb nutrients and eliminate wastes. Walnuts contain Omega-3.

Peppermint has an invigorating aroma that helps you stay focused and alert thus boosting mental performance. Peppermint oil, peppermint tea,  and peppermint gum are all good options.

Pineapple is full of vitamin C and will help you fight fatigue by stimulating the norepinephrine in your brain. Norepinephrine is a key hormone in the flight or fight response that helps keep you alert and energized.

Sunflower Seeds have a huge energy boosting capacity and are loaded with protein, iron, B vitamins, copper and magnesium.

Green Tea gives a perky energetic boost plus it is full of antioxidants.

Just plain old water can do the trick too! If you are dehydrated your cells will receive nutrients less efficiently leading to fatigue. You can increase your water intake in the form of water rich fruits, fruit juices, soups, herbal tea…

And that is my list of natural ways to boost that afternoon drag…my favorite fatigue fighters!

Foods That Cleanse The Body: Lemons

Foods That Cleanse The Body: Lemons

There are many health benefits in the lemon. Full of Vitamin C, the lemon has strong antibacterial, antiviral, and immune-boosting powers.  Lemons contain many other substances like, citric acid, calcium, magnesium, potassium, bioflavonoids, pectin, and limonene, that promote immunity and fight infections. These key components of a lemon, make this sour yellow fruit, nature’s powerful little antioxidant.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is needed to produce glutathione in the liver. Glutathione neutralizes the toxins in the liver, aiding detoxification of the body. This makes the lemon a partner in fighting free radicals in the body, reducing the risks of certain cancers. At the first sign of a cold, you should get your body the vitamin C boost it needs to bounce back faster. You can add the juice of one lemon to a glass of warm water and drink that every two hours. The vitamin C will be absorbed by your mucous membranes, if you gargle with the juice of a lemon too.  As well, the antibacterial and antiviral properties of lemons can accelerate the healing of canker sores in the mouth, and freshen your breath.

Lemons are applauded for their multiple uses. When fatigue sets in, drinking lemon water or using lemon oil as aromatherapy gives your brain and senses a boost, making you more alert and able to concentrate. Lemons have a powerful alkaline affect on the body and the lemon acid will actually help stimulate stomach acid and aid in digestion. Drink a glass of warm water, with the juice of one lemon, after each meal to benefit from this. If you suffer from high cholesterol, don’t forget that the pectin power in lemons, along with its other metabolism and circulation boosting nutrients, can help lower cholesterol.

Does your complexion need some help? Well the citric acid in lemons work as a powerful antiseptic, and are effective in treating acne. Pairing the citric acid with the vitamin C, boosts the immune system, and are vital for that healthy glowing skin and production of collagen.  That collagen helps keep skin, blood vessels, tendons and ligaments healthy, making you beautiful inside and out!

Our body can be affected by everything we ingest. The body needs to be fed healthy foods that keep it working at its prime.  Adding inexpensive lemon water to your daily diet has so many whole body benefits. This refreshing beverage is a must for everyone!