Natural Standard Reviews Natural Energy Boosters

Dr. Catherine Ulbricht, Founder and CEO of Natural Standard, authored a new blog for Psychology Today.

In the new blog, Dr. Ulbricht reviews chronic fatigue syndrome and several natural therapies that may help boost energy levels. Reviewed therapies include ginseng, kiwi, omega-3 fatty acids and relaxation therapy,

To read the full blog, please visit www.psychologytoday.com.

Comments

[ks]

Very interesting! I never knew ginseng, kiwi, and omega-3 fatty acids can help boost energy levels. Although they only have a Natural Standard evidence grade of C, it would be nice to try consuming more of these products daily instead of drinking multiple cups of coffee. If it really does help, it would be a much healthier way to keep your energy up, especially considering all the other beneficial effects these products have.

[weezy]

It's scary to know that CFS even exists! I feel like I can relate to that sometimes. I'd say a lot of people with this syndrome are misdiagnosed as having some other condition. It's nice to know that there are some CAM therapies out there so that people aren't having to overload themselves with caffeine and other dangerous supplements. I also never knew the kiwi was the the most vitamin-c-dense fruit, interesting!

[Robynholman]

Like many previous comments, I had never heard of CFS before reading this article. I am not surprised that relaxation therapy was listed as a treatment option, because I always feel energized after a meditation session. Even a short 5-minute meditation can give me the energy boost I need for a hectic day. I had no idea that kiwi, ginseng, and omega-3 fatty acids could help aid in mood elevation and energy level. These are all much better alternatives to the energy-drinks and high-caffeine drinks many are used to reaching for during an energy slump in the day.

[ee]

This article is very informative. I only knew about the high content of vitamin C in kiwi, but I never knew it could be used as an energy booster. I wonder how many kiwis one can eat to feel the energy boosting effects or how long before the effects are felt?

[NA]

I haven’t been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome but probably like many others, I do find myself exhausted from time to time. When I do feel tired, I am guilty of reaching for a cup of coffee or an energy drink. This article provided some great natural energy boosters that I would like to try as alternatives. I am really interested to see how I will respond to kiwi compared to a cup of coffee!

[Carla]

In response to LO's comment about energy drinks, I completely agree. Those always make me sleepier when the caffeine and sugar wear off. Almost anything is a better alternative to energy drinks, and it would be great if natural alternatives worked well. Kiwi is promising, but I think exercise always has to be part of the treatment for fatigue. Natural Standard gives yoga an evidence grade of C for fatigue, the same grade as kiwi.

[Marina]

I also have never heard of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) before. Sounds like something that most people would try to self-manage with caffeine and energy drinks. It is good to know that there are some alternative therapies out there to try before having to start a drug therapy that might have a number of side effects. I didn't know that kiwi has the highest density of Vitamin C of any fruit, or that it contains vitamin E and serotonin for that matter. I will definitely buy some kiwis on my next stop to the supermarket!

[Kevin F]

It is great knowing there are so many alternative therapies for fatigue. This provides more encouragement for people to try these healthy options and benefit in more ways than one. I don’t have chronic fatigue, but I avoid caffeinated beverages making me really tired in the morning. I think I will start experimenting with omega 3-fatty acid supplements.

[MAK]

This is so cool. I am a firm believer that what you eat plays a huge role in your day-to-day energy levels, so I was excited to see this. Its neat to read about a food like kiwi that can help to boost energy levels. I know that this article is specifically referring to people who have chronic fatigue syndrome, but I think I am going to make a conscious effort to incorporate more kiwis into my diet. Maybe it will have similar effects for me and I can ease off the caffeine that keeps me going! The kiwi monograph that Natural Standard has published was a convenient way to check if kiwi has any unwanted side effects.

[CP]

According to Wikipedia, Kiwifruit seed contains 62% alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Natural Standard gives ALA an evidence grade "A" for use in coronary heart disease, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, and secondary cardiovascular disease prevention. One could eat the fruit and get energy to run a mile, which will probably bolster the anti-hypertensive and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of the seeds. There's such potential from such a small fruit!

[DC]

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome although common between ages 40-50yrs can also be seen in younger population due to exhaustion. Until the exact cause is known it is nice to know there are many CAM therapies been studied to enhance the mood to improve symptoms.

[AB]

The article mentioned ginseng as an herb used in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Other herbs that are used for the treatment of CFS include assorted antiviral herbs such as echinacea, goldenseal, licorice, lemon balm/melissa, and ginger, mate, purslane and other foods containing magnesium (string beans, spinach, cowpeas, lettuce, stinging nettle, poppy seeds, licorice root and coriander), and wheatgrass.

[LindaB]

It is great that this was published in Psychology Today. It is important to recognize that when people have an ongoing condition, such as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), their first response will usually be to treat it themselves. With coffee shops and energy drinks having as strong of a presence in our culture, it is evident that people are reaching out to non-regulated products to try to increase their energy levels. This article is great because it lists a few options of alternatives that may actually work.

[AS]

I am so glad I clicked on this blog. I don't have CFS but as someone who is always tired, I am definitely going to look more into the suggested natural therapies on NS website to see if any of them could help give me some more energy too.

[Ronak]

This is a very interesting blog! I never knew there was a legitimate diagnosis for fatigue and stress. I’m sure I don’t have it, but sometime it sure feels like I do. It is interesting how simple natural supplements such as kiwi, ginseng, and omega 3 fatty acids can help treat or decrease the symptoms. I will have to do more research on this, since stress is such a prevalent issue in most healthcare workers.

[Charles]

I had no idea that kiwi has purported energy-boosting capacity. It must be a product of that "zing" one gets on the first few bites.
I'm also surprised that tea didn't make the list. I know that when I drink a pot of black tea I am ready to rock.

[LO]

I appreciated all of the different options discussed for boosting energy levels! It's good to see natural methods being promoted to increase energy. So many people go straight to the high-calorie, high-sugar energy drinks before trying options that are healthier for your body like relaxation techniques or omega-3 fatty acid supplements. This was a very informative article and I plan to spread the word on these options when I see my family/friends going for those high-calorie energy drinks!