Feeling fatigued not only affects how we feel but also how we perform our day to day activities. While the normal response is to drink a cup of coffee for a boost of energy, there are other ways we can combat tiredness.
A new term called “nutriprevention” involves ways we can use nutrition or whole food supplements to give us a boost of energy. “If fatigue isn’t dealt with by good nutritional choices, over time, we may begin to have digestive issues, irritability, lack of appetite, sadness, and our immune system may be negatively affected to the point of where we are more susceptible to catch a seasonal flu or cold,” said Thierry Lerond, a former rehabilitation specialist and founder of Nutrilys Del Mar, a marine based supplement company based in San Diego and France. Lerond shared that one of the best ways to deal with fatigue is by adding an anti fatigue supplement or pill to a daily diet. According to Lerond, a natural supplement is purer and more potent than a synthetic supplement. And when picking a marine supplement, such as fish oil, wild is better than farmed. “A great anti fatigue supplement is zinc which comes from either oyster extract or oyster powder,” Lerond said. Oysters have higher amounts of zinc than red meat. “When locating a zinc supplement, it’s critical to find a premium oyster powder with zinc co-factors such as copper, silicon, manganese, and selenium,” Lerond shared. He continued, “A product which is bio-available is really critical because the supplement will be easily absorbed by the body and you will get optimal results.” Natural zinc in a diet has also been suggested to promote prostate health, act as an immune booster, maintain eye health, and support healthy hair, skin and nails.
“Research and science has shown that the ocean is rich with medicinal properties but the responsibility is ours to find quality supplements as well as finding sustainable marine based sources,” said Lerond, adding the importance of consulting a health care professional before starting any new supplements. In addition to premium oyster powder supplements, other ways to consume zinc include:
• Cooked oysters • Beef • Spinach • Pumpkin Seeds • Chicken • Mushrooms • Beans • Low Fat Dairy • Alfa Sprouts • Seaweed.
“While natural, whole food supplements help fight tiredness, it’s extremely important that we nourish our bodies with the right food choices,” Lerond said. The adage of starting off the day with a healthy breakfast remains important. Ways to jumpstart those mornings may include one of the following breakfast meals which blend carbohydrates and protein:
• Cooked eggs folded into a whole grain bagel or whole wheat pita (cheese optional)
•A bowl of fortified, organic oatmeal
• Low fat yogurt and a fortified cereal with low fat or nonfat milk
• Peanut butter on whole wheat toast with a side of seasonal fruit “Another way to fight fatigue is to keep track of our water intake every single day,” Lerond said. “Our bodies crave the right foods, marine supplements, water hydration and rest.”
THIERRY LEROND
