Although there are many, the way the human body makes, uses, and stores energy is one of the many things that make it an absolute marvel. These particular functions have been the subject of multiple studies in the U.S. and abroad. And it is not too difficult to see why that is the case. After all, we rely on energy for many life-sustaining functions, including cell growth and repair, respiratory function, and blood circulation. However, it does not stop there; the energy produced by our physical body is what allows us to perform a variety of tasks and even partake in all kinds of recreational activities. When the body can make, use, and store energy as it should, it is easy to take all of these things for granted. But when it can no longer do so, for whatever reason, we quickly recognize its importance.
How Does the Human Body Produce Energy?
Now that we have a better appreciation for the role that energy plays as it relates to the human body, let’s take a moment to familiarize ourselves with how it produces it in the first place. The simple answer is that the body turns the food we consume into usable energy. As far as the more complicated answer, the body begins making energy from the moment we bite into and commence to chew our food, which, by the way, kicks off the start of the digestive process. After we chew and swallow food, the body mixes it with acids and enzymes in the stomach. During this time, sugars and starches in the food, otherwise known as carbohydrates, are broken down into another form of sugar called glucose or, in some circles, blood sugar. This same glucose then signals the pancreas to secrete insulin into the bloodstream, which is needed to transport it to various cells in the body that rely on glucose for energy. Any glucose not used by these cells gets stored in the liver.
What Causes Energy Levels to Decline?
Energy levels in the body can decline for multiple reasons. In some cases, the cause is poor lifestyle habits, such as not getting enough sleep or leading a sedentary lifestyle, for example. Other times, a decline in energy usually points to an underlying chronic disease or hormonal imbalance, such as low human growth hormone (HGH) or testosterone levels. While it can probably go without saying, overcoming the former is generally a much easier proposition than overcoming the latter. That said, recognizing a change in energy levels is the first step toward amelioration, irrespective of what contributed to it. But it should be made clear that the signs of low energy can encompass much more than just feeling tired. According to a study published by the Better Health Channel, an online resource for health and wellness information that is both overseen and funded by the Government of Victoria, Australia, the following are also symptoms synonymous with having low energy:
- Achy and weak muscles
- An inability to concentrate
- Blurred vision
- Hallucinations
- Headaches and dizziness
- Impaired immunity
- Listlessness
- Loss of appetite
- Memory problems
- Moodiness
- Poor hand-to-eye coordination
- Slower reflexes and responses
Stamina Between Men and Women: Who Has More and Why?
Contrary to popular belief, it turns out women have much more stamina than men. And this is not merely hyperbole but rather a truism backed by several studies. Of course, this is not to say that women possess more power but rather more endurance when compared to their male counterparts. To further put this into context, we need only look at an article published by the Daily Mail, an esteemed British daily middle-market newspaper. In short, the online publication compared how men and women fared over time as each gender went about competing in a grueling ultra-marathon. According to the article, men lost 15 percent more strength than women when repeating the same exercise 200 times. The same was also more or less revealed in a scientific study published by the National Institutes of Health, which examined the difference in performance fatigability between both genders.
The Wrong Ways to Combat Low Energy
Something to note when it comes to low energy impacts the lives of men and women in many of the same ways. And this has a lot to do with the fact that neither gender is immune to aging, hormonal imbalances, or any of the other factors that go hand-in-hand with having low energy or stamina. That said, whether you’re competing in a grueling ultra-marathon or merely need more energy to go about your day-to-day life, there are a few things you should avoid as you seek out ways to get more energy, stamina, or both. Some of the more notable of these include the following
Drugs
When it comes to drugs to combat low energy, many people, especially college students, will turn to prescription-based stimulants. And this is not entirely surprising since stimulants are clinically proven to improve concentration and combat low energy, both of which make them a go-to for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But there is a potential downside in using Adderall, Ritalin, and similar drugs strictly for an energy or stamina boost. Many people who casually use stimulants eventually become addicted to them. It is also worth noting that long-term use of these drugs can trigger the following in the way of side effects:
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Paranoia
- Seizures
- Stomach cramps
Energy Drinks
Another go-to for those seeking more energy and stamina are energy drinks, which explains why the energy drink market had a valuation of over $53 billion in 2018 and will likely close in on $86 billion by 2026. While they are generally safe to consume occasionally, long-term consumption is another matter entirely. Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar, and many other energy drinks, along with energy-boosting ingredients, such as taurine, contain a fair bit of sugar. That said, consuming too many of them can lead to weight gain, hypertension, and an increased risk of developing dental caries.
Coffee
Similar to energy drinks, coffee is fine when consumed in moderation. But many people tend to overdo it when it comes to this morning ritual. And while they do enjoy a short-lived boost of energy and even stamina, many also experience several ill effects associated with taking in too much caffeine, with nervousness and jitteriness being the two most common.
The Right Ways to Combat Low Energy
Having touched on some of what should be avoided when it comes to ramping up energy and stamina, let’s turn our attention to healthy and safe ways to achieve such results.
Sleep – Getting plenty of sleep is an excellent way to keep energy levels high and daytime fatigue at bay. In addition, getting a minimum of 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night can HGH levels in the bloodstream where they need to be. For those not aware, low HGH levels or a full-on deficiency can spike cortisol levels, which, in turn, can take a toll on energy and stamina in men and women alike.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – If you’re struggling with low energy, stamina, or both due to low HGH, estrogen, or testosterone levels, HRT is worth considering. In essence, HRT is a treatment modality whereby an endocrinologist will prescribe FDA-approved hormone replacement drugs to combat a specific hormone deficiency in the bloodstream. HRT for men and women can be different. One of the side benefits of boosting low hormones in the bloodstream is a marked increase in energy and stamina.
Mediation – Studies show that chronic stress can impact our health in multiple ways. And low energy and stamina are not exceptions in this regard. Fortunately, a few minutes of meditating each day can do wonders when it comes to stress management. It is even more effective when it is part of a much bigger healthy lifestyle that includes getting plenty of sleep, exercise, and consuming a well-balanced diet.
Bottom Line
In summary, energy is a critical part of the human experience in that it helps carry out numerous life-sustaining functions in the body. What’s more, it enables us to carry out the work-related and recreational tasks that matter most to us. Although energy and stamina will both naturally decline as we age, there are things that we can do to keep either from happening prematurely. And many of them come down to simply looking after your health.
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